CLMS Mentorship Training Programme

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Student Support Services (SSS) in the College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS) rolled out a two-day intensive training programme with staff from the Academic Monitoring and Support unit on 11 and 14 April 2022.

The participants included Peer Wellness Mentors, Writing Place Tutors, Peer Academic Mentors and Academic Development Officers. The key purpose of the training was to equip staff with skills, knowledge and competencies to enable them to fulfil their roles and responsibilities effectively.

The training mapped out crucial factors in building successful relationships that allow students to feel supported and encouraged to optimise their academic and personal development. The entire SSS team, including all the Student Counsellors and the Career Development Officer, contributed to the training.

The Peer Helper and Wellness models formed the foundation for the training development. Research demonstrates that holistic wellness enhances student academic success; promotes happiness, well-being and health; and develops graduate attributes. The wellness approach is an evidence-based and strengths-based approach that aims to optimise the potential of all students.

The training commenced with a discussion on the roles and responsibilities of the different portfolios, challenges experienced, and lessons learnt. Participants showed their maturity and wisdom as senior students as they could draw from their rich background of knowledge and experience to find resolutions to support students effectively. They also reflected on the skills and knowledge to enhance their roles and responsibilities.

The Learning Styles session encouraged participants to reflect on students’ preferred ways of learning which sensitively encourages them (students) to take ownership and control over their learning. Learning Styles were a reminder that all students are different and that it is important to keep this in mind when responding to their needs.

The session on Basic Communication Skills covered the essential facets of good communication which is crucial in developing an authentic, supportive relationship. Effective communication assists students in understanding direction and feedback better, feeling respected and understood, and being motivated to learn.

The session on Boundaries and Confidentiality in Relationships highlighted the importance of these factors in helping both parties reinforce the relationship by understanding expectations. Young people need consistent boundaries and realistic expectations to feel safe physically and emotionally. Confidentiality involves the responsibility of ensuring that information discussed between two parties is treated with the utmost confidence. Confidentiality is essential for building a trusting relationship.

The session on Working with Distressed Students provided participants with skills and knowledge on how to manage challenges calmly and refer to the correct service providers.

The training also included topics on Mental Health Education, Growth Mindset, Work-related skills and Health and Wellness coaching to enable a mindset shift to a more focused, deliberate, positive, and holistic mentoring approach that encourages students to discover their strengths and potential contributions, have greater self-awareness, think and engage with others collaboratively, and generate their own approaches and solutions to challenges and dilemmas.

An abridged version of the training programme was held on 9 May 2022 for those unable to attend the first programme due to the KZN floods. The training demonstrated how to mentor and facilitate an interactive learning format online that can lead to transformative learning.

The training was evaluated positively, with participants commenting on the value of the information and skills in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities and the interactive engagements that gave them a sense of social presence.

During these times of online learning, a sense of community helps to reduce the sense of loneliness and stress created by the technological disconnect. The participants represent a group of remarkable individuals poised to support students to optimise their learning development and wellness during these challenging times.

The collaboration will continue with the Student Counsellors facilitating debriefing sessions for mentors negotiating their current formidable role in a context defined by ongoing crises and natural disasters.

Words: Ishara Maharaj

Image: Shutterstock