Peer Mentoring Scheme

Peer Mentors support new students in their department by sharing their first-year experiences, answering questions, and helping Peer Mentees access support services. They maintain contact with Peer Mentees throughout the year via messages or informal meet-ups. Full details of the role can be found here.

If you have completed at least one year of study at Herts for Hertfordshire Law School or School of Creative Arts, you can apply to become a Peer Mentor. Training is provided, allowing you to use your experiences to help another student reach their potential and make the most of their time at Herts. The role is entirely flexible and can fit around your busy schedule. We are looking for Peer Mentors to support new students starting in September 2025. If you will still be a student next academic year, you can apply to become a Peer Mentor now by applying here.

The main benefits of becoming a Peer Mentor include:

• • Gaining valuable transferable skills for future roles such as leadership and mentoring skills, along with building meaningful connections with fellow students and faculty members.
• • Using your knowledge and experience to help new students realize how exciting and enriching university life can be at Herts.
• • Playing a vital role in the transition period for new students and making a positive difference in their lives.
• • Receiving a LinkedIn badge "I am a Peer Mentor" upon successful completion of the programme.

Even with a busy schedule, you can build your CV by being a Peer Mentor. The role requires initial training and to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• • Sending emails to your Peer Mentees from September to May.
• • Meeting your Peer Mentees at least four times (virtually or face-to-face.)
• • Completing a short evaluation at the end of the scheme.

If you wish to further develop your skills, you can:

• • Organise a one-off event for your Peer Mentees group.
• • Try new formats for meetings with Peer Mentees.
• • Support the SU in further developing the scheme.

As a Peer Mentor, you will gain transferable skills, such as problem-solving, peer support, and communication. Understanding equality, diversity, and safeguarding is crucial in your role and understand the role of safeguarding for yourself and your Peer Mentees. It's essential to continually enhance your communication skills, since most interactions with Peer Mentees will be via email.

We understand that you might have lots of questions that you would prefer to ask a friendly experienced student rather than a staff member. That’s what a Peer Mentor can provide!

Some typical questions Peer Mentors can answer:

• • I’m feeling overwhelmed, what do I do?
• • Where are my lectures?
• • Where’s the LRC??
• • What’s a module and how do I access Canvas or StudyNet?
• • I’m not sure that I picked the right course, what should I do?
• • How do I get more involved in student life?

Peer Mentors are there to help you with these queries. No issue is too small, and they understand what it's like to be in the first year with doubts and questions.

Who are my Peer Mentees?

You will be notified of your Peer Mentees before the scheme begins in September. If unsure, email peermentoring@hertssu.com. 

Do I need good grades to be able to apply?

We believe everyone’s experience is valuable: regardless of your grades, you can have a positive impact on another student. 

Can I be a Peer Mentor after graduation?

Peer Mentors must be full-time students at the University of Hertfordshire, generally in their 2nd, 3rd or final year.

What if the role isn't what I expected?

If unsure about continuing as a Peer Mentor, contact peermentoring@hertssu.com to discuss your concerns. We aim to help you to get the most out of the scheme. However, if necessary, you can choose to step down from the role of Peer Mentor. 

How do I maintain confidentiality, record-keeping and data protection?

You would be provided with appropriate training, but it's important you understand that the mentoring relationship will remain confidential. A Peer Mentor is trusted and is expected to treat student concerns and private matters with the utmost sensitivity.

Can I add my Peer Mentees on social media?

It is up to you and your Peer Mentees to give consent to sharing contact details. We believe it would be the best approach and will be happy for you to reach out to your Peer Mentees on social media, although, we recommend that Peer Mentors use Teams to contact their Peer Mentees.

How do I know who my Peer Mentor is?

Your Peer Mentor will introduce themselves via email. If you haven’t heard from them or wish to change your mentor, contact the Peer Mentoring team at peermentroing@hertssu.com.  

What can my Peer Mentor do for me?

They can offer advice, share experiences, introduce you to university services, and encourage involvement in university life. Peer Mentors cannot provide academic or mental health support but can direct you to the right services.

What do I do if my Peer Mentor sends me incorrect information regarding our course?

Notify your Peer Mentor so that they can find the correct information and share this with the rest of their Peer Mentees.

What support can I go to my Peer Mentor for?

Your Peer Mentor is there to provide guidance and signposting when you need it. They should be someone you can trust to direct you to a useful service or answer any general questions you have about the University or Students' Union.

What do I do if my Peer Mentor has not emailed me to begin with or has not responded to my email?

If you are unable to get in touch with your Peer Mentor, or find yourself requiring further support, please email peermentoring@hertssu.com.