Transcript MENTOR - Curtin Mentoring Programs

New Mentor Training 2013 Sem 1
Amanda Smith, Mentor Program Coordinator
START (Student Transition & Retention Team)
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
While you wait…
1. Think back – what do you wish you’d known
when you first started your course?
2. Discuss what you think your Mentoring role will
entail.
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Acknowledgement of Country
Amanda Smith
Mentor Program Coordinator
Tom Price (Where I was born) & Karratha &
Dampier (where I grew up)
Sydney
(Where Mum was
born & her family
lives)
Me (the
youngest)
Perth
(Where I live now with my partner
and dogs!)
Nannup
(Where Mum &
Dad live now)
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Guido
(the Boss!)
Merlot
Melbourne
(Where Dad was
born and his
family live)
Introduction
•
You should be sitting with your animal friends!
•
Materials that you should have
•
•
Mentor Program Handy Guide
•
Support Services Referral Chart & Other brochures
•
Curtin Student Code of Conduct
•
Talent Release Form
•
Mentor Agreement
•
Bookmarks
Feedback – what do you wish you’d known? What do you think
mentoring role will entail?
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Training Outline
9:00 Welcome, Intro and Mentor Program Background
11:30 Expectations & Support Services
9:15 The Mentor Program and Your Role
Expectations
How does the program work?
Support Services
What is expected of you and when?
Student Guild
Mentoring relationship
Student Central & FSSO
Role and role boundaries
Library
What will your semester look like?
Student Equity Advisors
Roles of Mentor Program staff
Administration
11:55 OASIS and Blackboard (Tim Langsford- Student
eServices)
10:30 Morning Tea Break
12:00 iPortfolio – Jude Comfort
10:55 Maintaining the Relationship – Communication
tools and information
12:05 NEXT STEP Mentor Program – Alison O’Shaughnessy
12:10 The Practical Side of Mentoring
Communication and meetings
Your introduction
Email management & etiquette
Tour itinerary & tips
Student issues lifecycle
First information to tell mentees
Reporting serious issues
Real Life Scenarios
Diversity in mentee groups
Mentee responses
Mentee Evaluation Forms
12:30 Resources and Queries
12:35 Finish
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Mentor Program Background
• Began operating in 2007
• Successful intervention in the retention of our beginning students
• Identified as a high priority retention program and adopted in 2008
http://retention.curtin.edu.au/retentionplan/
• Covers ALL new UG first year students (approx. 7000) over 350 mentors in sem 1
• Goals
•
•
•
To engage senior students to assist new students to successfully transition into the
University
To increase retention rates
To improve the student experience for both mentors and mentees
• Evaluations of both mentors and mentees show the success of the program
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Mentor Program Background
I thought the program was useful and allowed
me to ask lots of questions which I wouldn't
have had answered if I didn't have a mentor.
My mentor was very approachable and
regularly offered assistance, and was easy to
communicate with. My mentor was well
informed and gave me useful info
What a great resource!
Nothing beats advice from
people who are going
through (or recently have)
the same thing.
The program was good because I felt like there was always
someone there to help me, making me feel more
comfortable about starting uni. I like the way that they
showed us around during start up week and made more
familiar with the building and uni practices
Really helpful in providing study
tips - brought their first year subject
study books to a meeting which
allowed us to see useful ways to
study. Approachable.
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
The mentor program is a good idea as it helps students
feel more comfortable starting uni. My mentor seemed
friendly and approachable and was willing to answer any
questions. Although I didn't require the help of my mentor it
was good knowing I had their help available if needed.
My mentor was a strong
emotional support for me
when I was unsure of my
capabilities at the start of
the course.
the student mentor program helped
me feel like there was always
someone that I could go to if I had
questions or was having a problem
with one of my units. This took a lot
of the pressure off my shoulders
The Mentor Program & Your Role

How does the program work?

What is expected of you and when?

Mentoring Relationship

What is a Curtin Mentor?

Role and Role Boundaries

What will your semester look like?

The Roles of the Mentor program staff
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
How does the program work?
A very different program to many mentor programs:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mentors & mentees are all adults
Informal
Large group of mentees (10 – 20)
Not much face to face contact
‘Opt out’ model
You are only there IF THEY NEED YOU,
they haven’t specifically asked for you
Mentor
Why would we choose ‘opt out’ instead of ‘opt in’?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJbiw_bOFmY
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
How does the program work?
