Peer Mentoring

A-Skills is a peer support program developed with and for students with autism*. This online program is offered during semesters 1 and 2 and includes both a course page for self-paced learning and regular small group sessions with an A-Skills Mentor.

A-Skills Mentors provide an inclusive and informal space for peer-to-peer support. They offer guidance on various topics including support at UniSQ, time management, study techniques, self-care, disclosure, self-advocacy, and university services and processes.

For further information email A-Skills.

*A-Skills is open to autistic students and those with Asperger’s. No formal diagnosis is required.

Frequently asked questions

Who runs A-Skills?
A-Skills sessions are facilitated by a current UniSQ student who is Autistic.

How was A-Skills Developed?
A-Skills was initially developed by Student Success and Wellbeing in partnership with some of our students who have autism.

Do you need a diagnosis?
No, you don’t need a formal diagnosis.

Who will know if I participate in A-Skills?
The A-Skills group is private and only students who are part of the group and the Coordinator (Peer Learning) will know you are involved. The A-Skills Mentor takes attendance at sessions which is submitted to the Coordinator (Peer Learning). The data is then de-identified and only used as part of reporting on the participation numbers and reach of all the peer mentoring programs at UniSQ.

I know how to study, is there something like a social group to meet with other students?
While the sessions are designed to support learning, there are opportunities each session for students to get to know each other a bit more. The informal sessions also give students the opportunity to share their successes and difficulties with study to seek support from each other. Students are encouraged to support each other through these study difficulties by sharing strategies and tips that work for them.

Welcome to the Conversation Cafe. This program is an opportunity for students to connect with other students in a relaxed and informal environment.  

The program is run for students by students and all UniSQ students are welcome to attend. Each week varies, one week the leaders may come up with a different topic to discuss the next you might be playing board games.  

What will you gain from this program?

💬 Connect with peers whilst enhancing your English conversational skills
👥 Feel part of the UniSQ community and build friendships
🕺 Enhance your student experience
🙋 Lots of opportunities to practice speaking in English to a range of different people

How do I get involved?

Simply email peer.learning@unisq.edu.au to find out when sessions are on and keep up to date with what’s happening. You don’t need to register, just come along. 

We look forward to meeting you! 

The Paramedic Peer Mentoring Initiative is an opportunity for those in their final year of study to mentor their first and second year colleagues as they navigate their way through the paramedicine degree. This is a unique opportunity which provides the mentors extracurricular experience in leadership, and clinical supervision. This increases career readiness and by providing experience in working with students which is a key responsibility of registered paramedics in Australia. 

To find out more about the program and get involved, please visit the Paramedic Peer Mentoring Initiative Study Desk.

PASS are informal, social, and productive small group study sessions in many of our First Year Courses. PASS sessions are facilitated by current students called PASS leaders who have previously completed the course.  

PASS runs weekly, one hour study sessions where you can connect with other students in your course, share learnings and fill in gaps whilst learning more efficient ways to study.

Discover if PASS is offered in one of your courses through the PASS page.

The UniSQ Research and Writing League (RWL) has regular weekly sessions to support research students, academics, professional staff and with their research and research writing. The RWL is a chance to meet with others and write/work on research.  

The first half hour is used to share what everyone is planning on doing and any issues/insights you may have. After that it's one and a half hours of silent writing/working time. During this time, you'll work on your own writing/tasks so please bring your own work with you. There's no need to commit to regular attendance or whole session attendance. 

Everyone undertaking research is welcome to attend the league: honours, masters and doctoral students, professional staff, Early Career Researchers (ECRs), Mid-Career Researchers (MCRs), and Research Leaders.  

Drop in whenever and for however long you like. If you're interested in joining, email Douglas.Eacersall@unisq.edu.au for further details. 

Residential Colleges ResPALs operates in each of UniSQ’s three residential colleges: McGregor, Steele Rudd, and Concannon. 

The program provides new residential college students with a peer mentor who is an experienced UniSQ student and also lives on the residential colleges. ResPALs aims to bring together students from the same study area to assist you through your first study period. 

The sessions are relaxed, informal, and are designed to help you transition to uni, connect with your mentor and other students in your discipline. 

Although formal mentoring only runs for the first period of study, it's hoped that the relationships built during this time will extend throughout your studies and beyond.

For more information and to get involved, please email UniSQ Residential Colleges.