Student mentor network

Mentor network

The student mentor network brings together more experienced students with those new to higher education to share their knowledge and experience. The network provides training and a structure for more experienced students to help those new to higher education. The mentor – mentee relationship is an informal one with meetings taking place in cafes and other informal spaces. There is also the option to meet online or by email with mentors when they are based at another campus.

If you are a new student (including 2nd or 3rd year students who have entered directly into that level), please get in touch and we will match you with a mentor. All you need to do is send an email to the mentor co-ordinator, Kevin Sinclair, who will match you with a mentor. Don't be shy, we are waiting to hear from you!

New mentors wanted!
We are currently looking for new mentors. If you are an existing student and would like to join the network in time for the next academic year, get in touch now with Kevin Sinclair or see the section on Become a mentor.

Find a mentor

If you would like to be mentored by one of our student mentors please email Kevin Sinclair, who co-ordinates the mentor network.

A selection of mentor profiles are shown below. You may request to be mentored by a specific person or we can match you with a suitable mentor.

Pete Creech BSC Sustainable Rural Development

Hi, I'm Pete and I've been studying at UHI, mostly part-time, since 2006 and I'm currently president of the Sustainable Rural Development Society. I live in Mid-Argyll and I enjoy cycling, motorcycling and being out and about in this fantastic bit of Scotland. I do the majority of my studying online and at various times the technology, the work or the lack of someone to talk to (or all three!) has been a very steep hill to climb.  I realised when we started running field trips through the SRD Society that one of their greatest benefits was just having a fellow student to talk to.

Elizabeth Gifford (40), BA (Hons) Child and Youth Studies. Shetland College UHI

Vicky Glennie (37), BA (Hons) Child and Youth Studies, Perth College UHI

I'm studying in Perth on a full time basis and am now in my 2nd year. Online study is a great way to learn but can also be a bit scary so I'm here to help you any way I can. I look forward to meeting you.

Ciera Harvey, BA (Hons) Scottish Cultural Studies, West Highland College UHI

I have just started my second year of the Scottish Cultural Studies degree. Originally I am from British Columbia, Canada. I moved to Scotland about two and a half years ago. Also, this year I have taken up the position of student representative for West Highland College UHI in UHISA. Should be a great year!

Katrina Paton, BA (Hons) Child and Youth Studies

My name is Katrina and I am studying BA Child and Youth Studies full time. I am 30 years old and have two children. I am now UHISA Vice President.

Chris Talbot, BSc (Hons) Sustainable Rural Development

I am Chris and having completed my third year of study I stood for and was elected as this years (2010/11) UHISA Vice President. - working to make a difference for students. I have a wide range of interests but mainly a GSOH.

Rona Humphreys, BA (Hons) Scottish Cultural Studies

My name is Rona and I am a 3rd year Scottish Cultural Studies student. I started at UHI as a mature student having been a working mum for 10 years. I still have two children in primary school and enjoy meeting new people and going to the pictures.

Sarah De Rees, 1st year PhD Orkney Food Culture, graduate of BA (Hons) Scottish Cultural Studies

My name is Sarah and I am a first year PhD student researching Orkney food culture at the Centre for Nordic Studies, Orkney. I graduated from the BA (Hons) Scottish Cultural Studies course in 2009. I am interested in History, Scottish culture, climbing and environmental concerns.

Julie Ritch, BA (Hons) Environment and Heritage Studies

I'm 37 and studying on year 4 of Environment and Heritage studies, at the Fort William campus of West Highland College UHI. I know how daunting, isolating and hard distance and online learning can be, so don't be afraid to ask for help or advice.

Betty McLean, Scottish Culture Studies

Hello, I am Betty McLean and I am a 3rd year, mature student, studying part time on the Scottish Cultural Studies module. I enjoy walking, reading, yoga and playing a musical instrument (piano and organ). I enjoy meeting new people and I am also a Traidcraft speaker for the Highland Region going out to schools, churches and various organisations.

Lorna O' Regan, BA Child and Youth Studies

I have been studying BA Child and Youth Studies full-time for three years (North Highland College, Alness campus) and will be back next September to complete my Honours year. I have also been the Student Representative for my student group since I started my degree in 2008. My interests include family activities, reading, genealogy, fundraising, campaigning, piano playing and being with friends. I am a mother of two young children so online contact will be most ideal for me although I am open to meeting in person occasionally if this is geographically feasible. I will be delighted to listen to any concerns you may have and support you through this challenging but exciting time!

Katrina MacIver, BA Health Studies (Health and Welfare)
I am studying full time at Lewis Castle College UHI on year 2 of the BA Health Studies course.  I previously worked in office administration for 23 years and decided to change direction to aid future job prospects.

Sue McKillop, Scottish History and Archaeology
I am a mature 2nd year student and have just started the archaeology part of my degree. I am studying full time and as I am the only student in this area studying this degree I do it completely from home. I love reading, which is always a bonus. I have three dogs which, weather permitting I walk with on the hills near my home. I work for the Children’s Panel in a voluntary capacity . I have three grandchildren one of whom is brand new & they keep me busy. I also enjoy gardening, again weather permitting and singing in the local Barber's shop style.

Jenni Johnston BA (Hons) History and Politics
My name is Jenni, I’m 41 and I’m in my second year of the BA (Hons) History & Politics degree. As a mature student I understand the difficulties we can face in juggling families, employment and studying. It can also be isolating having only a few contact hours of lectures each week, and I am here to give support to anyone who is feeling that they are on their own.

