Transition Mentoring

Transition Mentoring Overview

The Transition Mentoring programme is designed to provide direct support for Access+ students that have a firm offer with The University of Sheffield. The transition period between firming and registering with a university has been identified through research as a clear drop off point for prospective Access+ students and a period in which students would benefit from additional support. This additional support will come through the provision of a role model that will help mentor and guide prospective access+ students through this difficult period.

As a trained Transition Mentor you will be allocated up to 6 Access+ mentees. These mentees will remain the same for all sessions throughout the transition period (dates below). Mentors and mentees will be matched together based on mentee preference as well as Degree, A level and timeslot availability.

Once matched you will meet with your mentees virtually through Blackboard Collaborate, which is our secure online platform, for a confidential 30minute session each week for all six weeks of mentoring.

The content of these sessions will vary but their purpose will be to provide information, advice & guidance to students navigating the transition period towards university study. (Session content is detailed further below).

Programme Aims

The main aims of the programme are:

To provide positive role models for prospective students
To increase the conversion rate of Access+ students that firm with The University of Sheffield
To raise the confidence, self-esteem, and motivation of Access+ applicants
To raise awareness of HE amongst under-represented groups
To provide University of Sheffield students with the opportunity to gain mentoring experience and develop transferable skills.

At The University of Sheffield, Access Sheffield Mentoring is coordinated by a dedicated team within the Access Service, UK Student Recruitment team & Admissions. The team provides widening participation opportunities to raise aspirations of local young people, and gives them a realistic insight into University life. Access Sheffield Mentoring is one of a number of programmes coordinated by the Access Service

For more information, please visit our webpage: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/schools/programmes/mentoring

Session Dates for 2025

Virtual Mentor Training will take place 2nd July ( 6-8pm)

The first mentoring session will take place on week commencing 14th July 2025
The second session will take place on week commencing 21st July 2025
The third session will take place on week commencing 28th July 2025
The fourth session will take place on week commencing 4th August 2025
There is no mentoring on week commencing 11th August 2025 due to the UCAS Embargo
The final session will take place on week commencing 18th August 2025

Virtual Mentor Focus group will take place 26th August (5-6pm)

Session Content Overview

Meeting your mentor & Wellbeing

Moving away from home

Making the most of your money

Your time at Sheffield

Results Day Support

Commuter Students

additional materials linked here

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