• I facilitate the program, each School has a School Mentor Coordinator
• You will be randomly assigned between 10 – 20 new students (your mentees)
• Assigned before or by Orientation
• Some late enrolments will be assigned to you up to week 3
• If any new students ‘fall through the gaps’ they will be assigned during semester
• You need to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
do training
sign mentor agreement
take part in your School’s orientation where required
communicate at least fortnightly with mentees
offer to meet up with them occasionally
attend a couple of meetings with School Mentor Coordinator
complete evaluation of your mentoring experience
collect your certificate and voucher!
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
What is expected of you and when?
Training week
•
•
•
Training (experienced mentors do an online ‘refresher’)
Complete Mentor Agreement
Fill out Bookmarks with your contact details
Orientation Week
•
•
•
•
•
Liaise with your School Mentor Coord.
Assigned mentee group
Take part in School Orientation
Meet most of your mentees and give out bookmarks
Start receiving emails from Amanda
Week 1
•
•
•
Commence regular emails to mentees
Try to meet up face to face with mentees who didn’t come to Orientation
Receive approx. weekly emails from Amanda – read, use info, respond if necssry
Weeks 2 – 14
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Email/Facebook mentees AT LEAST once a fortnight, even if you get NO
response, you CONTINUE to email them
Respond to mentees and offer support and guidance where required
Attend meetings (2 or 3) with your School Mentor Coord.
Receive approx. weekly emails from Amanda – read, use info, respond if necssry
Arrange occasional face to face meetings (every month or so, dependent on mentees)
Possible mid-semester Mentor event (around week 5)
Complete Mentor Evaluation (around week 12)
Outstanding Mentor Nominations
Week 15
•
Send final email to mentees
Exam Weeks
•
•
Get final email from Amanda 
Pick up voucher and certificate
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
What is expected of you and when?
Emails from START Mentor Coordinator
If you haven’t heard or received an email from me by the first week of
semester, email me! You may have dropped off the database.
Let me know!
If you don’t ... then you may miss out on important information for you and your
mentees, notifications about awards, vouchers and certificates!
Mentor
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Mentoring Relationship
• Stages of mentoring:
1. Initiation
2. Cultivation (no assumptions, no judgement)
3. Transformation
4. Separation (this may happen in week 1!)
• Mentor is in control initially, but as semester progresses, mentee takes control of
the relationship
• Eventually mentee becomes autonomous (transformation) - this may happen in
week 1!
• Ongoing, CONSISTENT contact is important eg. Email the same day each
fortnight for WHOLE semester if possible
• You support mentees to develop capacity for themselves – some of them may
already have that capacity
•
Mentoring relationship evolves in response to the mentees, it’s very individual
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Mentoring Relationship
Previous issues:
I emailed her once about how to hand in
assignments. She took a long time to get back
to me, so I handed it in wrong :(
Lost contact after second week. Saw them in
uni environment and there was no
acknowledgement of my presence
Did not reply to my email and then I gave up
making contact
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Mentoring Relationship
What is a Curtin Mentor?
• Tour guide
• Role model
• non-discriminatory
• Someone to ask the ‘dumb’ questions of
• inclusive, helpful, friendly
(“There are no dumb questions!”)
• consistent, supportive, motivational
• model good study skills and time
• Networking facilitator (mentees, staff,
management where possible
mentors, services)
• honesty and integrity
• Information conduit (social, academic,
wellbeing)
• Just-in-case support
• Faceless email messenger/Facebook
poster of information
• Signpost to support services and
appropriate academic staff)
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Mentor
Mentoring Relationship
Types of Queries
• Course materials
• Changing course
• Swapping units
• Learning centre
• Textbooks
• Unit registration
• Re-enrolment
• Proof-read essays
• Second-hand books
• Timetable registration
• Events
• Turnitin
• Public transport
• Unit withdrawal
• Fitting in with the
• Parking
• Work-study-life balance • Overloading
Australian culture
• Finding way around
• ID cards
• Deferring
• What the course is like
campus
• Oasis
• Census date
after 1st year
• Locating classrooms
• Blackboard
• Fee payment
• Student exchange
• Work experience
• Library Borrowing
• Class attendance
• Referencing
• Jobs
• Study tips
• Electives
• Group work
• UniEnglish
• Improving marks
• Major selection
• Extensions
• Clubs & societies
• Organisation
• Appealing a mark
• Submitting assignments • Course specific
• Time management
• Homesickness
• Health/counselling
• Motivation
services
• In the ‘wrong’ course!
