Peer Mentor Programme
The programme aims to provide assistance to new students (mentees) for adjustment and to cultivate peer support on campus. Each new student will be assigned a peer mentor from senior classes of the same faculty/course of study.
Being a Peer Mentor
Peer mentors are volunteers to provide assistance to a group of new students from early August to the end of October. You need to complete a series of training activities before starting your peer-mentoring.
What you will achieve …
1. Make friends with new students and enlarge you networks
2. Enhance some essential transferable skills, such as communication skills, problem solving skills and leadership skills
3. Make a difference in others’ lives by sharing your knowledge and experience, passing on tips to new students
What your responsibilities are …
1. Serve as group leaders and provide logistic support in the University Life Orientation Workshop
2. Follow up on the adjustment of your mentees
a. providing practical information about your faculty and the University activities and resources
b. directing students to resources and support services on campus
c. sharing your experiences in learning or participating in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities
d. being available to answer questions regarding orientation and adjustment
Tips for being a great mentor
1. Keep closely in touch with your mentees in person, by phone, e-mail and/or social media
2. You may arrange gathering with your mentees. Options include: meet for a coffee, go shopping, show them around campus, exercise together, play a ball game, etc. Through the gathering, you may know more about your mentees' need and provide support
3. Be proactive and offer support for academic or personal issues. You may also need to encourage your mentees to be proactive
4. Listen attentively to understand your mentees and provide constructive feedback
5. Be approachable, open-minded and empathetic
6. Instead of doing things for the mentees, give them some advice and allow them to work things out by themselves
7. Contact your peer mentor staff advisor when you need assistance or some advice
Want to be a Peer Mentor?
The 2024-25 Peer Mentor recruitment is completed. If you would like to be a Peer Mentor next year, please contact us by phone 3411 7435 or cdc@hkbu.edu.hk.
Being a Mentee
Each new student is matched with a mentor of the same faculty/course of study for better transition. You will be led by a peer mentor to participate in the University Life Orientation Workshop. Mentoring provides you, as a new student, with an immediate support system and information source. As a result, you can be more well-informed about campus resources and activities, build peer networks faster and adjust to university life sooner.
What you will gain …
1. Connect with your classmates and widen peer networks
2. Get extensive information about campus resources and activities
3. Receive wisdom and advice from senior students, while you have the freedom to make own decisions
4. Have someone to care about you and to discuss your problems or concerns
What your responsibilities are …
Actively participate in the programme, for example, you may
1. Discuss your concerns with your mentor and share with your mentor both on your great or small success
2. Suggest activities for promoting mentor-mentee relationships and actively participate in the agreed activities
Tips for being a great mentee
1. Take initiatives in keeping close contact with your mentor
2. Take initiatives in recognizing your need for mentoring and explaining to your mentor what you are looking for. Do not hesitate to contact your mentor when you need advice, even if you think they might be silly.
3. Make it a priority to meet with your mentor and be punctual to the gatherings
4. Gather information and advice from your peer mentors or other available channels and find the most suitable solution for yourself. Do not expect mentors to solve your problem.
Want to connect with a Peer Mentor?
Each 2024-25 new students will be matched with Peer Mentor in the University Life Orientation Workshop organised by Office of Student Affairs in Aug.
For enquiry, please contact us by 3411 7435 or cdc@hkbu.edu.hk.