Academic Mentoring

INTRODUCTION

The Academic Mentoring Scheme for students has the following 5 objectives:

• To help students adapt to undergraduate life.
• To establish rapport and encourage interaction between faculty and students.
• To provide a channel for student feedback.
• To keep students informed about NTU matters.
• To guide students in choosing appropriate courses of study and career options.

The scheme complements the services provided by hall fellows and the University Counselling Centre (UCC).

MATTERS COVERED BY THE SCHEME

The academic mentor acts as a link between the student and the appropriate person or authority concerned, e.g. tutor, course coordinator, Assistant Chair, Student Affairs Office etc. As freshmen come from diverse backgrounds, the initial task of the academic mentor is to provide information on university life - how teaching is done, what is expected in tutorials and examinations, what resources are available in the library and who to seek help from, how to study, and how to get the most out of their stay here. Mentors also advise on time management, academic performance and achieving a good balance of co-curricular activities.  

Mentors are not expected to be fully conversant with all aspects pertaining to students in the university. In some cases, an apparent academic problem may sometimes be related to the student's personal difficulties. In such instances, the student may be referred to the UCC which provides professional counselling and related psychological wellbeing services to students. 

Each student will be assigned a faculty member from his/her respective school who shall remain as the Mentor throughout the student's candidature. Common Engineering freshmen who have yet to stream/specialise will be assigned a faculty from one of the Engineering schools in the first semester.

An inaugural 'Meet-Your-Mentor' session is usually scheduled within the first month of the semester. Freshmen will be informed of the session via email. During the session, students will be briefed on what is expected of them as undergraduates, in their lectures, tutorials and examinations.

A schedule of future meetings can be drawn up at this first session. The frequency of such meetings can be decided between students and their mentors. It is recommended that students meet their mentors at least twice during the academic year. Mentors will keep a record of the meetings in the Academic Mentoring System.

The format and content of meetings are entirely at the discretion of the mentors. They may meet their students individually or in small groups. Meetings may be held in any place conducive for interaction, such as tutorial rooms, school meeting rooms, staff clubs, the mentor's office, or even in the cafeteria.

For further information, please contact the following school administrators: