Mentor Program

The Mentor Program is designed to assist students with the transition from high school to University and places each first year student at the Victorian College of Pharmacy into a group with seven other new students and two Mentors.

Your Mentor will be your guide throughout Orientation week and your transition to University. They are here to answer your questions, get you involved and show you how the Victorian College of Pharmacy works!

What is a Mentor?

noun 1 an experienced and trusted adviser. 2 an experienced person in an organization or institution who trains and counsels new employees or students.

• adviser
• ‘teacher’
• guide
• advocate
• role-model
• friend
• confidant/confidante
• a ‘sounding-board’

What a Mentor can do for you.....

Mentors can share their experiences of university with you and offer advice on:

• how to adapt to university life
• the workload and study requirements
• relevant textbooks
• study techniques
• examination structures

Mentors can also direct you to existing student services available to help make your transition to university as easy as possible, for example:

• Accommodation and housing   
• Religious services
• Disability liaison unit
• Financial aid        
• Language and learning
• Legal aid
• Student counselling  

We believe that your time at University will be much more enjoyable and gratifying if you:

• investigate what the College can offer beyond the classroom experience and participate in all aspects of College life
• collaborate with other students and staff in order to create a learning community
• concentrate on achieving important balances between your new found freedom and responsibility and between work, study and fun
• celebrate your achievements

Your Mentor can provide you with the information you require to help you to achieve these things!

What is Transition?

Transition can therefore be viewed in two broad classes: 

1. Personal Transition

• The ability to refocus and develop enthusiasm and motivation after Year 12
• The organisation of your domestic arrangements
• The ability to meat your financial commitments
• The ability to build new social networks and learning communities

2. Academic Transition

• University study demands students be independent learners
• New time management skills and the ability to balance study, work and play. 

There are two main reasons why transition from high school to University can be difficult:

1.You are taken out of the familiar network of friends and teachers developed at high school and placed in a whole new environment.
2. The teaching and learning style at University is different to the one you experienced at high school. Secondary school teachers are valuable resources providing individual/personalized assistance and advice. Where as Lecturers expect students to be self-reliant and independent learners.

Transition can take time and requires you to overcome new challenges both personally and academically, but make sure you keep coming to class. In order to settle into University life you will need to:

• adjust to a new learning style and take responsibility for your own learning,
• replace your support and learning networks by making new friends and getting to know people and
• find a balance between study, work and play.

Remember information is the basis of a good decisions and your Mentor is a great starting point when you are looking for answers!