• Printing
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• iLectures
The Student Issues Lifecycle
What sort of queries do you think come up during
these times – consider a diverse group of mentees
Timeframe
Issues
OWeek
Weeks 1 – 2
Weeks 2 - 5
Weeks 6 – 10
Weeks 11 – end
of exams
Results release
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CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
The Student Issues Lifecycle
Weeks 1 – 2
Weeks 2 – 4
•
Homesickness
•
Homesickness may still exist
•
Family relationship issues because
they have moved away from home
•
•
Feelings of uncertainty in adjusting to
their new environment
Financial strains may increase due to
lack of budgeting experience (or just
from being poor – most students don’t
have enough money!)
•
Feelings of inadequacy and social
rejection fears
•
Stress increases due to up and
coming assessment deadlines
•
Frustrations in having to deal with
administration that their family may
have resolved for them already
•
Frustration in accessing information
and using IT
•
Feelings of being overwhelmed and
overly extended
•
Difficulty managing study
commitments and out of uni
commitments
•
Question reasons for taking course
•
Loneliness
•
Time management difficulties
•
Independent living issues
•
Anxiety in establishing new friendships
•
Organisational stress related to
academic study
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CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Weeks 4 – 6
• Concerns with meeting academic
expectations
Weeks 6 onwards
• Feelings of being burnt out
• Depression
• Increased anxiety concerning completing
assignments
• Homesickness continues
• Continued feelings of being overwhelmed
and over extended
• Increased academic work pressures associated
with meeting deadlines for assignments or tests
• Increased anxiety associated with accessing
information needed to complete
assignments
• Time management conflicts between University
commitments and personal/social commitments
• Financial pressures – lack of money, bills
start to come in
• Possible questioning reasons for
undertaking course
• Pressure to find paid work
•
Increased alcohol or other substance
consumption
• Relationship pressures - possibly issues with
friends or dating issues
• Sickness — lack of sleep and not eating well
• Stress and panic related to up and coming
exams
• Worried about return home during the holidays
• Financial pressures, with the possibility of no
money during the holidays
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Reporting Serious Issues
 In the unlikely event of a mentee threatening self-harm or harm to others:
•
•
•
•
•
Do not try to manage this yourself
Contact the Counselling Service immediately – ph 9266 7850
If counselling not open, contact Security – 9266 4444
Or Contact Lifeline all hours 13 11 14, web address http://www.lifelinewa.org.au/
For further guidance: http://www.theline.gov.au/home
 If you become aware of staff/student code of conduct issues:
•
•
Contact the Student Wellbeing Service on 1800 244 043
Or contact the PSCU (Professional Standards & Conduct Unit) on 1800 907 998
OR +61 8 9266 9140 or [email protected]
Maintain proper boundaries – you do not need to put yourself in harm’s
way nor allow destructive or illegal behaviours to go unmentioned.
REMEMBER: Help is available at: www.studentwellbeing.curtin.edu.au
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Diversity in Mentee Groups
1.
International students might participate more in online discussions than
face to face initially
2.
International students will receive more varied, possibly accurate
information if they have more Aussie friends (otherwise they rely on info
and advice from home!)
3.
Ask mentees – what would help you? Don’t assume – everyone is
different
4.
REMEMBER: Online/external students, international students (new to
Perth?), rural, mature age – very diverse mentee groups
5.
Try to let your mentees to feel supported regardless of who they are,
where they are from, their socioeconomic background, family status etc.
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Successful Mentors
• Wants to help others
• Has good Curtin knowledge (or a willingness to find out!)
• Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and both respect and responsibility
• Effective communication skills
• Is sensitive to how their Mentees are feeling
• Spends time communicating with Mentees
• Open minded, deals well with diverse individuals
• Willing to acknowledge, as a mentor, that a mentee may not necessarily ask
for help
• Persistent and motivated
Reference - http://humanresources.about.com/od/coachingmentori2/qt/formal_mentor.htm
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
What will your semester look like?
EndRESULTS
ofWEEKS
Mentoring
for
RELEASE
10
3--WEEK
12
ORIENTATION
WEEKS
48
1
2
7
EXAM
WEEK
WEEK
WEEKS
13
Semester 1
Mentee
Mentee
Mentee
Mentee
Mentee
Mentee
Mentee
Mentee
Mentee
Mentee
Mentee
Mentee
Mentee
Mentee
MENTOR
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CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
The Role of a Mentor
 To assist your group of new students transition as successfully as possible – this
means:
• Anticipating the questions that they may have
• Answering all the questions that they have (or sending them to someone who can!)
