Overview

A mentor is a guide. A friend. A resource who paves the way to success, and derives satisfaction from helping others succeed. Your role as mentor is to inspire, encourage, and support your student, and to contribute to their professional and personal development. 


Frequently Asked Questions

  • What am I expected to do? Mentors are expected to provide students with support and advice to help them transition to and navigate higher education.  Most of this interaction will take place via one-on-one chats, email or in-person, as appropriate. Mentors should work with their student to determine what kind of support will be most useful—referrals to a CQU support service, study tips and tricks, general motivation and support.
  • How long will the commitment be? We ask our mentors to make a commitment of approximately 1 hour per week - this includes answering any chats online and in-person, checking in with the Peer Advising administration team, and keeping up-to-date on relevant CQU information.  
  • Are there any potential risks to me? No. It is not appropriate for mentors to engage in any business transactions with their students; instead, the relationship should only involve the flow of general information and advice.
  • Relationship is not going well or I am concerned about mentorship, what to do? Contact the Peer Advising admin team immediately via studentmentor@cqu.edu.au or Microsoft Teams message. We will provide our full support to resolve the situation in a positive and satisfactory manner.

Connect with Our Students!

How to Apply

1. Ensure you complete the compulsory "Apply to be a Student Mentor" course, taking note of the eligibility requirements.
2. Upon completion of the course, choose an interview time via the link provided.
3. Apply for a volunteer Blue Card / WWCC relevant to your state or territory.

Your online interview will be an opportunity to cover the roles and responsibilities of being a Student Mentor. Don’t worry – it’s not a scary process!

Please note, you will only be able to apply while recruitment is open at the end of each term. 
Recruitment periods are from Week 10 - Exam Week, and Week 1 of Terms 1 and 2. 

Apply Now

Mentor DO's

  1. COMMIT AT LEAST ONE INTERACTION/HOUR OF SUPPORT per week.
  2. Respond to all chat messages and check in every 2 days to ensure you haven't missed anything.
  3. Set aside time for the mentoring process and honor all appointments.
  4. Invite the student to meetings or activities, as appropriate. Schedule meetings with planned topics.
  5. Be flexible on meeting times and places.
  6. Encourage frequent contact with your mentees. 
  7. Respond to messages from the Peer Advising admin team within 2 days of receipt.
  8. Keep information that your student has shared with you confidential. If something concerning the student needs to be discussed with others, ask your student if they are happy to be referred to a suitable CQU support service.  If you are unsure, reach out to the peer Advising admin team for help. 
  9. Establish open and honest communication.
  10. Foster creativity and independence. Help build self-confidence and offer encouragement.
  11. Provide honest and timely feedback to your student.
  12. Provide opportunities for the student to talk about concerns and ask questions.
  13. If you will be away at all throughout term, please contact the Peer Advising admin team as soon as possible. 
  14. Above all, ACTIVELY LISTEN.

Mentor DON'Ts

  1. Try to give advice on everything.
  2. Encourage student to be totally dependent upon you.
  3. DO NOT PROVIDE ACADEMIC ADVICE AT ANY TIME (ie. assessment help).
  4. Provide your personal history, problems, animosities, successes, failures, etc unless they are constructive contributions.
  5. Be too busy when the student needs your friendship or your support. If you do not have time, give the student a heads up, so that they know when they can reach you.
  6. Criticize.