Development of Launch Email

Colleagues

I am pleased to launch the Academic Mentoring Partnership (AMP) in its inaugural year.

AMP is being established with the aim of supporting developments to improve progression, retention and achievement across the university. As part of our ongoing commitment to work in partnership with students in all aspects of university life it is to be delivered by students for students with the support of staff. The scheme is a reciprocal relationship where the mentor, mentee and institution benefit.

We will be expecting bids for small and large scale projects but will expect the proposals to demonstrate the value for the number of student hours requested to support the project.

Examples of academic mentoring projects which could be implemented as part of this scheme include:

One on One Academic Assistance Mentoring: academic assistance for students on modules on a drop-in or appointment basis

Discussion Group Mentoring: Specific module based assistance with the module content.  The mentor will be an exceptional student that has taken the module before and will hold walk-in group sessions during the term to help with the content of the module.

Teaching Assistant Mentoring: The mentor provides assistance to a lecturer in a specific module in the form of student help, course development, and lesson implementation.  This scheme would work particularly well in practical settings such as nursing or graphic design where the mentor could assist the students in a classroom setting.

Workshop Mentoring: The mentor develops a workshop event that helps to develop specific core skills that have been identified as areas for improvement.

AMP is supported by three key principles:

·         to improve progression, retention and achievement rates on modules

·         to develop skills for both the mentee and mentor. These can be personal skills such as self-reflection, organization, time management, and confidence and academic skills, which include knowledge, critical thinking, and communication.

·         the University’s commitment to working in partnership with students in improving the learning experience.

 Your bid should demonstrate the following:

·         demonstrate how your project will benefit progression, retention and achievement and the numbers of students it will impact upon.

·         value for money though a clear timeline, benefits and outcomes

·         partnership between staff and students.

Any bids that show genuinely innovative mentoring ideas or demonstrate collaboration of students working together from different disciplines will be favourably considered.

All applications should be sent to your Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) and the closing date for applications is X

Project applicants will be informed by X of the decision

Successful projects will be required to attend a briefing and training workshop as a student and staff team in the week beginning X. This workshop will offer a chance for members of different projects to discuss their plans and the methods they hope to use, as well as including training for:

·         How to handle sensitive subjects and where to direct students for personal issues or alternative help

·         How to lead group sessions

·         How to behave appropriately as a Mentor; and what can be expected of all participants

·         How to deal with information of a confidential nature

·         What to do in the case of an emergency

·         The support CELT will provide project teams

If you want to discuss the scheme or any particular idea please contact the CELT team

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We look forward to reading your application.