• Offering continuous, regular student advice and support
• Saying ‘Hi’ around campus
• Allow/assist your mentees to make friends and feel comfortable
• Understanding that the effectiveness of your role is
NOT measured by the response rate of mentees
• Completing the “paperwork” – Training, Agreement, Meetings, Evaluation
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Role Boundaries
The role for both mentor and mentee should be non-exploitative:
• You do not have to be a close friend
• Any private knowledge mentors gain about an individual should remain
private
What
do you think your role boundaries/rules as mentor
might be?
• You are not your mentees’ “representative”
Think about:
• You must not act beyond your expertise - simply point them in the right
• Academic
and personal issues
direction - the mentor is not an expert on everything – your job is to
• Friendships
connect them to the most appropriate student services at Curtin
• Reporting to staff
It is not a dating service
• • Privacy
• If you have issues, you can ask for a Mentee to be reassigned
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Role Boundaries
DON’T:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Compromise your own study / work / life balance
Be available 24/7
Put yourself in a situation where you are not comfortable – seek help from your
School Mentor Program Coordinator and the various support avenues in START
Proof read assignments
Meet alone off campus
Form a relationship with a mentee – swap first!
DO REMEMBER:
•
•
•
•
You are NOT a teacher, a counsellor, a private tutor or a
representative for academic matters and disputes
These services are provided by staff on campus
You can help your mentees with self-directed learning,
but don’t do their assignments for them!
You should report concerning issues to the PSCU
(Professional Standards and Conducts Unit) and/or
START Student Wellbeing Staff
You can switch a mentee to another mentor
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Mentor
Role Boundaries
Actual feedback from a mentor:
Mentor
(My mentee)
didn’t say yes
when I asked
them on a date!
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Role of the School Mentor Coordinator &
START
The role of School Mentor Coordinator:
• Plan your role in Orientation and communicate expectations for this and for other
events
• Support and guide you throughout the semester – as needed or appropriate
• Meet with you to encourage the opportunity for you to share your experiences
The role of the Mentor Program Coordinator in START – Amanda Smith
• Support and assist all School Mentor Coordinators
• Support all Mentors
• Prepare & deliver training program
• Ensure Mentor Agreements are completed
• Emails throughout the semester with information and templates for mentees
• Evaluation of the program
• Recognition of your contribution
• Arrange Outstanding Mentor Nominations and event
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Administration:
1. Mentor Agreement
• Compulsory part of your participation in the Mentor
Program
• Mentor agreement must be submitted by week 1 ever
semester in which you are a mentor
• Hand it in now – others can do it online
http://mentoring.curtin.edu.au/mentors/Agreement.cfm
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Administration:
1. Mentor Agreement
Mentor
• Read your Agreement –
discuss if you need to or
ask questions
• Then sign it and date it
and put in the middle of
the table for collection
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Administration:
2. Recognition of Your Role
• There is recognition (voucher ex Nursing, certificate, official record) for your role,
BUT this is ONLY provided if you:
•
Participate in training (face to face or online)
•
Sign off your Mentor Agreement
•
Attend ALL requested meetings with your School Mentor
Program Coordinator
•
Email your mentees regularly during semester
•
Complete your Mentor Evaluation
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Administration:
2. Recognition of Your Role – What’s in it for you?
•
Leadership experience - This will not be the last time you are in a
mentor/mentee relationship
•
Improving/acquiring skills - active listening, communication, time
management, information gathering and distribution, networking, email
management, responding to deadlines, reflection and constructive
criticism
•
Learn about yourself
•
Making a difference to other students
•
Meeting people – experience dealing with a diverse group
•
Recognition of your contribution
•
Contribution to your career
•
Motivation and persistence
•
Prioritisation of information
•
Voucher
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
BUT It is not just about the
relationship between You
and the mentee/s it is also
about the mentees
interacting with each
other.
