The student mentor network brings together more experienced students with those new to higher education to share their knowledge and experience. The network provides training and a structure for more experienced students to help those new to higher education. The mentor – mentee relationship is an informal one with meetings taking place in cafes and other informal spaces. There is also the option to meet online or by email with mentors when they are based at another campus.

1. UHI Student Mentor Network Student Mentor Training Kevin Sinclair, Student Progression Lead Practitioner Email: kevin.sinclair@uhi.ac.uk Web: www.uhi.ac.uk/student-mentor-network

17. UHI Student Mentor Network Is mentoring group work? We don’t assume that you will be working in a group. You may prefer only mentoring one to one. That is fine, in fact that is really what mentoring is. The purpose of group work is not so much actual mentoring, but to find out who could benefit from mentoring. The best work of mentoring is always a one to one. A group setting is actually unsuitable for good quality mentoring as people will not open up in a group. Mentors who work remotely with students, by email, Blackboard or phone will always mentor in a one to one setting. When working one to one, always have an idea what you would like to achieve from the session, but let the mentee be the main guide as to what they would like to achieve. Your role is to facilitate them to excel. Let them set the targets, but you challenge them to go further!

20. UHI Student Mentor Network Basic counselling awareness Counsellors work with a variety of difficulties and issues. In universities problems include: studies and exams, personal relationships, identity, loneliness, anxiety, depression, suicidal feelings, homesickness, family problems, cultural issues, trauma, life changes, bereavement and loss, eating difficulties, drug or alcohol problems, life crises, mental health issues, experiences of abuse or discrimination. The most common issues are usually home sickness, challenges of independent learning, making friends and relationship problems. UHI academic partner counsellors can help with all of these issues. They provide time and space to examine, clarify and understand concerns, and explore and develop more effective ways of coping.