A new student-led mentoring scheme has started training its first cohort of mentors as the University of Aberdeen unveils its flagship Students 4 Students (S4S) Scheme.
The S4S Scheme was formally launched today (April 17) with training beginning for current University of Aberdeen students who have signed up to the scheme as mentors.
S4S aims to offer an extra level of support for new undergraduates starting in academic year 2013-14, in order to help them settle in and find their feet as they begin their studies at the University of Aberdeen.
Commenting on the S4S Scheme, Professor Sir Ian Diamond, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University said: “The S4S Scheme showcases how our staff and students can work collaboratively to make our first year experience an exceptional one. This scheme offers student-led support for our incoming first years and will sit alongside all of the many induction events and student support services, which we are rightfully proud of here in Aberdeen. There is also an excellent opportunity for our current students to be involved in the scheme by becoming mentors, enhancing their time at the University beyond their academic talents.”
Professor Peter McGeorge, Vice-Principal (Learning & Teaching) added: “The S4S Scheme is an excellent example of our students and staff working together to enhance the support that is available to those joining our University.”
S4S stems from successful trials of a peer mentoring scheme in both the School of Medical Sciences and the School of Divinity, History and Philosophy. Students from across the University have enrolled to be S4S mentors, with each set to receive over 10 hours of intensive training as part of the scheme. Training is provided by various sections of the University including Student Support Services, the Registry, the InfoHub, the University Counselling Service and the Aberdeen University Student Association (AUSA) Student Advice Centre.
S4S is a joint venture between the University of Aberdeen and the Aberdeen University Students’ Association. AUSA President for Education and Employability, Josefine Bjorkqvist said: “The S4S Scheme is an excellent scheme that will make a great difference for first year students and it is a brilliant way for people to get to know each other, learn what to expect from University and to settle in on campus.
“S4S also brings a great volunteering opportunity for students who want to give something back by signing up to be mentors.”
Highlighting the benefits of the scheme to new incoming first year students, Dr John Barrow, Teaching Fellow in the School of Medical Sciences and S4S Coordinator, said: “Students 4 Students is an exciting development in our first year experience at the University of Aberdeen. It offers our new students a unique opportunity to meet fellow students in their chosen degree discipline and also provides our current students with an excellent opportunity to further develop themselves by becoming S4S mentors.”
S4S Mentor applications are now closed but further information please contact the coordinator of the S4S Scheme, Dr John Barrow, by emailing: j.barrow@abdn.ac.uk