Were you excited about starting somewhere new when you first came to Deakin? Or were you feeling nervous about the unfamiliar environment? By becoming a peer mentor in 2013 you have the opportunity to assist first year students through their transition into life at university.

A new group of nervous and excited students will commence studies at Deakin University in 2013 and the Faculty of Health would like to invite you to become a peer mentor as part of our support program for new students.

What is peer mentoring?

Peer mentoring programs are offered to students enrolled in courses in the Faculty of Health across all campuses. These programs aim to provide support for international and domestic students in their transition into university life. As a Peer Mentor you will:

• Translate university language, programs and requirements for new students
• Provide a positive role model to new students
• Act as an information conduit between staff and students
• Help new students have a sense of belonging at university
• Refer students to appropriate services for support.

What is required of a peer mentor?

In your role as Peer Mentor you are expected to meet the following obligations:

Meetings
Schedule and attend weekly meetings (on time) with your mentee's once a week for the first four weeks of trimester for approximately an hour.

Mentor Diary
All peer mentors must submit their Peer Mentor Diary weekly. The diary provides an overview of what you have covered with your group as well as issues and challenges facing first year students.

Events
Attend all scheduled peer mentor events (one day during orientation week and up to two additional events during the first four weeks of trimester). Dates of these events will be provided to you in early December.

Mentor Key Dates (PDF 143KB)

Medicine Mentor Key Dates (PDF 112KB)

In addition Peer Mentors must:

• Maintain confidentiality at all times
• Be committed to the peer mentoring program
• Act in a professional and appropriate manner which sets a positive example to all students
• Notify the peer mentoring coordinator of any issues during the program.

What are the benefits of being a Mentor to new students?

• The chance to meet new people and establish friendships
• Share (and build on) your knowledge of university life
• Utilise and enhance your personal and academic skills
• Enhance your personal and professional development
• Add skills to your CV this may assist with your future employability
• Enjoy the satisfaction of helping new students begin to cope with their new lifestyles.

At the completion of the program you will receive a certificate of participation, a letter of commendation for your CV and credit on your Deakin card to the value of $100 in recognition of your support of the program. Please note that students must have successfully completed their role as Mentor to be eligible for the formal recognition mentioned above.

Peer mentor training

We provide training for peer mentors at all campuses in January and February 2013. Training takes place over two half days and at the completion of this you will have developed and enhanced the following skills: communication, leadership, team building and problem solving. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in interactive learning experiences with key university staff and network with your fellow mentors. At the conclusion of your training you will receive a certificate which recognises the development of the above skills.

How do I become involved?

Fill out the online application form by 30 November 2012. You will be notified of the outcome in writing in early January 2013. This letter will also contain the dates which training will be available at each campus for successful applicants. Training is compulsory and to become a mentor you must attend.

If you have any questions please contact Health - Student and Academic Services on (03) 9251 7777.