Academic Student Mentor Scheme
September 2010
The Academic Student Mentor Scheme was developed to support early identification of students requiring assistance and to work with them in developing strategies to address issues affecting their performance. The scheme supports the JMP Student Welfare and Fitness to Practise procedure which emphasises early identification of and support to 'impaired' students.
This new scheme began in 2011 with the appointment of Academic Student Mentors at the start of Semester 1. The mentors are existing staff members located on campus at each University for students in Years 1-3 and at each JMP Clinical School site for Years 4-5.
"The scheme identifies clear roles for academic mentors who can offer targeted support to students as well as a student support role," said Professor Ian Symonds, Dean of Medicine — JMP.
At the commencement of semester students will be notified of the availability of pastoral and academic support and how Academic Student Mentors can be contacted.
"It is hoped this will encourage self-identification and allow us to address concerns at the point of occurrence."
Students whose assessment result in any course falls within the lower quartile will receive notification of their performance status and may be referred to a mentor. The mentor will assess each individual student's needs and either refer the student to University based teaching and learning and general support services or provide direct support.
"Students who experience difficulty over two or more semesters may be referred to the JMP Student Welfare and Fitness to Practise (SWFtP) Committee to consider options for additional support and remediation."
The success of the scheme will be monitored and reviewed over its implementation stages in 2011.
