FAQs

Connect Mentors are assigned to all new La Trobe students in their first semester. A Connect Mentor is assigned to assist you with any queries you may have as you begin university.

Your Connect Mentor will usually contact you prior to Orientation Week to introduce themselves. You will meet your mentor on the first day of Orientation, at which point you'll be given a campus tour and have the opportunity to meet other students you'll be studying with.

Whilst it's not compulsory to have a Connect Mentor, we provide you with one initially to make sure that you're supported in your transition to university. You can 'opt-out' of the Connect Mentor Program at any time - all you need to do is let your Connect Mentor know.

Yes, you can change the Connect Mentor who is assigned to you. If you have any problems or issues or would like to change your Connect Mentor, please contact the coordinating staff member on your campus.

You can ask a mentor anything related to your commencement at university. You can also ask mentors general questions related to your course. Connect Mentors know from personal experience what it is like to be a new student. They can give you important ‘insider information’ that only a student would know from experience. They are friendly, helpful, approachable and available to support you.

Your Connect Mentor will help make the transition less daunting and take the stress out of starting uni. He or she can answer practical questions related to your start at university such as those around:

• Timetabling issues
• How to submit assignments
• Managing the work load
• Finding your way around the uni and the library
• Where the best places are to eat and relax on campus
• How to use all of the support services available to help you.

Your mentor is like a guide who has walked the same path before. However, please remember:

• Connect Mentors are not private tutors
• Connect Mentors are not counsellors
• Connect Mentors are not your representative for academic matters and disputes.

If you need specialist help your mentor will connect you to the right support service at the university. Alternatively, you can find more sources of help on Ready4Uni.

If you would like to participate in the Connect Mentor Program there are some guidelines you need to follow. Connect Mentors put in a lot of effort but you will only get the most from the mentoring experience if you participate too.

Having a mentor is a lot like a two-way street and to get the most from the program we recommend you do the following:

• Communicate with and respond to your mentor.
• Take advantage of this source of help, so ask questions, attend meetings and get involved.
• Be willing to act on your mentor’s advice and help yourself.

Please contact the coordinating staff member on your campus.