MATES@UWS

What is MATES@UWS

MATES@UWS stands for Mentoring and Transition Equals Success at UWS. 
Starting out at university can be a daunting experience. Having the support of students who have been there before you can help to make settling in easier.

MATES@UWS is about providing first year students with the opportunity to be connected with students who are in later years of study. This helps students to make social networks and acquire knowledge and skills to help settle into life at university. The objectives of MATES@UWS are as follows:

• to provide commencing students with an excellent source of information about the Uni and its resources by matching them with a more experienced student (mate) who acts as a mentor
• to reduce commencing students’ social isolation by introducing them to a small group of peers on their campus
• to raise commencing students’ awareness of the range of student services and resources available and how they can access them
• to give new students a personal connection with the Uni

The program runs for the first six weeks of session.

As part of the program new students will be provided with the opportunity to interact with their mentor, as well as other new students. 

The program offers weekly coffee sessions where new students can meet others involved in MATES@UWS 

Why join MATES@UWS? 

As a new student you will be introduced to a new environment and a new way of learning. A mate (mentor) will help to guide you through the first few weeks of uni and answer any questions you might have about this new experience.
It's up to you and your mate to decide how often, when and where you want to meet up. There's a lot of flexibility for you to fit this around your timetable. There will also be MATES@UWS events that all participants are welcome to take part in.

Some of the questions you might have or some of the things you might be unsure of:

What can a mate do for you?

Mates can help you find your way on campus and help you to access UWS facilities and services. Mates can also help you feel at home at UWS. Having a mate means you have someone you can call if you have any questions or just need someone to talk to.

How do I join (new students)?

Registration for new students in Spring Session 2012 are not yet open.  

Why be a mate (mentor)?

• Do you remember how difficult it was settling in when you first started uni?
• Would you like to help make that transition easier for someone else?
• Do you have skills and knowledge about the University that might help someone new?

If your answer to these questions is yes, then you could be a great mate!

The MATES@UWS program is about helping new students settle in and making their first session at university a positive one. As a mate you will help a small group of new students adapt to university life and assist them to access support and services. You will also share your knowledge and experiences about UWS and facilitate meetings with new students (providing them with the opportunity to meet other mates and new students).

What do you get by being a mate?

• develop leadership, communication and problem-solving skills
• the opportunity to expand your knowledge of UWS and the services/assistance available
• opportunity to interact with new graduate students, other mentors and UWS staff
• receive a certificate from the University
• enjoy free food and social communication

How do I become a mate?

Applications for MATES@UWS in Spring Session 2012 are now open. To complete the application please answer a few questions. (opens in a new window) 

Contact Us

For further information about the MATES@UWS program please contact mates@uws.edu.au