Ever had a chat with a peer mentor? See how they can help you adjust to uni, make new friends or even lift your grades!
If you’ve ever received help from a peer mentor, you’ll understand how valuable another student’s perspective can be when navigating uni life.
That’s why Deakin has a range of specialised peer mentors available to help you find answers for your queries, understand your subjects and improve your academic skills.
Here we explore the many ways in which a peer mentor can benefit you as we begin the new study period.
I’m new to Deakin in T2/S2, I don’t know anyone and there’s a lot to take in – help!
Starting university and adjusting to the new routine can feel daunting at first. That’s why peer mentors are here to help you settle in and make a great start to your studies with a range of programs to guide your transition into uni life.
- Did you know the Arts and Education, Business and Law, Health, and Science, Engineering and Built Environment faculties each run dedicated peer mentoring programs for new students during the first weeks of each trimester? These programs are designed to help you adjust to life at university.
- If you’re a new Cloud Campus student, you’ll also receive support from a Success Coach (if you haven’t heard from your Success Coach yet, email [email protected]).
See the Students Helping Students Hub for more information about Deakin’s various peer mentor opportunities.
I’m struggling with a subject and worried I won’t pass or get the grade I need.
For help with a specific unit of study, join a PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) group led by a student who has previously completed the unit with high marks. It’s also a good opportunity for you to chat about your unit content with other students outside of a formal class setting, including seeking feedback about essential academic skills such as referencing and note-taking.
You can check to see if your unit will have PASS sessions this study period by accessing the T2 PASS timetable.
I’m not confident when it comes to creating assignments.
‘I find most students across the faculties have issues with referencing and articulating their thoughts to be appropriate for academic writing conventions,’ said Pavani Trikha, a Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Honours) student and one of Deakin’s Writing Mentors.
Writing Mentors are all-rounders who can help you with unpacking assignment questions, researching, academic writing, referencing and time management. You can drop in at specified times for Writing Mentors sessions this trimester.
Maths subjects stress me out and I’m stuck!
Are you enrolled to study a maths or science subject, or a subject that has some maths content, and feeling a little out of your depth when it comes to equations?
‘I think that maths is a subject that is commonly viewed by students in a negative light due to previous experiences or the mindset that ‘‘they aren’t good at it’’,’ said Maths Mentor and Education (Primary) student Caitlin Waterford.
‘Seek help – sometimes having someone to talk through your thinking with is all you need.’
Maths Mentors will help you build your confidence to complete maths assignments and they can refer you to helpful resources that will strengthen your skills. Attend a Maths Mentors drop-in session this study period.
Want more information? Visit the Current Students website for more information about Deakin’s Students Helping Students programs.