Mentoring is often a rewarding experience and a chance to reflect on your own journey, skills and knowledge. Other benefits include to:

• Enhance your coaching and leadership skills
• Develop a fresh perspective on your career 
• Help to shape the future of your profession and community 
• Connect with the next generation of graduates 
• Support your mentee to identify and achieve their career goals and develop confidence
• Reconnect or develop closer links with the University of Melbourne.

The Access Melbourne special entry scheme helps to break down barriers of educational disadvantage by supporting students who have faced unique circumstances to gain entry into their preferred undergraduate degree at Melbourne. Access Melbourne students have been identified as meeting the eligibility criteria and at least one special circumstance. Narrm Scholars come under the Access Melbourne scheme. 

We aim to provide opportunities to students from greater levels of disadvantage first, however we do not preclude students from lower levels of disadvantage from applying (this might include students who grew up in a rural area but did not face financial hardship). 

This program is facilitated by University staff who will support you and your mentee throughout the program.

Program Structure

• The program runs from July to November with participants meeting at least 3-4 times over the course of 5 months
• The frequency of meetings is negotiated between mentor and mentee in the initial meeting 
• Students are responsible for driving the communication and will initiate the first contact
• Meetings can take place where and when it is convenient for you 

Matching Process

When matching you with a student we will take into consideration your experience including industry, field of study and specialisations/major and personal preference for the gender of your mentoring partner. Students also submit their mentoring preferences in these areas. Our students come from a diverse range of backgrounds and study areas. While this program is aimed at supporting students from under-represented backgrounds it is important to note that this is a broad definition and is not restricted to economic disadvantage.

A beneficial and rewarding mentoring relationship is often dependent on a mentee's initiative to engage with their mentor.  We require mentees to demonstrate their commitment and interest in the program prior to matching them with a mentor. Student mentees participate in a preparation workshop where they consider their state of career readiness, career goals and as a result, identify specific topics to discuss with their mentor.  As a general guideline, we expect that mentees will:

• Initiate communications with their mentor after a partnership is announced
• Meet the general meeting requirement for the program (at least 3 meetings)
• Consider topics of discussion and questions before each meeting  
• Be punctual to meetings
• Communicate regularly and promptly with their mentor (based on agreement)
• Honour commitments
• Be respectful of the mentoring relationship and communicate in a courteous manner
• Keep shared information confidential.

The mentor's role

Mentors guide, challenge, motivate, inspire and empower their mentees.  As a mentor, you'll work with the mentee to identify where they need greater insight and understanding. Mentors should be open to sharing their personal experiences and knowledge. It's through this exchange that students develop a better understanding of the professional world and the ability to make informed decisions on career paths and strategies post–study. Mentors will:

• Provide guidance to students around self-reliance, motivation and confidence
• Provide insight into particular professional fields and networks
• Provide a safe place for discussion without judgement
• Challenge assumptions and preconceptions about career paths and how to succeed
• Encourage self-directed reflection, analysis and problem solving.

Mentor FAQs

How will I be matched with a student? Can I choose a mentee?

We match you with a student, although please be assured we carefully screen and select students for this program to ensure your mentee is committed and prepared for the experience. You also have the option of talking directly to the program administrator prior to matching to discuss your expectations, qualifications, work history and what you would like to get out of the mentoring experience.

What is the time commitment?

•    Mentor preparation workshop - approx. 1 hour webinar.
•    Email correspondence with your mentee (frequency can be negotiated in your first meeting).
•    3 or more meetings of approximately 30-minutes - 1 hour each.
•    Networking events (to be advised). 
  

I want to mentor a student from a particular background/course/gender. Is this possible?

Yes, though in some cases we may not have students who meet your requirements. If this happens we can discuss alternative ways for you to connect with and support current students. Please note, if you have registered in advance we will contact you before the next intake to check if you are still available to be a mentor.  

How are students selected for the program?

If eligible, students are asked to submit an application form indicating their mentoring preferences and attend a preparation workshop. To be eligible for this program, students need to:

•    Have been awarded a place under the Access Melbourne special entry scheme during the admission process.
•    Be in the second or third year of an undergraduate degree (any discipline).

The Access Melbourne special entry scheme supports students who have faced unique circumstances throughout their schooling to gain entry into their preferred undergraduate degree at Melbourne. Access Melbourne students have been identified as meeting certain eligibility criteria and at least once special circumstance outlined here. Narrm Scholars come under the Access Melbourne banner.

We aim to provide opportunities to students from greater levels of disadvantage first, however we do not preclude students from lower levels of disadvantage from applying (this might include students who grew up in a rural area but did not face financial hardship).  
 

Do I need to come onto campus?

There's no requirement for you to come onto campus to meet your mentee, however you may choose to do so if it is convenient for you. Meetings  with your mentee need to be scheduled at a location and time which is  suitable for you this also means virtual meetings are still acceptable.  

For any other questions, please contact the Program Officer via email at access-connections@unimelb.edu.au. 

 

Last updated:17 September 2025