Administration:
3. Mentor Evaluation
• It is important to obtain evaluation data:
– To validate your role (and therefore secure funding)
– To improve the program
– For research purposes
Questions about the Mentor Program:
Eg. Support from my coordinating staff member in my school was useful: Strongly
Agree / Agree / Disagree / Strongly Disagree
Questions about you and your Mentees:
Eg. As a Mentor, I believe that I gave my mentees confidence in beginning at Curtin:
Strongly Agree / Agree / Disagree / Strongly Disagree / Unable to judge
Eg. Were any of your mentees considering withdrawing from Curtin at any point in
the semester? Yes
No
Don’t know
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CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Administration:
4. Mentee Evaluation
• We collect your mentees’ feedback to:
•
•
•
•
Report on this program to the University
Provide information to future mentors and mentees
Improve the program
Research purposes for Curtin Academic staff
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Administration:
5. Outstanding Mentor Nominations
“Do you believe your mentor has gone out of his/her way to provide
support to you as a new student? If so, please submit the brief
nomination form below.”
www.mentoring.curtin.edu.au/mentors/citations.cfm
Course: Commerce Business
Message: She provided helpful hints of her own in regards to study and
settling in. She also responded promptly to all of my emails and answered all
of my questions at the beginning of the year. I felt her help was more than
what was expected of a mentor.
Course: Marketing and PR
Message: Samantha has just done such a great job ensuring that
myself and her fellow mentee's are going alright, providing us with
work experience and constantly keeping in contact and letting us know
that we are always able to come to her and that she is always there for
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us. Provider Code 00301J
CRICOS
Course: Engineering
Message: He was
just a great bloke!
Administration:
Contact & Orientation
6. Contact with Mentees
• At least every 2 weeks, for the WHOLE semester. They may not
respond, but they like to know you are there if they need you
• Every 2 weeks at least, relevant, professional, and be careful of
“Reply All” if emailing
• Bcc (Blind Copy) to all mentees (if emailing)
• Continue contact for the WHOLE semester, even if no response
7. Attendance at Orientation
• Compulsory, proven to improve response rates from mentees, not to
mention retention and success rates for new students
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CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Morning Tea Break
Talk to the Senior Mentors – ask them
questions!
Please be
back in your
seats by
10.55am
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CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Maintaining the Relationship –
Communication Tools and Info
 Communication and Meetings
 Email Management & Etiquette
 Student Issues Lifecycle
 Reporting Serious Issues
 Diversity in Mentee Groups
 Mentee Evaluation Forms
 Successful Mentors
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Communication and Meetings
• Be Creative! (Email, text, Facebook, face-to-face)
• Meet with your mentees on campus – if they do not attend Orientation,
organise an alternative time to meet with them
• Timetable a ‘drop in session/coffee catch up’ early in semester – team
up with another mentor to avoid ‘loneliness’
• Utilising email – it is a good idea to get the students preferred email
and show them how to divert their Oasis email
• Utilising Facebook - Mentors have found setting up a Facebook page
with their mentees at Orientation is a very effective method
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CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Communication and Meetings
• Team up with another mentor (some Schools arrange this)
• Pick a handy on campus café, easy to find
• Give mentees plenty of notice, and a reminder the day before
• Turn off your mobile phone
• Ask them how they are getting on, about any issues they have had so
far
• Be patient - Mentees may need time to communicate their issues
• Be reliable- Follow up on an issue and get back to them when you say you
will! Even if it’s to say “I haven’t got an answer yet but I’m still working on it”
• Thank Mentees for turning up to your meeting & Remind them to contact
you if they need help
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CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Email Management
• Email mentees EVERY 2 WEEKS at least - BLIND COPY (Bcc) the
Mentees so you don’t give them all each others email addresses
• START Mentor Program Coordinator will send you emails every week
or two (ex. Nursing)
• Your School Coordinator may guide you with points to include
• Include your own things
• Keep it friendly but professional – be aware of diversity
• Don’t use colloquial language, abbreviations or Aussie slang too
much
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CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Email Management
• Think about - What information is relevant when?
• Use the word “Mentor” in the subject line– so they know who it’s from
and so it does not go into Junk mail
• Utilise the following tools:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Bulk email lists
Redirecting emails (eg. OASIS to home account or vice versa)
Timely replies (check daily – Facebook too)
Folders & filing
Flag to follow up (especially if sent to staff)
Forward to staff and cc the mentee
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CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Email Etiquette
What is wrong with this email to mentees?
To: [email protected]
From:[email protected]
Subject: Wassup my HOMEYS????
Yo Homey,
What’s cracking? I’m busy as a mofo and have no time for my stupid
assignments. What’s going down with your uni work? Need a hand with
anything?
