Documents received of mentor

Transition Day – presentation

Information about the StAMP scheme:

The Student Academic Mentoring Partnership was designed to help/support students, as it can be less intimidating approaching a fellow student, rather than staff.

The StAMP is run by CELT (Centre for Enhancement of Learning and Teaching team) in collaboration with various faculties.

The aim/purpose of the scheme is to encourage student engagement and increase retention rates (of students staying and studying at the university.)

Benefits of the StAMP scheme:

- Builds a collaborative relationship between mentors, mentees, staff and the university.

- Develops personal skills such as organisation, reflection as well as academic skills – this can in the form of research, planning, analysis, critical evaluation for assignment or a presentation.

- Approachability – as discussed above.

- Flexibility – can be changed/adapted based on students needs.   

It is a new and pioneering scheme created by the university, and as a result we are still developing it. We would be grateful if you could take a few minutes out to complete the survey in front of you, so that we can use your views to develop the scheme.

Hints and Tips for students progressing:

- Be organised and manage your time well – for those students wishing to pursue a career in the legal profession, academic ability/grades are not enough these days. You need to be a well rounded individual with relevant experience/skills (to prove you are committed.) This can be in the form of a part-time job, work experience/shadowing, extra-curricular activities (legal/mooting society) and volunteering.

- Attend career sessions and talks – chance to find out more, ask questions and make contacts. There is a tendency for students to say “i’ll go next time or later during the year”, but it never happens. Some students even moan about the lack of opportunities available! E.g. I went to a careers talk held by the university (featuring Birmingham City Council – Legal Services), and got a work exp placement at the end of it.

However don’t over commit yourself as this could have detrimental effects. If at any stage you feel overwhelmed, stop and reassess your situation – academic grades should be the priority!

- Progressing from level 4 – 5, 5 – 6 can be difficult. (Personally, I found the jump from 4 to 5 more difficult.) The volume of work, more is expected from you - you have to go further, wider reading/academic analysis and critical discussion. You can’t get away with just doing the basics and revising last minute. If you want the higher marks, you have to attend lectures/prepare for and engage in seminars, clinics, revision sessions etc. Hand in work for marking (even if there is no assignment) and get feedback on work from tutors.

E.g. I work as a Student Ambassador and Student Academic Mentor for the university. I am also volunteering with the Citizens Advice Bureau, the West Midlands Fire Service and my local temple. Furthermore I have been involved in the Legal Society and the Law Students Network (Bham), whilst also doing work experience and placements with law firms.

- If any point you are struggling, there are a lot of support mechanisms in place to help you e.g. Student Services (pastoral, finance, employment, childcare), Academic Skills Centre, PDP tutor, and hopefully Student Academic Mentors! They are all free services and think of it this way – you are only going to end up in the same position, if not better. Personally I have used these services and they have benefited me in various ways. E.g. I got a work experience and paid project through Student Services (Employment Zone.)

- Prepare beforehand – if you know the modules you will be doing, start doing some basic reading in the summer to get background knowledge, so you can hit the ground running when the year starts.

-Work hard, but don’t forget to have fun and make the most it– night outs, discounts, lie-ins until midday! It’s all a balancing act

Questionnaire for LLB students

Please complete these questions so that we can develop the Student Academic Partnership Scheme: (All answers will remain anonymous!)

1)    How have you found your university life and how would you rate your student experience to date? Scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest.)

2)    Have you ever visited or used Student Services? (If yes, please elaborate – for what reasons, how did you find the service?)

3)    Have you ever attended or used the Centre for Academic Success? (If yes, please elaborate – what did you need help with, did you resolve your problems, how was the service?)

4)    Do you regularly keep contact with you Personal Development Tutor (PDP)? (If yes, please elaborate. If not, please explain why not?)

5)    Are there any academic areas you find difficult e.g. essay, problem questions, analysis, critical evaluation, researching, referencing.

6)    Are there any particular concerns/worries you have about progressing to the next year?

7)    Reflecting back on the academic year that has just passed – how have you found it? Any positives or negatives?

8)    What would you like/expect from a Student Academic Mentor?

9)    What are your future ambitions/goals?

10) Is there anything else you would like to add?

Student number:

Many thanks for taking the time out to complete this questionnaire! J