Our Peer Support initiatives offer valuable opportunities for students to act as mentors to their peers. Explore our diverse range of opportunities tailored to connect, support and empower your fellow students in the College of Social Sciences community. 

Peer Support Opportunities

Campus Life Advice Network for Students (CLANS)

Campus Life Advice Network for Students (CLANS) supports first year undergraduate students to settle into university life. By fostering a sense of belonging between new and existing cohorts, the program aims to improve student satisfaction.  

Second, junior and senior honours year volunteer chieftains receive training on signposting, boundary setting and facilitation skills before being assigned their 'Clan'. Chieftains meet their 'Clan' (approx. 10 first year students) at the MA SocSci induction in Week 0. They are invited to keep in touch and meet with them again during the first and second semester reading weeks. 

This opportunity is particularly well suited to students interested in advising and supporting staff in college. 

For more information and to apply, please contact Stephen Fiddes or Karen Clancey

Economics Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Scheme

Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) in the Adam Smith Business School (ASBS) fosters student community and collaborative learning by encouraging students to view each other as valuable assets to their studies.  

PAL Leaders are trained to facilitate informal study sessions, which are attended by students from the year(s) below. These sessions typically begin in week 4 and run on a bi-weekly schedule until the end of teaching.  

This opportunity is particularly well suited to ASBS students interested in further study or careers in training or teaching. 

For more information and to apply, please contact Stephen Fiddes or Karen Clancey.  

International Mentorship Scheme

Mentors in the International Membership Scheme support visiting students to orientate themselves to Glasgow’s academic community. You will not be required to give academic advice but will have the opportunity to share your experiences and offer guidance.  

Mentors will contact their mentees before their arrival in Glasgow and will meet during the first two weeks of the autumn semester. Mentors will be required to make monthly contact with their mentees for the duration of their study. This mentoring activity will generate points towards our GlasGOw Global award which you can apply for in your final year.  

This opportunity is particularly well suited to students interested in expanding their international network and making connections with students from all over the world. 

For more information and to apply, please contact Juliet Westwood.

Student Learning Development (SLD) Peer Mentoring

Student Learning Development (SLD) supports Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) and Peer Mentoring Schemes across the university. PAL Leaders and Mentors provide academic support and offer a platform for their peers to ask questions, get feedback and guidance and expand their knowledge.  

PAL Leaders and Mentors will receive bespoke training from a certified SI-PASS supervisor. The training will include topics on leadership and mentorship, effective learning theories, applying empathetic listening techniques and developing strategies for responding to unprecedented challenges. You can learn more about peer mentoring in SLD here 

This opportunity is particularly well suited to students who are interested in supporting their peers while obtaining HEAR transcript recognition. 

For more information and to apply, please contact Bob Imbur.

Volunteer International Student Mentor (GIC)

Volunteer International Student Mentors support international students from Glasgow International College (GIC) who make the transition directly into second year of the MA Soc Sci. Mentors are junior and senior Honours students on the MA Soc Sci and are often former GIC students themselves, who understand this unique transition.  

Mentors regularly meet with students individually or in groups to share their experiences of student life once they commence their studies at university. Mentors also assist with Orientation activities in August (online) and September, and transition sessions with current GIC students in semester 2. This mentoring activity is recognised on your HEAR transcript and can also be used to gain points towards a GlasGOw Global award. 

This opportunity is particularly well suited to former GIC students but is open to all Honours level students on the MA Soc Sci degree who want to improve their communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. 

For more information, please contact Jenny Deane.