Mentoring and peer support Kevin Sinclair, Student Engagement Manager Email: kevin.sinclair@uhi.ac.uk Web: www.uhi.ac.uk/mentoring

Mentoring and peer support Why mentoring? ‘What works: student retention and success’ published by the Higher Education Academy (2011) says: “By looking at what students concerns are, and by showing how peer mentoring helps new students address such concerns, this study highlights the value of peer mentoring both during the transition period and also into the first year of their studies”. Many studies, and our own experience shows that mentoring and peer support helps students who are new to a particular level of study, including postgraduate research. We also find that it is useful for students during all stages of their studies, if provided in a suitable way.

Mentoring and peer support Mentoring is used by leading businesses and organisations to develop talent. Examples of leading mentoring programmes exist at: Shell, the World Bank, British Aerospace, the Irish Ministry of Employment, the International Labour Organisation and many more. More recently it has been developed by universities to better equip those new to higher education, or to postgraduate research study. Students report that they value the insights to be gained from more experienced students, and they develop faster in their studies by working with a mentor. Peer support may also be used by students of all levels to support each other in their learning.

Mentoring and peer support Mentoring at UHI: Background Mentoring was established in 2010 with the first mentors trained in September. Some benefits of mentoring include: • Facilitating transition; • Enhanced relationships and student networking; • Increased motivation due to a sense of belonging; • Friendly support and encouragement; • Academic study advice; • Social integration; and • Improved self-confidence.” Macintosh, K.A., Rushton, B.S and Cook, A., eds. (2006). Students Supporting Students: Student Mentoring. University of Ulster, Coleraine, 45 pp

Mentoring and peer support Benefits of mentoring to those participating To the mentee: Contact with someone who has recent experience postgraduate research study. Realise that they are not alone Meet other students A peer they may be more comfortable discussing issues with (than staff) Can feel a sense of belonging Can receive lots of information and advice Develop faster as a student To the mentor: Mentoring is a rewarding and worthwhile experience Develop skills that are useful for study and future employment (mentoring highly valued by employers) Increased leadership and communication skills Better contact with your department Employers look favourably upon students that take on responsibility such at this whilst at university You will probably find your own progress as a student to be faster

Mentoring and peer support Options for mentoring (formal) Methods of formal mentoring: Meeting individually with students. Email support Meeting by Skype or online Meet at regular intervals or as required. Students work with their mentor so long as they continue to benefit from the meetings.

Mentoring and peer support Options for peer support (informal) Peer support options may be undertaken in a more formal setting by students who have been trained. We also provide self – help resources for students to undertake these activities informally: Setting up study groups Working together as a group to facilitate study together Providing mutual support and encouragement as part of a group Meeting face to face on campus or virtually online.

Peer support through presentations It is sometimes helpful for new students to hear about the experiences of fellow students in a group setting. By arranging to give a presentation, experienced students can help new students by sharing their experiences and insights of study at University.

Mentoring and peer support Resources Information sheets Training (blackboard and face to face) Support for staff and students setting up peer support initiatives.

Further information: Contact Kevin Sinclair (Mentor Coordinator), kevin.sinclair@uhi.ac.uk or Visit www.uhi.ac.uk/mentoring