A couple of weeks back I sat down with Stephen. Stephen is an education/arts student who knows a lot about mentoring: both as a mentor, but also a mentee.
Stephen kindly agreed to let me record the conversation, and attached to this blog post is that recording. It marks the second ‘podcast’ that I’ve recorded for the Student Health and Wellbeing Blog.
We cover a fair bit of territory in this conversation:
- what got Stephen into mentoring
- the thinking process for someone considering becoming a mentor or seeking mentoring
- the role of the mentor
- services and programs within the university that assist those seeking or wanting to become a mentor
- appropriate boundaries and protections for mentors
I am hugely appreciative to Stephen for his time and wisdom.
I hope you enjoy listening to the conversation, as much as I enjoyed having it.
In the podcast, we refer to a few mentoring programs within the university. Links to more information about those programs is provided below.
Want to become a mentor?
Horizon Program – Your ‘one stop shop’ for professional development as a student – industry recognised and a good CV builder. As Stephen points out in the podcast, no reason you can’t get some formal recognition for volunteering and being a mentor – http://www.flinders.edu.au/careers/horizon/students.cfm
Inspire Mentor Program – work with primary and secondary students – http://www.flinders.edu.au/inspire/
UniAccess Mentoring Program – supporting a student with a disability as they transition to university life – https://flo.flinders.edu.au/mod/page/view.php?id=1672869
Ignite Mentoring Program – If you would like to mentor a Flinders student – https://www.flinders.edu.au/engage/employment/mentor-students
Want to get a mentor?
Start here – https://flo.flinders.edu.au/mod/page/view.php?id=1672869
Access peer mentoring – http://www.flinders.edu.au/transition/our-programs/mentoring-program/for-new-students/need-a-mentor.cfm
Remember also that you can simply identify someone that you think might make a good mentor, and approach them directly. Keep in mind that they may not have the time or ability to be a mentor, and hence may say no, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
If you are a student with a disability and interested in getting a peer mentor to help you adjust to university life – you can contact disability@flinders.edu.au