University of South Wales - Student Mentoring
The experience of current and past students tells us that the first days or weeks at university can be challenging. There is so much information to find out - the locations and times of lectures, sorting out accommodation and transport, where to shop for food, making friends, understanding what lecturers expect from you, etc ....
So the Faculty has started a Student Mentoring Scheme whereby new students can ask more experienced students for information and support, both before they enrol and also during the early weeks or months. (The Mentoring Scheme is additional to the wide range of support services provided by the University and Faculty – because we realised that there can be times when students prefer to ask another student for information rather than a member of staff).
We have trained a number of students who started their course at the last intake so that they are able to provide information and support on some of the practical aspects of student life. This support is mainly by means of email and Facebook. There are also opportunities to meet at social events from time to time.