Buddy Scheme Volunteer Handbook
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Contents
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Page Number Introduction
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The Buddy Scheme Information about the Buddy Scheme The Buddy Scheme Team
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Life as a Buddy Volunteer What you can expect from partaking in the Buddy Scheme What we expect of you What we don’t expect of you
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Buddy Volunteer Training and Support Buddy Scheme Conference Online Training Support from the Buddy Scheme Team Join us on facebook!
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The Buddy Scheme Process
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Useful information about the University of Sussex Students’ Union 18- 21 Language Café Active US Student Support at the Students’ Union Student Reps Useful information about the University of Sussex’ Services Student Life Centre Student Accounts University Counselling Services Housing Office Student Support Unit International Student Support and Study Abroad Office Careers and Employability Centre Student Mentors
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Welcome and thank you for volunteering to be a Buddy
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Introduction: As a Buddy Volunteer you will be a part in helping to welcome new students to the University of Sussex. As a student of the University of Sussex you are full of great tips and information for new students, but we don’t expect you to know everything! This handbook is designed to help you out. It contains contacts, advice and support so that you can help aid a smooth transition for the incoming students. Starting at University can be daunting whether it’s leaving the family home, moving to a busy city like Brighton, or moving country altogether! Getting used to a new way of life is exciting but can leave some students feeling a bit isolated. That's why the the University of Sussex Students’ Union (USSU) started up the Buddy Scheme, a peer support scheme to help students settle into life at Sussex. The Buddy Scheme is run by the USSU and helps incoming students settle into life at Sussex by matching them with current students (that’s you!) who provide informal support by regularly meeting up and sharing their experiences and tips. The scheme offers the opportunity to make new friends from all walks of life and parts of the world. As a Buddy Volunteer you get to be a part of something that celebrates diversity in an informal, fun and sociable way. We believe that providing peer support to new students before their arrival and in their first few months is crucial to a quality student experience and your role will be really important in achieving this. Being a Buddy Volunteer also gives you access to the range of events run by the Buddy Scheme throughout the academic year at a discounted price, so make sure to keep your eyes on our events page. We are here to help you in any way that we can, so please feel free to contact us with any questions or ideas at buddyscheme@ sussexstudent.com. We are really glad that you have chosen to be a Buddy and hope that you enjoy your experience.
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The Buddy Scheme aims to: •
Help new students settle into University life
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Improve student interaction and integration
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Increase the access of practical information to new students
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Give students the opportunity to meet other students from different backgrounds
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Provide current and new students with sharing and learning partnerships
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Give tips and ideas on how to make the most of Sussex University and Brighton
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Help students make the most out of social opportunities run by the Union
The Buddy Scheme consists of the fantastic body of students that make up the Buddy Volunteers and Buddies, and is supported by the close knit Buddy Scheme team working for the USSU. The Buddy Scheme team, lead by Jane Trueman, is located in the Activities Office on the First Floor of Falmer House.
The Buddy Scheme Team
Jane Trueman
Student Participation Coordinator jane.t@sussexstudent. com 01273 872936
Jane works full-time for the Students’ Union and is responsible for the managing, development and coordination of the Buddy Scheme 8 and Language Cafe.
Anton Dusak
Student Participation Administrator anton.s@sussexstudent. com 01273 877641
Student Participation
Anton works parttime for the Students’ Union and is responsible for promoting and running events for the Buddy Scheme and Language Cafe.
X works part-time for the Students’ Union and is responsible for promoting and running events for the Buddy Scheme and Language Cafe.
Administrator @sussexstudent.com 01273 877641
Buddy Volunteers are current students who have volunteered to be paired with a new student. You will be expected to make email contact with your buddy as soon as you have been matched and to meet with them on a regular basis to provide peer support and help them settle into life at University. Buddies are new students to the University of Sussex who have signed up to be matched with a Buddy Volunteer and to attend Buddy Scheme and Students’ Union events. UK, International, Postgraduate, mature students anyone who’s new to Sussex and wants to get involved in the scheme for support and socialising.
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Life as a Buddy Volunteer What you can expect from parktaking in the Buddy Scheme: •
Receive ongoing support from the Buddy Scheme Team, including a conference where the expectations of your role will be set out as well as the provision of useful information
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Excellent CV experience
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Improve your communication, interpersonal and organisational skills
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Meet and help new students from all kinds of different cultural backgrounds
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Find out more about how the Union runs and how student services on campus work
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The chance to try out a fun, new activity or sport
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Lots of social opportunities and the chance to experience something new
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Exciting events and trips at subsidised prices and the opportunity to get involved yourself
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Flexibility around how and when you choose to meet with your new student buddy
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What we expect of you: •
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Welcome your Buddies to the University of Sussex, and help them settle into student life through offering friendly support and encouragement. Commit to attending the Buddy Scheme Conference and a minimum of a total of 1 hour a week contact with your Buddy or Buddies. Give them tips on fun things to get up to in Brighton and on campus, such as Union sports and societies. Share with knowledge that may help them settle in - such as where to get the best fish’n’chips. Signpost any services they may require, and ask us if you’re not sure. Maintain regular contact with your Buddies, either via facebook, email or in person. Respect confidentiality, unless you feel that your buddy is at risk to themselves or others. Get involved in the events, trips and activities offered to you and encourage your Buddy/ies to join in. Make sure to contact the Buddy Scheme team if you have any issues, questions or would like to stop being a Buddy Volunteer.
What we don’t expect from you: • • • • •
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To pick up your Buddy from the airport! Become best friends - although you might! Solve their personal/social problems - if they would like support with personal problems direct them to the Student Life Centre on campus. Put yourself in a situation where you feel uncomfortable - if you do, make sure to email the Buddy Scheme Team or come talk to us. Proofread their work or do any kind of academic support - if they would like such support direct them to the Student Mentors at their department or school. Be on ‘on call’ - we expect you to stay in contact with your Buddy, but you do not have to always be able to respond directly. Offer money, skills, or an uncomfortable amount of time.
