Mentors

Mentors are volunteer undergraduate students who have undergone training to equip them for the role. They are normally matched with a small group of year 1 students (the mentees) from their own department, and, if possible, from the same course.

A mentor will be:

• A friendly face for mentees
• Keen to help mentees settle in to their new environment
• Willing to answer questions or direct mentees to the most appropriate source of advice
• Available to meet with mentees from time to time.

A mentor should:

• Maintain contact with their mentees
• Offer bespoke support depending on the needs of their mentees
• Be aware of limits of confidentiality
• Be aware of the support and advice available elsewhere.
• Know that they are a “channel” and are able to direct the mentee to the most appropriate body for advice.
• Seek advice from departmental contacts or the mentoring scheme co-ordinator where necessary.
• Try to be punctual, keep appointments and keep promises, BUT should not promise what they can’t deliver.

Mentors should be aware of both the expectations and
Limitations of their role.

• They are NOT expected to “do it all” but they ARE expected to know where and who to refer to.
• Mentors are NOT counsellors, social workers, financial advisers or academic tutors.