The Mentor Program

THE JCU MENTOR PROGRAM

Written by Meghan Boland. Student Transitions and Engagment Officer

The award-winning JCU Student Mentor Program matches experienced, successful students (Mentors) with commencing undergraduate students from the same course of study during O Week. It is the longest-running peer-led program of its kind, with 2021 marking its 30th year, and involves trained volunteers who donate their time to help new students through their first study period at university. It is a friendly gesture from a fellow student who remembers the challenges of being new to university.

Mentors are not tutors and are not permitted to provide advice about assessments, however, they can offer valuable tips and advice about:

◘ JCU Support services ◘ Finding your way around campus ◘ General queries about university life ◘ Effective strategies to approach your subjects ◘ Getting organised for your study, assessments and exams ◘ Connecting with other new students and forming study groups

Mentoring is a two-way street, and the Mentee is not the only one who benefits from a mentoring relationship. The program is highly beneficial to our peer volunteers. It helps develop and recognise various employability skills such as teamwork, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, time management, negotiation and leadership, amongst others.

While Covid restrictions have impacted Orientation activities and how the Mentor Program is typically introduced to students, we have adapted our delivery to support as many new students as possible. As we head into a new Orientation period, there are 211 Mentors supporting students based in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and externally, across all courses.

If you would like to find out more information about joining the program, please visit jcu.edu.au/mentors.

Stephanie Sullivan, Mentor Leader (DHE) B. Medicine / B. Surgery (3rd year)

Hello, I’m Steph! I am studying medicine, and I am the mentor leader for the Diploma of Higher Education (DHE). Coming into my 5th year as a mentor, I have loved every opportunity to meet students who were once in my shoes (I started in the diploma myself) and show them how far the course can take them when they put in the effort.

O-week activities and tours are always my favourites! You can feel the excitement.

During this time, I hear about what brought each person here and what their individual goals are. It’s pretty incredible to think that I am one of their first introductions to the massive life-event that is University –I hope I can help each mentee’s first semester be as positive as mine was.

Getting through the first semester is a huge mental hurdle, here are a few tips that got me through it (+ the 4.5 years to follow):

◘ Find a group of people in your course with similar study habits (Silent study, discussion, present to each other) ◘ Buy a planner, use your planner, love your planner, live by your planner. Make sure to include social and free time in your schedule. ◘ Most importantly - make friends!! The university experience is about more than grades and assignments. When I am old and grey, reminiscing my time at University… I will not be fondly thinking about the essays I wrote but instead remembering all the amazing people I met and the memories I made with them.

Wylie Leeson, Mentor Leader (Medicine & Surgery) Medicine / B. Surgery (3rd year)

My name is Wylie Leeson, and I am a 3rd year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of

Surgery student. My motivation for joining the program is to help new students navigate

University life.

Having moved from a small rural town out in the sticks to a City, my first year at

University was a massive culture shock. I attribute the fact that I am still here studying today to my mentor. So now, here I am volunteering to pay it forward, and hopefully help someone else ease into University life. I’ve now been within mentor programs for three years and will be the 2021 Medicine Mentor Leader.

If you’re thinking about becoming a mentor, I highly recommend it. One of the best things is getting to see the people you’ve helped over the years being some of the most adventurous and successful students at the University.

My top tip for University is to be kind to yourself; it is a crazy, exciting and stressful journey when you first start, full of ups and downs. So, please do not forget to take a “you” day and get back to doing hobbies or things you like.

Sarah Weeks, Mentor Leader (Science) B. Environmental Practice

G’day, my name is Sarah Weekes. I am the Mentor Leader for Science and in my final year of a Bachelor of Environmental Practice. I have a passion for gardening, and my indoor plant collection grows by the week.

When I first enrolled in JCU, I studied Education, and my mentor Jess was an absolute legend. Her support and the friendships made within our group of mentees helped immensely during the transition from school to university. In my final year at JCU, I wanted to impart some of the things I’ve learnt to others. This is my first year as a mentor and mentor leader. My favourite memory from the mentor program is when I was a mentee in 2016; my mentor Jess was full of energy and excitement. Her joy helped set aside any nerves and inspired excitement to start this new journey.

My top tip for university life is to get an online calendar and PUT EVERYTHING IN IT. Assign colours to your subjects, work, personal and social responsibilities. Scheduling all of your commitments - to-do’s and social gatherings, helps you to become organised. Having a calendar you can access on your phone and laptop to view at any time, anywhere, will help you know where you have to be and when. There are already so many things university students need to remember having everything in one place gives you one less thing to worry about. It also helps with knowing your free time and scheduling in time to study.