The efforts of four CQU Mackay student mentors were highlighted at the annual Awards Dinner recently.

Mentor Program Co-ordinator Jocelyn Wood said the support offered by mentors proved invaluable to first-year students.

“Mentors help first-year students with the transition into university life and remain in contact with them throughout first and second term,” she said.

“During this time the mentors answer many questions and offer a lot of support to the new students.” “Mentors also help with student retention - often the experiences and guidance offered by mentors allow the new student to realise that similar obstacles and concerns have been successfully overcome in the past.” The 2003 Mentors of the Year were Karin Barron (Arts, Health & Sciences), Regan Edwards (Business & Law), Stacey Keehn (AH&S) and Nathan Lee (Education & Creative Arts).

About 50 staff and students attended the dinner held at Church on Palmer. Staff and Student Services Director David Swann spoke at the event before CQU Mackay Head of Campus Phillip Clift presented certificates of recognition to mentors.

Picture caption: Staff and Student Services Director David Swann acknowledges the importance of the CQU Mentor Program at the recent CQU Mackay Mentor Awards Dinner.

Picture caption: CQU Mackay Mentor Program Co-ordinator Jocelyn Wood (centre) joins Head of Campus Phillip Clift (back rear) in congratulating 2003 winners Karin Barron, Stacey Keehn and Nathan Lee.