MATES

What is MATES?

MATES is a peer mentoring program for commencing and first year students.

MATES provides first year students with an opportunity to connect with other new students and mentors in later years of study. This helps students to make social networks and acquire knowledge and skills to help settle into life at university.

Where is MATES held?

MATES mentoring sessions take place face to face on campus or online via Zoom. Each mentor nominates a day and time they are available for their group mentoring sessions across the eight weeks of the program, and also connect with group members between the weekly sessions via phone calls and emails.

I'm a new student, how do I get involved?

We are currently accepting registrations for the Autumn 2024 semester.

Step 1: Join the MATES community

As part of the MATES community, you can also connect with other students via the MATES Facebook and WESTERNLife groups, online forums and MATES events. You can ask MATES mentors questions and connect with other first year students and share your experiences. You will receive a weekly newsletter (MATES Mail) and other emails from your mentor, delivering lots of helpful hints and tips straight to your inbox.

Step 2: Join a Mentor group

Once you are part of the MATES community you can choose to join a mentor group that meets weekly, either face to face on campus or online via Zoom. Mentor groups are led by mentors who are trained student volunteers in later years of study.

Mentor groups give you the opportunity to ask questions, share your experiences with other first year students and learn about Western Sydney University services and resources, in a relaxed informal environment. MATES provides useful information to get the discussion flowing.

I'd like to be a mentor, how do I get involved?

Let us know you're interested!

We are currently recruiting mentors for Autumn 2024 semester. Click on the "Register Now to Become a MATES Mentor" button to let us know you're interested!

Contact us

For more information about the MATES program please have a look at the additional webpages, and if you have a question that isn't answered there, send an email to mates@westernsydney.edu.au (from your student email account).