I’m busting for the weekend so I can get smashed and hit the town.
Might have a barbie with mates on Sat – you up for it?
Toodle-loo,
Mr Mentor Man (ps like my cartoon … ha ha ha)
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
Email Etiquette
An Example from a Previous Mentor...
SUBJECT: Your Student Mentor Contact – Response Required
Hello John, Melanie, Sally, Bob, Gagandeep, Mary, Puk, Doris, Xiao-Mei and Ferdinand I met most of you at Orientation, but wanted to confirm that I am your Curtin Student Mentor. I’m here as a source of
help and guidance if you need it. I will send you regular emails full of tips, hints, events and information that will help
you with your study and student life. Mentors volunteer to help out new students, so we do this because we are keen to
help not because we get paid!
Please feel free to ask me any questions you have about textbooks (which ones to and not to buy), classes and lecturers,
and anything else Uni related you might want to know/find. I can’t do your assignments or proof read for you, but I can
direct you to support services to help with that sort of thing!
I am really enjoying starting the third year of my Laboratory Medicine course – you might not see the relevance of some
of your first year units now, but when you hit second and third year, you understand how important the basics are and
get into the good stuff!
I would love to meet up with you a couple of times this semester for a short chat too.
MEETING: Next week, I’ll be at the Concept Café on Thursday 14 Feb 10am – 11am. Please come along, the
more of you the better, then we can talk about any issues or questions you have about your new life at Curtin. If you
don’t come, I’ll be lonely on my own!
Please email me back to say Hi, confirm your email is correct, ask me questions and tell me about yourself!
Cheers!
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Expectations & Support Services
 Expectations
 Support Services
 START
 Student Wellbeing
 All the Rest!
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Expectations
What students should expect of Curtin
What Curtin expects of you
How does Curtin support you and your mentees?
You can find the Student Charter at
http://students.curtin.edu.au/rights/student_charter.cfm
The Charter says:
Curtin University values its students and recognises the importance of the overall
student experience.
With this in mind, the University is committed to providing a welcoming,
supportive and safe environment, conducive to learning and research and the
development of individuals who display the Curtin values of Integrity, Respect,
Fairness and Care.
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Expectations
What you should expect of Curtin:
• Access to relevant polices, procedures, laws, principles and your rights
• Support services for a diverse student population
• Provide a safe study environment without discrimination, bullying or harassment.
• Embrace and recognise diversity
• Reasonable access to staff to discuss program matters, address concerns and
complaints; and ensure timely fair and constructive assessment of work
• Appropriate facilities and equipment to support student learning
• Student representation on University committees
• Opportunities to provide feedback on unit quality, teaching performance, support
services and facilities
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Expectations
What Curtin expects of students:
• Be informed about and comply with relevant polices, procedures, laws,
principles and your rights
• Participate constructively in the learning experience – be aware of course
and unit requirements and your academic progress
• Behave in an appropriate manner within the learning environment, showing
respect for both staff and fellow students at all times
• Embrace and recognise diversity
• Use University facilities and services in an honest and responsible manner
• Recognise that cheating, plagiarism and fabrication or falsifications of data
are not acceptable.
• Adhere to the proper use of copyright material
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Expectations
You are positively encouraged to bring forward any concerns you may have.
• If you become aware of major issues (such as corruption) you need to let
START/Student Wellbeing know OR the PSCU.
• You would do this preferably with the student/s permission however there may
be situations when you or staff need to contact the PSCU without the student/s
consent.
• START would support the student through any subsequent processes.
 If you becoming aware of staff/student code of conduct issues:
•
•
Contact the Student Wellbeing Service on 1800 244 043
Or contact the PSCU (Professional Standards & Conduct Unit) on 1800
907 998 OR +61 8 9266 9140 or [email protected]
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Support Services
START (Student Transition & Retention Team)
•
Building 103
Ph 9266 2662
[email protected]
•
Student Advisors, Student Wellbeing Advisors, Mentor Program
Coordinator, UniPASS, Orientation & Transition
Services are free and confidential.
•
Available for one-to-one chats, advice, telephone or email support
• Personal issues
Not
who
cani.e.help?
Start
START!
• sure
Academic
concerns
conditional
status,at
termination,
struggling with units,
courses etc.
