Big Panda / Wee Panda: A mentoring programme in Physics & Astronomy for all students

Published: 16 September 2020

We are delighted to invite our students to join PANDA, a new mentoring programme for students in the School of Physics and Astronomy. Students interested to join the scheme as mentees or as mentors should read the attached document carefully, and apply by filling in and submitting this form by Friday 18th September 5pm. Questions can be emailed to the coordinator of the PANDA mentoring programme, Dr Nicolas Labrosse.

We are delighted to invite our students to join PANDA, a new mentoring programme for students in the School of Physics and Astronomy. Students interested to join the scheme as mentees or as mentors should read the attached document carefully, and apply by filling in and submitting this form by Friday 18th September 5pm. Questions can be emailed to the coordinator of the PANDA mentoring programme, Dr Nicolas Labrosse.

PANDA is a near-peer mentoring programme for all students in the School of Physics and Astronomy. In this scheme, current students from Level 2 or above are matched up to new students to mentor, buddy-up with, or otherwise provide an additional layer of pastoral support to them. All new students (a.k.a. Wee Pandas) who are either entering 1st/2nd year (undergraduates taking any of Physics 1, Astronomy 1, Physics 2, or Astronomy 2) or entering one of the School's MSc (PGT, taught postgraduate) degree programmes are welcome to join. Mentors (a.k.a. Big Pandas) must be enrolled on any Physics & Astronomy UG programme and have completed at least one year of education in the School of Physics & Astronomy.

Why

Benefits for mentors

A mentoring scheme will help mentors develop their communication, coaching and leadership skills and self-confidence – all important personal assets for employability. Mentors may build long-lasting networks with other mentors and mentees.

Benefits for mentees

A mentoring scheme will help mentees in their transition to studying Physics & Astronomy at the University of Glasgow and develop their self-confidence. It helps to alleviate stress and fears, increase the sense of belonging to our community, and build relationships.

Benefits for the School

A mentoring scheme will foster a sense of belonging in our School, enhance the development of a solid community spirit, facilitate sharing knowledge and experience across academic years, and strengthen the mental wellbeing of our students.

How

Mentors and mentees will be asked to fill in a form and sign it. The form (on Microsoft Forms) contains essential points about the scheme, what can be expected from mentors and mentees, who to contact if something goes wrong. No application will be accepted other than by submitting a completed form.


First published: 16 September 2020

<< News