People with disabilities should be able to study on equal terms with other students. To compensate for the difficulties that may arise, Chalmers offers disability study support. Mentor support is one of the support functions offered.
What is mentor support?
Mentor support means that you receive help with structure and planning, orienting yourself in the physical environment or navigating digital platforms, as well as tips on study strategies or support with prioritising. The aim is to create the conditions for you to complete your studies on your own. You can receive mentor support for a maximum of one year.
Who can receive mentor support?
Mentor support can be offered to those who have documented difficulties with structure and planning. This may be because you have documented difficulties with structure and planning, for example if you have a neuropsychiatric disability or mental health issues. You need a NAIS decision to be eligible for mentor support.
Collaboration Between the Mentor and Student
Mentor support is based on your initiative and willingness. You determine what the mentor needs to know for the collaboration to work best. Together, you agree on the framework for collaboration: how you contact each other and where you meet.
If you unreasonably miss out on two mentor visits, the coordinator terminates mentor support.
Being a mentor means that the mentor meets up with you and together create tools and conditions that enable you to complete your studies on your own.
As a student, you may need help navigating the digital platforms linked to the university, such as the student portal, timetable, lecture halls and course syllabuses. You will usually meet once a week, but at the beginning it may be a good idea to meet twice a week.
Becoming a mentor for a student with disabilities
What does it take to become a mentor?
You must be enrolled in a programme/course at Chalmers from year 2 onwards or be a Chalmers alumnus. You must also be up to date with your own studies if you are an active student. You must be communicative and have an interest in people. You must also be able to share various study tips and support the student with structure and planning. Mentor support is help for self-help, and the idea is that mentor support is provided for six months to a year.
Will I receive mentor training?
You will undergo a brief training course, plus a couple of group supervision sessions with Chalmers’ study support coordinator.
Will I get paid?
As a mentor, you will be paid for your efforts. You will also receive payment for the supervision sessions and training.
How great is the workload?
Mentors and students normally meet for one or two hours a week.
How do I become a mentor?
Fill in the form below and send us a short personal letter about yourself. We will then contact you and book a meeting.
Reference
When you have been a mentor to one or more students for at least two terms and have participated in training sessions and supervision, the coordinator can act as a reference for you when you apply for a job upon request.
All students should be able to participate in activities based on their capabilities!
Structure and Timeframes
The mentor and student together find appropriate strategies for:
- Study techniques
- Structure, organization, and planning of studies
- Timetables and weekly planning
- Prioritizing tasks
- Navigating Chalmers' digital platforms
The mentor does not provide support with:
- Acting as a supervisor or teacher
- Writing content or proofreading
- Serving as a contact person or therapist
Timeframes
- Mentor support is provided for one academic year at a time. If the student or mentor wishes to end the assignment prematurely, contact the coordinators.
- The mentor and student have one hour of contact per week. Up to two hours can be recommended at the beginning of the collaboration.
- It is essential for both the mentor and the student to respect and adhere to agreed-upon times.
- Inform each other if the meeting is canceled; the mentor reports to educational support if this happens more than three times.
Come prepared for each meeting!
Responsibility
Student's responsibility
The student should come well-prepared for mentor meetings and bring the necessary materials for planning and organizing studies: course plan, schedule, literature, and a calendar. If the collaboration is not working, contact the coordinators.
Mentor's responsibility
The mentor participates in the education and training provided by the coordinators. The mentor arranges the meeting place after coordinating with the student.
The mentor should come prepared for the meeting. The mentor is responsible for not disclosing conversations with the student. If the mentor needs to consult with someone, contact the coordinators.
Mentor's Compensation and Training
- The mentor receives compensation according to the current fee.
- The mentor is offered training and guidance.
- The mentor receives a work certificate specifying the tasks if desired.
Follow-up
The coordinators conduct follow-ups as time permits, so it is crucial for the student and mentor to reach out if something is not working or if mentor support ends prematurely. If you wish to continue with mentor support after an academic year, speak with your mentor to see if it works for them as well. You should then contact Disability study support to discuss whether additional mentoring support can be offered.