Set4ANU Mentoring Program
Set4ANU is a fun, free, 8-week mentoring program providing new students with guidance and support to get the most out of their first semester at ANU.
For Mentees
Join the Set4ANU program to be matched with a mentor to assist you in your transition to university life.
Mentee Information
In the Set4ANU program, mentees are matched with ANU student mentors. Mentors are there to connect mentees with supports around ANU, answer questions and be a friendly, welcoming face.
The program begins the week before Orientation Week, and runs until the teaching break (Week 7 of semester).
What does it look like to have a mentor?
As a part of the Set4ANU program, you will receive weekly newsletters that discuss important and relevant topics like the services available to you at the ANU, as well as events that are happening at the University and across Canberra. We will also provide some topics to discuss with your mentor if you aren't sure what to talk about! Mentors are students who volunteer their time to support new students in welcoming them to campus. Many mentors like to meet with their mentees for a coffee and a chat, while others like to do activities together around the campus. Every mentor's style is different! Mentors are there to help you develop the confidence and skills to succeed here at the ANU.
Please note however, that mentors should not be asked for academic tutoring and cannot give official course advice, although they can point you in the direction of suitable people for this!
Have questions?
Contact us at studenttransition.seem@anu.edu.au
Mentee Eligibility and Expectations
Set4ANU is for new ANU students in their first semester of study, including undergraduate, postgraduate/HDR, domestic, international, and from all colleges.
As mentors are student volunteers who are giving their time to welcome students, we ask that mentees respect their mentors' time and effort. If you register for the program but are no longer interested in participating; that's ok! Please just get in contact with your mentor or our team to let us know. We also ask that mentees respond and be communicative with their mentors and let them know in advance if they are not able to make an arranged meeting.
Interested in becoming a Set4ANU Mentee?
Registrations for Semester 2 2026 are now closed. Semester 1 2027 will be open in December.
For Mentors
Our new students (mentees) are a diverse bunch, and we'd like a diverse group of mentors, so we encourage later year students from all backgrounds to apply!
How to be a Set4ANU Mentor
Registrations for Semester 2, 2026 mentoring is now closed. Please check back in October 2026 to sign up to be a mentor.
Mentor Information
Mentors play a vital role in welcoming new students to the ANU and assisting in their transition. Mentors are responsible for helping to answer their mentee's questions, directing them to relevant support around the ANU and being a friendly welcoming presence for their mentees.
Mentors can plan to spend approximately 2-3 hours a week supporting their mentees in the first few weeks of the program, and less time as their mentees become more comfortable here at the ANU. The program runs from the week before Orientation Week until the Teaching Break. In total, the program is 8 weeks. Mentors are expected to be available to support their mentee(s) either in person or online from two weeks before the start of the semester. Mentors can expect to be matched with between three and five mentees.
ANU+
Mentors can claim the hours spent mentoring during the Set4ANU program towards the ANU+ Award. To learn more about ANU + and how to get involved, visit the website here.
Eligibility for Mentors
- Undergraduate, postgraduate, and HDR students are welcome to register.
- Mentors can be international or domestic students.
- Mentors should hold a current Working With Vulnerable People Card (WWVP card) or be willing to apply for one (please note there is no cost involved in applying for the WWVP card, as applications are free for volunteers).
- New mentors must participate in a one hour face-to-face training session and complete approximately one hour of online training prior to beginning their duties as a mentor in the new semester.
- Mentors should expect to be available one week prior to orientation week and orientation week to support their new mentees.
For HDR Candidates
Set4ANU for Higher Degree Research candidates runs in line with the This stream of the Set4ANU mentoring program matches new candidates with a more experienced HDR candidate mentor and a group of up to 4 other mentees.
Mentee Information
New ANU HDR candidates are matched with a senior mentor who will lead and support you and a group of up to 4 other candidates. Your mentor will welcome you to ANU, connect you socially and build your ANU knowledge.
The program runs for approximately 8 weeks, commencing with a Welcome Event on the Friday of Induction week. Prior to the Welcome Event, your Mentor will reach out to you via email, and then will arrange a group chat. You will then meet as a group once per week and have the opportunity to attend three Set4ANU Cafe events as part of the program.
Mentee Eligibility and Expectations
The HDR Set4ANU program is for any new Higher Degree Research candidates including international, domestic and from all academic colleges.
Set4ANU Mentors are volunteers who are giving their time to help and support new candidates. If you have registered but are no longer interested, please let your mentor or the Set4ANU Coordinator know.
As a mentee, you should expect a weekly meeting with your mentor and fellow mentees each week either online or in-person on campus. You will also be invited to join the Welcome Event and 2 other cafe sessions. Your mentor will initially contact you via email and then will move you and your group to a group chat platform. You will receive a weekly newsletter from the Set4ANU Coordinator.
Mentor Information
Mentor applications are now open! Apply now for the Semester 2 2026 September Induction Week intake.
A Set4ANU mentors' role is to socially connect new candidates, help to build their ANU knowledge and to be a welcoming guide to ease their transition into ANU HDR life. Mentors will receive training and support from the Set4ANU Coordinator.
Mentors will be matched with their mentees the week before Induction week, attend a Welcome Event during Induction week, and then will host weekly meetings for 6 weeks following. Mentors can expect to spend 1-2 hours per week supporting their mentees, with their weekly meetings lasting for at least 45mins either on-campus or online.
To be eligible to be an HDR mentor you must have studied at ANU for at least 6 months.
Learn more about the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)