8 June 2021

Are you a peer mentor? Apply for the 2021 Students Helping Students Awards

‘It has been a rewarding experience to use my skills to assist fellow students, and with the continuous encouragement from my supervisors, I hope to grow in my role in the years to come.’
Sevni de Silva (pictured left), SHS Award recipient

Every year, Deakin recognises the contributions of the many trained mentors and student leaders who share their unique knowledge and skills with their peers. Mentors as well as mentees enjoy a sense of belonging and community as a result of the mentoring experience. Learning happens through dialogue and exchange in academic, practical and social ways. Both formal and incidental learning happens everywhere at Deakin, across campuses and in the Cloud.

Reflecting on his work within SHS programs, past award recipient Tegbir Singh (left) also shared how being a peer mentor has not only involved supporting his fellow students to thrive but has also led to his own personal growth.

‘I became involved in a variety of Students Helping Students programs, including PASS, the Maths Mentors, the Library Student Assistant program and Study Halls, all of which helped me in gaining confidence and leadership skills,’ he said.

If you have held a Students Helping Students (SHS) mentor role at Deakin this year, you are encouraged to apply for the 2021 SHS Awards.

Am I eligible to enter the SHS Awards?

Any Deakin student who has held a role within an SHS program at Deakin within the last 12 months, is eligible to apply for an award. Whether you are an experienced mentor or just starting out on your mentoring journey, you can apply.

Past applicants, regardless of outcome, are also welcome to apply again.

Curious about past winners? Read more about last year’s Awards recipients.

How can I submit an entry for the Awards?

To apply, you are asked to reflect on:

• how, why and when the SHS Good Practice Principles inform your approach to your role
• how Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes relate to the tasks you engage in as a mentor.

Award applications close on 13 August 2021.

For more information, visit the SHS Awards section of the Student Mentor Development site. If you do not have access to this site, please contact your SHS Program Coordinator.

Want help with your SHS Awards application? Join our Masterclass!

This Masterclass will provide information and guidance on how to submit a compelling application for the 2021 SHS Awards.

• The session offers comprehensive insight into category eligibility, entry process and the benefits of applying.
• Participants will have the opportunity to workshop some of the criteria for the Award application.

Online Sessions
Monday 28 June 2021, 11am–12pm
Tuesday 6 July 2021, 1–2pm

Register for a Masterclass and access the optional pre-activities via the Masterclasses section Applying for an SHS Award in the Student Mentor Development site. If you do not have access to this site, please contact your SHS Program Coordinator. Masterclass sessions will run via Zoom and you will receive a link prior to the event. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.