MATES@UWS

What is MATES@UWS?

Starting university can be a daunting experience. MATES@UWS provides first year students with an opportunity to connect with students in later years of study. This helps new students make friends, network with other students and gain knowledge and skills to settle into life at university.

MATES@UWS aims to:

• match new students with an experienced student (mate) who acts as a mentor who can help them learn about UWS
• introduce new students to a small group of peers on their campus
• help new new students with a range of student services and resources available on campus
• give new students a personal connection with the Uni

MATES@UWS runs for the first six weeks of each teaching session with weekly coffee sessions where new students can meet others involved in MATES@UWS.

Where is MATES held?

MATES@UWS runs on all UWS campuses. Meeting times are flexible, with a convenient time arranged between the mentor and mentee. Students in the program are able to collect free beverage vouchers from their local UWS Welfare Officer to use during their mentoring meeting. For more information please contact mates@uws.edu.au.

Why join MATES@UWS?

As a new student you will be introduced to a new environment and 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, like:

Where can I...

• buy my books?
• grab something to eat?

• vUWS?
• MySR?

• enrol in my units?
• sign up for tutorials?
• get a parking permit?

It's up to you and your mate to decide how often, when and where you want to meet up. There will also be MATES@UWS events that all participants are welcome to take part in.

Mates can help you find your way on campus, 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 to join the MATES@UWS program for Autumn Session 2013 are now open. To register your interest and become part of this program, please fill in the MATES@UWS Mentoring Program application form.

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 students, other mentors and UWS staff
• receive a certificate from the University

How do I become a mate?

Applications for MATES@UWS in Autumn Session 2013 are now open. To complete the application please complete the online MATES@UWS Mentoring Program application form.

Contact Us

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