First year mentor program a big success for 2009

Student mentors with Vice Chancellor, Professor Celia Hammond; Manager, Student Life Office, Dave McLean; International Student Liaison and Housing Officer, Michelle Gay and Student Life Officer, Ervina Ng.

11 May 2009

The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Fremantle Campus recently held a thank you lunch for the student mentors for semester 1, 2009.

The mentor program, coordinated by the Student Life Office staff, aims to assists new students with the transition to university life. It is specifically designed to make students feel comfortable in their new surroundings, meet fellow students and become familiar with the various resources available. 

“The luncheon is to thank the mentors for their commitment and contribution to the mentoring program,” said Ms Ervina Ng, Student Life Officer.

“The program was revamped this year and proved to be a huge success, with 43 mentors involved with 265 new students this semester.”

The mentor program runs for 8 weeks at the beginning of the semester. New students receive a weekly email from their mentor about the services and resources available to them as they begin their University education.

“They are also given a chance to meet fellow new students in their mentoring group during a ‘Link-up lunch’ held during Orientation week,” said Ms Eg.

“A mid-semester morning tea was also held for everyone involved in the program.”

Mentor, Mr Kalon Ford, third year Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts student, really enjoyed the experience.

“The program teaches something to mentors as much as mentees; its surprising when you realise how much you've learned, which doesn’t happen until you start writing it down for someone new, and end up with an essay in no time at all.”

To join the Mentor Program for semester 2, 2009, please email Ervina Ng on eng1@nd.edu.au.

Media contact:

Rebecca Cassidy
08 9433 0611, 0408 959 138