As a mentor, you help another student to structure, plan and organise their studies. As a note-taker, you take clear notes during lectures or other teaching activities on behalf of another student, which you then copy or email to them.
Remember that you must have a study support agreement with a contact person on your campus before beginning an assignment. You will receive an hourly wage for both tasks.
Mentors are considered external contractors at SLU. You have a specific task and are not covered by the new rules for temporary employees included in the Employment Protection Act (LAS SÄVA). Forms of employment
If you are a mentor for a student
- If you would like to work as a mentor, register your interest by sending an email to ability@slu.se
- The mentor’s main task is to help the student create structure and plan their studies. One common task is arranging a meeting and prioritising the important work for the coming week. The week after, you meet again for a follow-up and to create a new plan. The mentor can also help to clarify the course requirements and suggest study techniques.
- At the start of the mentorship, the student, mentor and coordinator will meet and go through what the help involves. You will also create a mentorship contract and a confidentiality agreement. The mentor and student receiving support also agree how they will keep in contact.
- As a mentor, you are bound by the Swedish Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act and professional secrecy. This means that you may not share any information about the student’s personal circumstances. However, you may discuss the mentorship with the coordinator. If you are unsure about any part of your role as a mentor, or have something you want to discuss, do not hesitate to contact the coordinator.
- Working as a mentor is often enriching and educational. Once your assignment is complete, you can obtain a certificate proving you worked as a mentor.
Payment and reporting hours for mentors.
Literature and tips for mentors
Mentor handbook
If you are a note-taker for a student
Students who have been granted study support for students with disabilities may receive help taking notes. Some tips if you work as a note-taker:
- It is easier to take better notes if you are prepared before a lecture. For example, you can prepare by taking a look at the literature or read through notes from previous lectures. This is a study technique that will also help you in your own studies.
- If you take notes by hand, it is a good idea to keep wide margins and spaces between the lines. If a student wishes, they can then supplement the notes with their own thoughts or questions.
- Try to have a clear structure to the notes by using headings, subheadings and grouping the material.
- Remember that the teacher will sometimes say important things that are not written down on the board or in any presentations.
If you are unsure about anything in your role as note-taker, feel free to contact a coordinator/contact person.
Note-takers are considered external contractors at SLU. You have a specific task and are not covered by the new rules for temporary employees included in the Employment Protection Act (LAS SÄVA). Forms of employment
Payment and reporting hours for note-takers.