• Advice on how to handle complaints and grievances
• Liaison between student and faculty or School (Course Coordinator, Unit
Coordinator etc.) if you have problems explaining yourself
• Any other situation that a student is unhappy with or unsure of
•
Very friendly, great advisors, practical, useful support - they know Curtin
procedures and paperwork well – can refer to all other services incl. Guild
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Support Services
UniPASS (University Peer Assisted Study Support)
•Run by trained facilitators who are current students
• Friendly learning environment
• Not a tutorial - Facilitated study group
• 10 week program
• Improve your marks- whatever level you are at (by about 10%)
•In selected Schools:
• Health Science
• Humanities
• Sciences
• Engineering
• Education
• CBS
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Contact UniPASS Team:
[email protected]
For more info, workshops and registration
visit Unilife website – Learning
Support/UniPass or watch your OASIS
Support Services
The University Life Portal
www.unilife.curtin.edu.au
•
•
•
•
•
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•
Counselling Services
Health Services
Housing Services
The Learning Centre
Curtin Careers Centre
Curtin Volunteers
Student Wellbeing
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• Early Childhood Centre
• Sport and Recreation (Curtin
Stadium)
• Student Equity
• Multi Faith Services
• Disability Services
• Social Worker
• UniPASS
Student Guild
Student Assist
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Building 106A
Phone: 9266 2900
guild.curtin.edu.au
Financial Support
Legal support
Bookshop Grants
Advice and support
Career and academic help and workshops
Grievances
Tenancy advice
Departments, clubs & societies – diversity support, friendship, networking
and fun
Discounts on food, drink and events with a Guild membership
Guild Rec classes –dance, martial arts, coffee-making etc – get fit or get a
job!
Grok magazine
International student committee
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Student Central &
Faculty Student Services Offices (FSSO)
There may be an administrative solution to some problems
•
See website for a vast array of services:
• Enrolment
• Fees
• Examinations
• Appeals
• OASIS / eStudent
• Course switching
• Lots of other essential things…
Go to your FSSO first - http://students.curtin.edu.au/contact_offices.cfm
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The Library
Building 105
Phone: 9266 7166
library.curtin.edu.au
• Tours in Orientation Week - Survival at your Library
• Library tour podcasts
• Workshops
• Online tutorials
• Enquiries desk
• Reference desk
• Rovers (helpful staff members)
• Room bookings
• Computers
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Support Services
Mentor
If you need to know more:
• You have access to all of University’s key information through OASIS
• You can find all this information via the Current Students’ web page at
students.curtin.edu.au
• You can seek one-to-one advice from START
• 9266 2662
• [email protected] or drop in at Building 103
• You can phone Student Wellbeing Advisors on 1800 244 043 or email
[email protected]
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Mentee Evaluation Forms
This is what the Mentees rate their experience on – how can you help to
get the program great scores (and be nominated as Outstanding)?
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
My Mentor:
1. Provided me with useful information about Curtin
2. Helped me with study tips
3. Gave me confidence in beginning at Curtin
4. Gave me reassurance in beginning at Curtin
5. Helped me feel I belong at Curtin
6. Was always available if I needed help or advice
7. Was approachable
8. Directed me to appropriate resources and services at Curtin
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OASIS and Blackboard
Tim Langsford
Deputy Manager, Student eServices
Building 101
9266 1737
[email protected]
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iPortfolio
 Jude Comfort
iPortfolio Support Officer
www.iportfolio.curtin.edu.au
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NEXT STEP Mentor Program
Alison O’Shaughnessy
Building 303 L2 Curtin Careers Centre
• Career mentoring for senior students
• Matched to a Curtin alumni (or friend) with same or similar degree & at least 3
years’ industry experience
• 6 month program (about 8 contact hours)
• One:one matching
• Perth based and international mentors
• More information:
curtin.careers.edu.au/nsmentoring
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The Practical Side of Mentoring
 Your Introduction
 Tour Itinerary & Tips
 First Information for Mentees
 Real Life Scenarios
 Mentee Responses
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Your Introduction
• Name
• Explain my role as a Mentor and WHY I am a Mentor – role boundaries
• Ask them to respond to your emails/Facebook
• Explain some interesting things about myself and my life
• Explain my passions and interests – in particular my course of study
• Explain what I can do and assist with etc.
• The people that you see now will be your colleagues/networks throughout your
time at Curtin and beyond – make connections, respond to emails
• Quick Tips – like best places to eat on a budget, Lost on Campus Phone App, hardest
units to watch out for
• Computing help & OASIS Login – show them how to get their emails
• Hand out bookmarks!
