University of Tasmania, Australia

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UPP/LINC Learning Support Program

UTAS Home › Division of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students & Education) › Centre for University Pathways and Partnerships  › University Preparation Program  › UPP/LINC Learning Support Program

 

Volunteer Learning Support Program

The University Preparation Program makes its course available to as many people as possible, and its online provision is popular amongst those students who are unable to get to campus because of time, mobility or distance barriers.

Preparing for university via an online course, however, presents the novice university student with a number of challenges, including:

  • Using ICT technology
  • Negotiating the UTAS online learning system
  • Staying motivated
  • Finding the time and space to study
  • Maintaining a sense of belonging and direction
  • Getting timely and personalised help

Whilst all UPP units come with well-developed online resources and access to a Distance Tutor, many students still struggle with the lack of face-to-face support.

That is where a UPP/LINC Learning Support Mentor can help.  Learning Support Mentors are a joint initiative between UTAS and LINC Tasmania.  LINC Tasmania recruits and supports mentors and students in rural and remote locations throughout Tasmania, and UTAS trains mentors and provides academic guidance for the students. Together they make the journey of starting out in higher education a much smoother process.

How does it work?

Volunteer Learning Support Mentors are recruited by participating LINC Tasmania centres.  They attend a training session run by UTAS where they learn about the units students do and how they can best support students.

Students are recruited or referred to LINCs and LINCs match tutors and mentors.  A mutual time and method of working is negotiated (can be 1:1 or small group) and mentors meet with their student/s regularly throughout the university semester.

What qualifications do I need?

Mentors are required to have successfully participated in some form of university-level study in their lives and must be able to commit for a full semester at a time.

How much time does it take?

The initial training is two days (held locally once a year). After that, mentors should expect to spend 4-5 hours per week preparing for and meeting with their student/s during the semester. UPP runs each semester (February - May and July - October). Each semester is 13 weeks long.

How do I get involved?

Contact one of the following LINC Centres and indicate that you would like to learn more:

Bridgewater LINC            6268 4010

Huon LINC                       6264 8477

Queenstown LINC           6471 5960

Or contact the University Preparation Program on 6324 3391.