Central Queensland University’s mentors have helped hundreds of distance education students overcome the isolation of studying off-campus.

“Since the Distance Education Mentor program’s inception four years ago it has provided encouragement to new distance learners and has helped them overcome the isolation associated with studying via distance,” DE Mentor coordinator Mark Kennedy said.

“Mentees gain information that may not otherwise be available or is hard to find. The mentors help the new students understand university culture and help with self-confidence and the ability to work independently,” Mr Kennedy explained.

By supporting students through mentors, CQU seeks to improve the quality of the educational experience it provides, and to improve student retention.

DE Mentors are often students themselves and are all volunteers.

“Some of the mentors have joined the program because they saw the benefits in having a mentor themselves, while others have been motivated because they know the isolation of studying off-campus,” Mr Kennedy said.

New DE Mentor Brooke Lang said she was looking forward to helping someone through what can be a “pretty daunting experience”.

“It is good to know that you are helping make life easier for someone,” Ms Lang said.

Communication between mentor and mentee is often via email, telephone and WebCT.

This year there are 50 volunteer student mentors and to date the program has received 250 applications from new students wishing to be linked to a mentor for Autumn term.

A Mentor Handbook has been developed this year and sent to all mentors and a smaller version has been developed for mentees.

Photo: New distance education mentor Brooke Lang.