QMConnect Peer Support Project
Welcome to the QMConnect webpages.
This year we are expanding QMConnect so that more new students can take part and benefit from peer support. We look forward to working with new students joining us in September 2011.
QMConnect offers new students the opportunity to get involved in a number of different ways. We offer:
The project is funded from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) Widening Access and Retention Premium (WARP Fund) and as such is mainly (but not exclusively) aimed at new undergraduate students. Particularly those from the following groups:
- Those who are the first in their family to go to University
- Those who are coming to QMU as a Direct Entry (DE) student from college and starting at Level 2 or 3
- Those from neighbourhoods with lower rates of participation Higher Education.
- Mature undergraduate students – you may have recently completed an Access course or other study at college.
- School leavers who are/were LEAPS eligible
- Students who have recently been looked after or accommodated by their local authority.
QMConnect operates across the University with undergraduate students from all schools and departments taking part.
If you would like to note your interest in either the 1 to 1 mentoring or the group mentoring opportunities (see below for more details) please download and complete the attached Mentee Application form and email it back to mentoring@qmu.ac.uk . Alternatively you can drop it in by hand or post it to Jenni Murray, Transition & Guidance Adviser, Student Services, Level 1 QMU.
Applications are welcome throughout the summer or at any time during the first year of study. Please note that demand may be high and early applications are advised. If you are applying after October, please contact us first to find out if there are mentors still available.
1 to 1 mentoring.
QMConnect is a project that matches new students (mentees) with trained students (mentors) who are there to help them settle in to the University, student life and study routines. The kinds of things that mentors can help with include:
- finding your way around and settling in generally
- getting to know what services and facilities are available for students
- study skills tips
- coping with the transition from school or college
- juggling study, work and family responsibilities
We can match you up with another student studying the same (or similar subject) who will be a year or so ahead of you. Many of our trained mentors have been mentees themselves and are keen to help new students get settled and make the most of their time at QMU.
Once we have received your application form, we will arrange a brief meeting to get to know you so that we can match you with a suitable mentor. Once "matched", mentors and mentees usually meet informally for about an hour each week. The project co-ordinator will keep in regular contact and is available to offer support and advice to mentors and mentees at any time.
Once "matched", mentors and mentees usually meet informally for about an hour each week. The project co-ordinators will keep in regular contact and are available to support and advise mentors and mentees at any time.
Group mentoring/social events
This semester we will also be offering some group mentoring activities. These groups will meet informally and be coordinated by two or more of our trained mentors. The groups on offer this Semester are:
- Group for new students who have moved into QMU halls
- Group for those who are Under 18 t the start of Level 1 Group for EU/International students
The groups are coordinated by mentors who have themselves lived in halls or been under 18 or come from abroad. They understand the issues and concerns that new students may face. Joining one of these groups gives you’re the opportunity to meet informally with other new students who may also be experiencing similar transition issues to you and also to meet with slightly more experienced QMU students who are keen to help new students get settled and make the most of their time here.
Welcome meetings
Working alongside our colleagues in the Student’s Union (SU) our mentors help to facilitate some welcome meetings for new students. This semester we will be helping the SU with their event on Tuesday 13 th September. This networking lunch is for new mature and International students and will give you the opportunity to get to know other new students over an informal lunch and to hear about activities and support for both groups. Please check out the SU’s Fresher’s Day events for full details. http://www.qmusu.org.uk/
Drop-in sessions, twice weekly .
These will be held in our Food for Thought (FFT) Café area, and give new students the opportunity to ask our Student Volunteers quick questions or just to stop by for a chat and a chance to speak to another slightly more experience student. These sessions are ideal for those who might have quick queries or want someone to point them in the right direction. They are also useful if you are interested in hearing more about the project and what we offer. Come along and meet some of our friendly volunteers. The next drop-in sessions will be held on the following dates in our Food for Thought (FFD) Café area:
Tuesday 13 th September 12-2pm
Wednesday 14 th September 12-2pm
Monday 19 th September 1-3pm
Tuesday 20 th September 12-2 pm
Wednesday 21 st September 12-2pm
Our mentors usually wear bright green neck lanyards with ‘QMConnect Student Volunteer’ written on them so you should be able to spot them. We also have a large bright green display stand so we really are hard to miss!
Meet some of our mentors
We have a team of 50 student mentors all keen to work with new students like yourself. Here are what a few of them have to say about the project and why they are involved.
Hi, my name is Orlagh and I am going into my second year of Speech and Language Therapy. I applied to be a mentor as I personally found the transition into university life a bit daunting and would have loved to have someone there as a guide for both study and reassurance. Having known others who have been mentees last year, I have realised just how worthwhile a programme this is and would encourage you to apply. We are here to help!
Hi everyone. Welcome to QMU, I am Janine. Although I was excited about starting at QMU, I also found it a very daunting experience returning to study after a break, but through the help of QMConnect the transition was flawless and I have enjoyed every minute here at QMU.
Hi! My name is Fiona and I am studing Drama and Performance in Level 2. My start at QMU wasn't the easiest, being a seventeen-year-old international student and I think I could do a good job helping you through your start here. The most important thing is, I feel, that you feel comfortable and happy in your course, meeting new people and being a part of societies etc and the most important thing for me is to help you achieve that!
Hi, I'm Hazel. I had a mentor in my first year and found it really reassuring to have someone I could go to with any questions no matter how silly or important. It was particularly helpful coming up to exams as they were the big unknown!! I've now successfully completed my first year and feel much more confident about the coming academic year. QMConnect is a great idea and I would like to help a new student settle into life at QMU just as my mentor helped me last year.
Hi, my name is Nichola and I am going into my third year of Nursing. When I first started I knew people who were in 4th year so I found this very useful. If I had not known anyone I think the mentoring programme would have been good. I really enjoy helping people and meeting new people. Being involved with this project I want to be able to help a new student and try to make it a good experience for them.
If you would like to read more comments from recent mentees and mentors, please check out our 2009/10 Project Summary Document
Click here to listen to students talking about their mentoring experiences.
Mentors
We have already recruited new mentors for September 2011. It is unlikely that we will do any further mentor recruitment before February 2012, however if you are interested in becoming a mentor you can email mentoring@qmu.ac.uk and we will keep your details on file.
How can I find out more?
If you are interested in finding out more about QMConnect, please contact:
Jenni Murray, Transition and Pre-entry Guidance Adviser
Tel: 0131 474 0000
Email: mentoring@qmu.ac.uk
Suggestions and Complaints
Your suggestions for improving the QMConnect Mentoring Project are always welcome. We encourage you to complete evaluation forms and to maintain regular contact with the project co-ordinator throughout your time as a mentee or mentor.
Should you wish to make a complaint, please speak to the Transition & Pre-entry Guidance Adviser or make an appointment with the Head of Student Services, Lande Wolsey (lwolsey@qmu.ac.uk). If you wish to take the complaint further, you should follow the Student Complaints Procedure as outlined on the QMU Website.
^ to top
|