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Tour Itinerary
Tour Ideas
Tour Ideas
Computer lab login to OASIS
& get emails
START & Housing (Building
103)
Student Central and FSSO
Curtin Stadium – where
EXAMS are held!!
Library (meeting rooms,
facilities, computers etc)
Closest computer labs,
common rooms & microwave
Where would be best to take your new students
on a tour during Orientation?
Counselling & Health Services
Building 303 Curtin Careers,
Curtin Volunteers & AIESEC
ATMs, Bankwest, Uni Credit
Elizabeth Jolley and other
Lecture theatres your School
uses
Bookshop
Building 101 – Student Central
Various faculty areas (CBS
Comm Skill Cr)
Chemistry Precinct
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Tour Ideas
Guild Precinct
The Tav
Second-hand bookshop Chemist,
hairdresser, etc.
Printing
Stationery (The Spot)
Eating outlets on Campus and
nearby
Main Cafe
George’s
Angazzi
Bookmark Cafe
Vege Patch
Ambrosia
Karrawarra across the road
How to Run a Good Tour
• Clear instructions to begin, overview of tour
• SLOW DOWN
• WAIT for your group to assemble with you BEFORE you speak
• Speak loudly and clearly (new internationals might be struggling with Aussie
accent)
• Give time for questions at each stop
• Make sure they get water if it’s hot!
• Don’t leave anyone behind
• Be confident and assertive – you only have a short time
• Try to remember names
• Be clear about what happens next – where do they go after the tour? (Don’t
leave them hanging!)
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First Information to Tell Mentees
1.
Your introduction, role boundaries etc.
2.
Get their best email address/mobile number & give them your bookmark
3.
Check they have ID cards – make sure they know how if not
4.
Building Numbers- ie. 405.201 Means Building 405, Room 201 means second
floor
5.
Take them on your tour – include computer lab login, OASIS (esp Start Up),
check email, Blackboard, brief overview of UniLife website, Guild, START etc.,
FSSO
6.
Remind them that university involves self-directed learning
7.
Student Wellbeing Hotline 1800 244 043
8.
Parking, Buses, Courtesy Bus, Public Transport - SMARTRIDER
9.
Sanctions (if you owe money - no results, no graduation), appeals & Guild help
10.
Remind them to TALK to staff if they need to! Academics are there to help!
11.
Non smoking campus
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Real Life Scenarios
1. Each group gets all scenarios
2. Think and discuss:
•
•
•
•
What are the problems the new student is facing?
How would you help?
Which support service/s would you direct them to (if
necessary)?
Use the roving Senior Mentors & your Support Services
flyers for help
3. Feedback to the whole group
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Mentee Responses
Many mentors complain about the fact that they get very little
response from their mentees. There may be contact from
mentees at the start of semester, then contact drops off to no
response to emails later in semester.
In your group, discuss the following:
1. Why do you think mentees do not respond very much to
emails from mentors?
2. What could you do to encourage them to respond?
3. How will you deal with a lack of response from your mentees?
4. If a mentee hasn’t responded by week 4, why is it important
to continue to email him/her for the rest of semester?
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Website Resources
www.mentoring.curtin.edu.au
•
Mentee contact details sheet
some
support
•Name
Tips, hints
and information
•
•
•
•
services?
Mentor Handy Guide
Where can you find them?
Professional Development Seminar
Recruitment information
www.unilife.curtin.edu.au
Expression of Interest Forms
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Any Queries
• If a mentor or mentee has any concerns and you are
not sure how to help, make contact with…
Your School Mentor Program Coordinator
Amanda Smith
START Mentor Program Coordinator
Hayman Hall 102
9266 9822
[email protected]
OR
[email protected]
Student Wellbeing Services/START
1800 244 043 or [email protected]
unilife.curtin.edu.au – go there, find a service
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Final Reminder
• Send students to support services if you can’t help
• Communicate regularly, for entire semester, regardless of response
• Remember role boundaries
• This is about your mentees making friends and feeling comfortable too!
• Your effectiveness is NOT measured by the amount of response from
mentees – it’s measured by you being there just in case
• Read emails from me and your School Coordinator
ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE!
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A HUGE Thank You!
We wish you all the best for
your semester!
Give me
your
Talent
Release
Form
please!
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Any
questions
about
Orientation
or
Mentoring?
Orientation Information/Meetings
School
Contact Person
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Orientation Info
Meeting or Info
re. Orientation
Duties