Thinking about becoming a peer mentor?

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What is Steer Peer Mentoring?

Steer Peer Mentoring assigns peer mentors within the same course subject area to students seeking guidance. It’s an opportunity for new and returning students to meet new people and learn more about their course. They will find out about the academic and social opportunities available to them.

Who are the Steer Peer Mentors?

Steer Peer Mentors are students who have completed at least their first year of study in a similar course to their mentees. They understand what it is like to be a new student at Stirling.

Students' Union staff support our peer mentors and manage their training programme. During this training, mentors learn how to help new students make the transition to Stirling as smooth and enjoyable as possible. They have their own experiences and insight to turn to. This helps them cultivate a welcoming environment to aid in the social and academic development of new students.

Peer mentors will lead peer-assisted learning (PAL) sessions throughout the academic year to help mentees get to know their classmates better and discuss any issues/concerns they may have.

What can peer mentors do?

  • Support mentees in solving problems early.
  • Share their experiences so that mentees have an idea of what challenges they may face and what opportunities are available to them.
  • Help foster a sense of belonging by assisting mentees in learning about Stirling Unviersity.
  • Encourage mentees to get involved in the social side of Stirling University by joining societies and sports clubs.
  • Help mentees learn more about the Students' Union and how we can support them in making the most of their time at university.
  • Signpost to the support resources available on and off campus.

Some typical questions peer mentors can answer:

  • Where are my lectures, timetables, tutorials?
  • What's a module?
  • Where's the library, and how do I take out a book?
  • What do I do if I don't think I chose the right course?
  • What student life opportunities are there, and how do I get involved in them?
  • What resources are there to get experience and improve my employability?
  • Where can I go for accessibility, advocacy, and/or mental health support?

Mentor Application

Eligibility

 

All second, third, and fourth year returning students are eligible to become Steer Peer Mentors. However, we are currently trialling a new iteration of Steer Peer Mentoring and only recruiting from the following divisions:

  • Aquaculture
  • Biology
  • Computer Science & Data Analysis 
  • Geography 
  • Health Sciences 
  • Mathematics 
  • Nursing
  • Psychology 
  • Social Studies
  • Sport
  • Teaching & Education

Application Form

 

Upon completion of the role, peer mentors will receive a certificate of achievement.

For more information on the role itself, please read the following Role Description

Please fill out the form below if you are interested in volunteering as a peer mentor.

(If you have trouble viewing the below form, click the following link.)

 

Important Contacts

For general enquiries, please email steer@stir.ac.uk


You may also contact the coordinator of the programme at jordyn.austin@stir.ac.uk

If you require any more information or assistance completing the application forms, please don't hesitate to contact us.

 

This is a pilot programme that has evolved from what was formerly known as Steer Peer Support. Please be patient with us as we continue to develop the programme to ensure we are providing the most useful service.

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