Postgrad Assist

Provides support to new postgraduate
A PEER MENTORING PROGRAM FOR
coursework students in their transition to
POSTGRADUATE COURSEWORK STUDENTS
postgraduate study

ANN PETERSON & HILARY MACLEOD
Provides practical assistance and help for
settling in, utilising the university’s services and developing social & professional
An evidence-based approach
underpins the design of
Postgrad Assist. The peer
mentoring program operates over
the whole semester, uses mentor
buddy pairs, incorporates a comprehensive mentor training program and
ongoing evaluation.
“
networking opportunities

Develops a student body, which is fully
adjusted and engaged in academic studies
and campus life.
Postgrad Assist is a great way to make friends and learn your way
around campus from someone who has been in your shoes.”
”
Mentees displayed enhanced psychosocial skills (e.g. forming social
networks, confidence and personal growth), academic skills
(e.g. understanding assessment, developing professional skills and
enhanced learning outcomes) and institutional skills (e.g. familiarity with
the campus and its services).
Mentors developed leadership skills and reported enhanced integration
into the university
Faculty of Science
For more information scan the QR code or go to
Email: [email protected]
School of Geography, Planning and
  
Environmental Management
The University of Queensland
Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
www.gpem.uq.edu.au/postgrad-assist
Key elements of the Postgrad Assist Program, within SGPEM
Participants
Structure
Attributes
Components
Management
Duration
Mentor-Mentee
interactions
Mentee chars.
Mentor chars.
Mentee
recruitment
Mentor
recruitment
Mentor training
and induction
Mentor rewards/
recognition
Organisation
Mentor-Mentee
matching
Meeting
arrangements
Information
dissemination
Documentation
Evaluation
Content
Academic
Institutional
Social
Design features
School based (three programs of study: geography; environmental management; and planning)
Postgrad Assist Director responsible for program oversight and reporting (no committee)
Postgrad Assist Coordinator responsible for day to day running of program
One full semester (about 17 weeks)
Face-to-face group meetings (academic skills and social)
Communication via e-mail, phone and social media (e.g. professional networking site - Ning)
Students in 1st semester; male and female; international/domestic (diversity in culture/language); any age
Completed at least 1 semester of study; male and female; international/domestic; any age
Formal invitation sent to all new students enrolling in a first semester course within SGPEM
Promotional flyers with QR code placed at strategic locations
Requested to submit expression of interest application (standard questions relating to demographics, study
program) and a reason for requesting to join the program
Prospective mentees provided with Mentee Handbook (incorporating Code of Conduct)
Required to sign formal Mentee Agreement to signify understanding of, commitment to, and agreement with
the conditions of participation
Advertised throughout semester to enhance its visibility to potential future mentors
Invitation sent to all PGCW students (before end of semester);recommendations from School staff
Formal selection process, including expression of interest and questionnaire
Prospective mentors participate in a one-day training program
Performance on competency based exercises during the training assists in the selection process
Successful participants proceed to ½ day induction program + Mentor Handbook (with Code of Conduct)
Sign Mentor Agreement - signify understanding of, commitment to, and agreement with Code of Conduct
1 day formal compulsory training session (also used to assist selection of Mentors), conducted after the
semester exam block and prior to commencement of the new student intake
Competency based and addresses: roles & expectations; Code of conduct; mental health first aid; conflict
resolution; communication skills; group facilitation & team building; time management; & support services
Compulsory ½ day Mentor Induction addressing administrative processes (payment system, HR, OH&S;
program reporting, information on university/school/Student Services, O-week preparation)
Regular contact (on an as-needs basis) with Postgrad Assist Coordinator
Certificate of attendance at mentor training
Gift or food voucher for attendance at training
Paid for 20 hours + around 20 hours voluntarily (to encourage commitment & to recompense mentors)
Certificate of Competence awarded at the end of the mentoring period and details the relevant skills attained
Buddy pairs for mentors (preference is for 1 domestic and 1 international student and male/ female)
Ratio of about 1 Mentor to 10 Mentees (i.e. 2:20)
Groups are mixed (e.g. age, gender, program, mode of study, language abilities, and cultural background);
some attempt to ensure that there are some similarities in program/courses studied and cultural background
Finalised prior to the first activities (i.e. campus tour) in O week
Formal, structured meetings (detailed in semester timetable)
Meetings held fortnightly, with monthly social activities
Mentors negotiate meeting times & communication with Mentees (email, text, social media) in week 1
Mentors provided with a checklist detailing Week 1 activities and topics
Week 1 meetings are attended by the Coordinator to reinforce program roles, responsibilities & expectations
Location of meetings is flexible; Off campus meetings and activities require OH&S clearance
Program begins in orientation week with a campus tour and attendance at the orientation session
End of program social activity for all mentors and mentees
All mentors/mentees join the School PGCW students’ professional networking site (4GPEMPOSTGRADS) as
this enhances communication and information exchange (e.g. activities, events, employment opportunities)
Email communication
Information on the School website
Staff Manual, Mentor Handbook, Mentee Guide, Code of Conduct, Key Contacts List, Application, Agreement
and Withdrawal forms, report templates (mentors), advertising flyers (poster and email), training and induction
resources, certificates of attendance and competency
Mentor fortnightly reports sent to Coordinator (attendance, activities undertaken, key outcomes & problems)
Mentor evaluation meeting with staff (Week 6 and Week 13)
Mentor online survey of training program
Mentee online survey delivered at the end of the program
Issues addressed can include: academic integrity (plagiarism and its consequences); expectations in classes;
information regarding study skills support workshops; examination and grievance policies
Mentors do not provide academic advice relating to program or course selection
Mentors do not tutor Mentees (i.e. in a formal tutoring sense)
Advice for accessing university services (e.g. Student services, housing, banking)
Advice for dealing with university/school administration
Locating campus facilities (e.g. undertake a campus tour)
Dissemination of information on local and regional activities and events
Assistance with adapting to life in a new city/ country (acculturation)
Informal meetings can be arranged around a social activity
End of program social event (e.g. BBQ)
(Adapted from Hall and Jaugietis, 2011)