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What is Steer Peer Mentoring?
Steer Peer Mentoring aims to assign peer mentors to each of the 21 divisions across the University. It offers an opportunity for new and returning students to meet people and learn more about their course. Mentors will help students realise 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 coursemates better and discuss any issues/concerns they may have.
What can peer mentors do?
Primarily, peer mentors will provide academic coaching. This includes helping guide students on effective study strategies, time management, and goal setting. They will also offer support in understanding course material, preparing for exams, and navigating academic resources.
Additionally, peer mentors can:
- 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?
- How can I contact my personal tutor?
- Where's the library, and how do I take out a book?
- How can Student Learning Services (SLS) help me?
- 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?