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The Student Mentor program is administered by Erika Padovan, Student Engagement Officer for the Faculty of ICT. A Student Buddy is a student volunteer who understands the feelings, issues and practicalities of being a student. The function of the mentor program is to assist new students with their transition into university life through connecting new students with a student volunteer who becomes their mentor throughout the semester.

The mentor program also functions to bring accountability and support to current students who may be struggling in their units of studies. These students have either been referred to the Student Engagement Officer through an academic, professional staff or they have come in personally to request additional assistance in their studies. The student is connected to a student volunteer who can assist them with organizing a study plan, refer them to academic workshops and encourage them to join study groups. The student mentor matching is done by the Student Engagement Officer based on the common units of study, course and interest of the students.

What are the benefits?

• Studies have found that students who have strong connections to social and academic groups in their early years of studies will tend to do better in their course, have wider networks of job opportunities and be more confident in their communication skills.
• Student mentors will broaden the social networks of new students which can assist in meeting basic needs such as finding appropriate work and accommodation, understanding Melbourne’s public transport system, where to shop for groceries and amenities.
• Student mentors can help new students overcome language, communication and cultural barriers through their personal interaction, shared activities and quick referrals to student services.
• Student mentors can provide basic knowledge and hands on experience of subjects to assist students with project, assignment and exam preparation.
• Student mentors can help new students through the university bureaucracy by accompanying them to see student services, tutors, university staff and academics to sort through their issues.
• Student mentors can promote better learning techniques through study plans and encouraging students to form or participate in study groups.