Mentor Mates

Introduction

Our community is dedicated to supporting one another and ensuring you have a rewarding and fulfilling experience throughout your time at the university.

We are invested in our students and the vision of a welcoming and inclusive learning community where everybody is supported and encouraged to achieve their full potential.

This scheme is a peer-to-peer support system that helps first year students adjust to life at the University of Greenwich. As a member of the scheme, you will enjoy numerous benefits, including assistance with settling in, opportunities to make new friends, and gaining valuable insights into life at Greenwich.

How it works

When you join as a new student, you will be matched with current Greenwich students through Vygo, based on the responses you provide during the registration process. However, you will have the option to browse available mentors and review their profiles.

Being matched with current students who have first-hand experience at Greenwich can be both enjoyable and valuable for new students. The scheme is flexible, informal, and designed to accommodate your schedule.

We would like all students at the University of Greenwich to have the opportunity to have a student peer mentor, so take your first step by joining the Student Peer Mentoring Scheme today.

Joining is easy, simply log in with your University of Greenwich email address from your computer or by downloading the Vygo app.

What is expected of you as a mentee

• Hold regular meetings with your mentor.
• Respond to your mentor’s messages in a timely manner.
• See your mentor as your primary point of contact for any questions or guidance.
• Take the initiative to schedule meetings and communicate your preferred methods of contact.
• Share your own knowledge and experiences with your mentor.
• Participate in social and networking events related to student peer mentoring.

After engaging as a mentee for a period, you will have the opportunity to become a mentor and assist fellow students in making the most of their university experience.

As a mentor, you can be a part of the Student Peer Mentoring Community for the duration of your time at Greenwich.

If you have any questions about the scheme, please contact the Student Engagement Team on student-engagement@gre.ac.uk.

How to become a mentor

We encourage all students in year 2 and year 3 of their programme, as well as postgraduate students 6 months into their course to become a mentor. The training is all on Moodle, please complete the Blue Badge Mentor Training Quiz to become a blue badge mentor mate.

There are 5 elements of the training, these are:

1- The Mentor Academy

2 - Mental Health and Wellbeing

3 - Student Finance/ budgeting

4 - How to make the most of the Vygo App and how to create an enticing profile.

5 - Sign Posting/ Reporting

If you have any questions about becoming a mentor, please ask a current mentor within Vygo.

Badge System

Our mentor badge system is designed to recognize and reward your dedication and progress in our program.

1. Blue Badge: This is your starting point. Once you complete the first mentor training quiz, you earn the Blue Badge. It's your initial step into the mentor community.

2. Silver Badge: Elevate your status by engaging in more training, attending workshops, and completing volunteering activities. The Silver Badge represents your growing expertise and commitment.

3. Gold Badge: Achieve the highest of our badge system. The Gold Badge is awarded for outstanding participation and leadership in the mentor program.

Each badge offers exciting rewards, including unique opportunities and more. Redeem your rewards upon achieving each badge and enjoy the benefits of your hard work and dedication.

Benefits of being a mentee

• Increase engagement and decrease isolation by meeting other students.
• Start building a support network.
• Increase self-esteem and confidence.
• Support in the transition to the University of Greenwich.
• Become a member of the university community and meet your peers.

Benefits of being a mentor

We are always recruiting student mentors to support our new students, welcome them to the Greenwich community and support their transition to university life

If you would like to become a Student Mentor, please complete the Blue Badge Mentor Training Quiz.

As a mentor you will:

• Complete 4 hours of mandatory training on being a mentor, mental health awareness and signposting to relevant services.
• Meet with your mentee at least three times per term. (online or face-to-face)
• Have the opportunity to participate in mentor and mentee networking events.

Benefits of being a mentor:

• Comprehensive Training: Receive training in mentoring, wellbeing, mental health, and finance.
• Exclusive Development Opportunities: Get invited to additional skill-building sessions.
• Certificates of Participation and Excellence: Earn recognition for your achievements.
• LinkedIn Recommendations: Receive endorsements to enhance your professional profile.
• Special Event Invitations: Enjoy invitations to exclusive events.
• Exciting Rewards: Unlock rewards based on your badge status (blue, silver, gold).

For general enquiries, please visit our Digital Student Centre.

Hear from our Mentor Mates

Our peer mentors are incredible, they assist with welcome events, deliver engaging shout-outs, and participate in confidence-building workshops. Through their dedication, they create a welcoming and motivating environment for everyone.

One of them shared:

"Partaking in the Vygo mentoring scheme has been incredibly beneficial for me as I have been able to learn how to hold valuable and interesting conversations with complete strangers, teaching me how to expertly network in preparation for my future career."

"Becoming a student mentor has meant that I have been able to contribute to the strong Greenwich community and give back support to the services of the University." 

"My motivation levels have rapidly increased my enthusiasm in ensuring that students are able to make the most of their university experience, both academically and socially. If given the opportunity, I would thoroughly recommend partaking in such a scheme to help conquer and make a difference within the university and to yourselves!"

Vygo Podcasts

Our Greenwich Mentors Mates have been featured on the Champions Coffee Podcast: Student Crossroads by Vygo, where they have shared their experiences and insights about their lives as students. The podcast aims to provide valuable advice, inspiration, and support to help students navigate their academic and personal journeys.

Episode 1 with Gihan Bulathsinghala, Student Mentor

Episode 2 with Serena Christie, Student Mentor