Student Peer Mentoring
Student Peer Mentoring Programme
QUB undergraduate peer mentoring schemes provide new students with the opportunity to make friends, find their way about campus and generally get to grips with their degree course by keeping in regular contact with a mentor who has already experienced first year. There are two student peer mentoring schemes in operation within the School of GAP – one for ArcPal students and one for Geography students.
Each Level 1 student is allocated a mentor during Welcome Week. Over the course of the academic year, the peer mentoring scheme offers small-group sessions (c. 5-10 students) which introduce Level 1 students to core issues affecting their engagement and development as a student. The sessions are relaxed, informal and enjoyable, with room for flexibility, and students have the opportunity to suggest useful topics for further or additional exploration. The mentors also run social events in conjunction with the Archaeology and Geography Societies.
The peer mentoring team works very closely with the Learning Development Service in the Student Guidance Centre, and we encourage you to familiarise yourselves with the resources offered by the Learning Development Service.
The academic co-ordinator for the peer mentoring programme within GAP is Dr Eileen Murphy.
The Archaeology/Palaeoecology mentors for 2012/13 are:
Lead mentor – James Williamson (jwilliamson17@qub.ac.uk)
Emma Hannah
Tiomoid Foley
Emer Feeney
Faye Ní Cheallaigh
The Geography mentors for 2012/13 are:
Lead mentor – Orla Murphy (omurphy10@qub.ac.uk)
Lead mentor – Ryan Young (ryoung16@qub.ac.uk)
Grace Campbell
Naoimh Campbell
Tammy-Louise Clinton Catherine Geddis
Claire McVeigh
Hannah Murphy
Emer O’Neill
Donna Smith
Mentee Testimonials
‘The mentoring programme is a great help; it allows for a chance to talk to older students who can offer their advice and give feedback regarding modules, university life, financial management, etc, without having to feel pressurised if a member of staff was there. It also gives a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, and eases the stress of student life – as you know you have someone to turn to’ (ArcPal L1 student, 2009).
‘The scheme was great for getting us settled into the department quickly with a reassuring and friendly mentor who advised us and gave us plenty of university life tips as well, right from the start. We were able to obtain classes on specialisms and revision sessions etc. which we requested. I found it and I still am finding it very beneficial getting to know a student two years above me who can pass on his experience because I would rarely associate with other years otherwise’ (ArcPal L1 student, 2009).
‘When I needed encouragement It was good that I had people around me that had already been through what I was going through the year previous. The mature students from the previous year also had a similar way of thinking and approaching life to the way that I did. Its a great way to seek advice if you dont want to approach your lecturer first and it widens your options. Although I had lots of life and work experience it doesn’t stop University being a big shock and step up academically. Some of my best friends today started out as my student mentors’ (ArcPal L1 student, 2011).
Benefits for Mentors
If you are a friendly, enthusiastic undergraduate student who is passionate about supporting your fellow students as they settle into Queen’s, then there are many benefits to be had from volunteering to be a mentor within your School:
- The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of new students as they make the transition from school or Access to university.
- The opportunity to work as part of an enthusiastic team and make lasting friendships.
- Mentors are an integral part of their School community and highly valued by the University.
- Successful completion of duties is rewarded by Degree Plus accreditation.
- CV enhancement.
How to Become a Mentor
Recruitment for the 2013/14 academic year will take place between February and April 2013. The mentoring academic co-ordinator will invite all students to an information session and then ask those students who are interested in becoming mentors or lead mentors to complete a personal statement explaining why they wish to take on this role. If shortlisted, you will be invited along to an informal interview.
All mentors must undertake a two-day training course which is run by the Learning Development Service.
Training courses for 2013/14 will be held from 10am – 4:30pm on the following dates:
- 6th and 7th June
- 11th and 12th June
- 5th and 6th September
- 12th and 13th September