Karen Spruce, HND Business Administration
Karen  is based at Lews Castle College UHI in the Western Isles.

Christine Burstow, BA Child and Youth Studies
Christine is based at Moray College UHI in Elgin.

Mary Bavin
Mary studies at the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig learning Centre on Islay.

Emma MacLeod, BA (Hons) Child and Youth Studies
Hello! My name is Emma Macleod. I am 22 years old and studying in the 4th year of BA (Hons) Child and Youth Studies based at Lews Castle College UHI. I am currently aiming to qualify as a primary teacher as I enjoy working with children and giving them the learning experiences they need to progress. As new students, you will have so much information to take in all at once and feel you are struggling to get to grips with everything. Well, that’s why student mentors are here – to give you support and guidance when needed and to make study life that more simple and enjoyable

Audrey Sutherland, HNC Business Administration and IT
Audrey is based at North Highland College UHI.

Naomi Summer, BA Child and Youth Studies
Naomi is based at Lews Castle College UHI.

Lucy Huby, BA (Hons) Social Sciences
My name is Lucy and I am in the 4^th year of my degree at Moray college. I am a mature student, married with three children and live in Elgin. I worked as a Staff Nurse for the NHS for 20 years prior to returning to education, starting with a Foundation Certificate in Counselling, and my long term aim is to become a lecturer. I feel that I can help new students to cope with the pressures of studying, I have a level headed and mature approach to studying and I am willing to share any of my learning strategies with students who might be struggling to focus. My other interests are zumba, Formula 1, European politics and reading.

FAQs

Q. How does the student mentor network work?

A. The mentor network matches new students with a more experienced student mentor. Mentors work with students to share their knowledge and experience. Students benefit from being able to gain the support of other students who will have valuable insights into studying at higher education level.

Q. Who can become a mentor?

A. Any student in second, third or fourth year may become a mentor. Students who expect to be in year two in September 2011 are eligible to apply now. Applicants should be interested in helping other students, be enthusiastic about their studies and keen to help others. It is not necessary to be the most able academically but applicants should be competent in their studies in other to help others. Students of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to apply as new students will associate best with someone they feel comes from the same background. Initially the mentor network will be open to students from selected degrees and academic partners, please check with us to see if your own is included.

Q. What does the role of mentor involve?

A. The work of a mentor will be agreed in advance with the mentor co-ordinator, taking account of your own experience and abilities. Each mentor will be assigned a maximum of 4 mentees and will be expected to meet up/phone/online around once a month. As a mentor you may be the first person with whom a new students raises an issue but you will not be expected to solve difficult problems and will be fully trained in how to refer students with problems to appropriate support services

Q. What are the benefits of becoming a mentor?

A. Mentoring is a recognised and increasingly valued in business. It is a valuable addition to your experience and skills. As a mentor you will also gain the satisfaction of helping other students and become part of a recognised UHI service. Becoming a mentor is also a valuable addition to your CV, demonstrating people, organisational and leadership skills etc. The confidence and ability to mentor and inspire others is a skill that you will be able to continue using throughout your life.

Q. How do I become a mentor?

A. Complete the online application form. We will be in touch to arrange a short telephone interview. You will be able to take part in a training session and have the use of online training materials before you take up the role. The mentor co-ordinator is also available at any time to assist with issues you may encounter.

Q. Where can I find out more?

A. Please contact the mentor co-ordinator to find out more about the role. We are happy to talk to you about the role without obligation.

Become a mentor

New mentors wanted - Spring 2012!

If you are interested in becoming a student mentor, use this application form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

General enquiries are welcome. If you would an informal chat about mentoring please contact Kevin Sinclair, Student Progression Lead Practitioner in the first instance. You may also apply by email, supplying the information requested on the form.

• Information for new mentors leaflet (PDF) Information for those considering becoming a mentor
• Thinking of becoming a mentor? leaflet (PDF)
• Thinking of becoming a mentor? poster (PDF)
• Am beachd a bhith nad chomhairleach? leaflet (PDF)
• Am beachd a bhith nad chomhairleach? poster (PDF)

Resources

Resources for student mentors to download and keep.

• Student mentor agreement (pdf) Agreement for new mentors to sign prior to starting the role.
• Training materials for student mentors View a copy of the presentation used during mentor training days.
• Student Mentor Profile Form Mentors can use this form to upload a profile to the website.
• Mentor network poster - international students Use this poster to promote the mentor network to international students.
• Mentor network poster Use this poster to promote the mentor network to new students
• Information for new mentors

Feedback

We value the feedback of students on your experiences of the mentor network. Please let us know your thoughts on your own experience of the network, or if you have any suggestions for its improvement.

You may also use this form if you would like to make a complaint about the network.

All feedback will be treated as confidential and handled by the Mentor Co-ordinator. Thank you.

Career mentoring

What is career mentoring?

The Alumni Career Mentor Network matches current UHI students (undergraduate and postgraduate level) with graduates (alumni) who have volunteered to share their experiences of employment, further study and gap years.  Being able to speak to a former student who has successfully moved into their chosen career is an opportunity to find out how they achieved what you may be aiming for.  You can ask a mentor about:

• A specific career or sector you are interested in
• General insights into careers and how to prepare for life after university while you are still a student
• Inspiration about what you could do with your qualification after you graduate if you are still unsure

Find out more about mentoring, and get in touch with a mentor.