A mentor will
- Listen to you
- Provide information and guidance to help you achieve your goals (but won't tell you how to do things)
- Be dependable and reliable
- Be authentic
- Be tuned in to your needs
- Have your growth and development in mind
- Be trustworthy – someone you can share problems or concerns with without judgement
A mentor won't
- Provide counselling
- Speak for you (but may help you communicate your wishes)
- Provide subject specific support
(However, a mentor may suggest some other services that could provide the above for you to consider)
Things you may do
- Review the past week and plan the week ahead
- Plan deadlines
- Check emails and the virtual learning environment
- Get to know the campus and its facilities
- Identify ways to maintain a good work/life balance
- Arrange and prepare for tutor meetings
- Practice presentations
- Prepare for group work
- Contact the Disabled Students Allowance team to chase up outstanding equipment or to reclaim expenses
- Identify who to contact about which issues
- Plan ways to make learning more accessible
- Develop social contacts and activities
- Find housemates and accommodation
- Discuss stress reduction and relaxation techniques
These are examples, and mentoring will be based on the recommendations in your Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) report and a discussion with you about your individual needs.