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Buddy Volunteer Training and Support Buddy Conference The Buddy Scheme will hold our annual Buddy Scheme Conference during Freshers’ Week, training and preparing Buddy Volunteers for the upcoming year. Make sure to come along to access information about the Buddy Scheme, the support and events offered and to meet fellow Buddy Scheme Volunteers. Online Training Offered as a module on the University’s Study Direct site, the Buddy Scheme’s Online Training works as a complementary training for the Buddy Scheme Conference. The Online Course contains useful information about the Buddy Scheme and is designed to help our Buddy Volunteers get as much out of their time in the Buddy Scheme as possible.
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Support from the Buddy Scheme Team The Buddy Scheme Team is here to support the Buddy Volunteers throughout the academic year, and offer as their first point of contact for information and support. Pop in to the Activities Office on the first floor of Falmer House, or send us an email either on our individual emails or buddyscheme@ sussexstudent.com. Join us on Facebook! Sussex Buddy Scheme Page https://www.facebook.com/sussexbuddyscheme/ Sussex Buddy Volunteers 2017/2018 Group TBC Sussex Language Café Page https://www.facebook.com/SussexLanguageCafe/ Sussex Active US Page https://www.facebook.com/activeussussex/ University of Sussex Students’ Union Page https://www.facebook.com/thestudentsunion/
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The Buddy Scheme Process:
We receive an application from a prospective Buddy or Buddy Volunteer All Buddies are matched based on the information listed in your completed application form. We try our best to match you based on the listed criteria, but we can’t always accommodate everyone’s requests.
You get an email with information about your new Buddy or Buddies When we’ve found a matching Buddy you will receive an email with contact details of your Buddy or Buddies. Unless stated on your application form, you will be matched with a small group of new students depending on numbers and preferences. This will be a maximum of 3 new students per Buddy Volunteer.
Get in contact with your Buddy/ies by email Send your Buddy/Buddies an email introducing yourself and welcoming them to Sussex. Make sure to exchange contact details/facebook/phone number (whatever you feel comfortable with) and get to know each other before arranging to meet up. 16
Set a date for meeting with your Buddy We recommend you meet up in a public place for the first meeting - how about a lovely hot chocolate in Room 76 or for lunch out on the grass on campus on a sunny day? If you have a group of new students as your Buddies, make sure to ask them individually if they would prefer to meet in a group or separately - they might love the chance to get to know more students, or feel a bit shy and prefer a one to one at first. Make sure to choose a location that suits everyone, and take into account that not everyone might be up to drink alcohol, too happy about being in loud places or able to get to a location accessible only by walking up some stairs.
Meet your Buddy! Before your meeting you might find it useful to put yourself in their situation and consider how they might be feeling. Try and remember what it was like when you first started uni, and think of some things you wish someone would’ve told you. What helped you settle in when you first arrive? How did you find the transition to move to Sussex? What would you like to recommend anyone to do when exploring Brighton? Try to think of questions to ask them, and what kinds of questions they might ask you. Make sure to recommend the Union’s Sports Clubs and Societies, a great way to engage in union activities and get to know fellow students.
Set up a plan for how and when you want to meet Make sure to talk through how, where and when you and your Buddy/Buddies would like to meet; every other week? On or off campus? With your other Buddies? It’s up to the two of you to decide based on you and your Buddy’s availability and preferences. Do also make sure to let your Buddies know that you are studying too and have other commitments beyond being a Buddy Volunteer.
Enjoy your time in the Buddy Scheme Enjoy your year as a Buddy, and remember what a great thing you’re doing in volunteering to help welcome a new student to Sussex. M ake sure to continue to support your Buddies throughout the year, through meeting up, chatting online or calling each other just to check that they’re doing alright. Remember to keep in contact with the Buddy Scheme team as well, let us know about what you’re up to, and if you have any issues or questions. We’re here to support you, and want to do our best to make sure that everyone participating have a memorable and enjoyable time. Also do make sure to keep an eye on our website/Facebook/newsletters for upcoming events, and make sure to bring your buddies with you! 17
Information about the Students’ Union’s Services
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University of Sussex Students’ Union All registered students at the University of Sussex and Brighton & Sussex Medical School (BSMS) are members of the Students’ Union. The University of Sussex Students’ Union aims to make the lives of its members better by providing opportunities such as sports clubs and societies, advice and support services on academic issues and studentfriendly shops and bars on campus. The Students’ Union exists to represent students’ interests both within the University and the wider community and campaigns on relevant local, national and international issues. The Students’ Union is a charitable organisation and its direction is democratically determined by its members, the University’s students. We carry out research to find out what students think of us and to assist in our campaigning and lobbying. As well as representation, the Students’ Union provides a variety of services to help students through university life, including academic advice, sports clubs, student media, social, cultural and political societies, commercial services such as bars and shops plus our very own lettings agency. You can find more information about the University of Sussex Students’ Union, its societies, bars, services, officers and campaigns on the webpage www.sussexstudent.com. Get involved in your Students’ Union There are hundreds of ways to get involved in the University of Sussex Students’ Union; through sports clubs, societies, campaigns and volunteering opportunities. For more information on how to get involved in your Students’ Union and make a difference see the website www.sussexstudent. com/get-involved.
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Language Cafe
The Language Cafe provides students with the opportunity to learn or practice a language in an informal, sociable setting with fun games and activities. The cafes are held weekly, organised in collaboration with the Sussex Centre for Language Studies and is hosted by Language Cafe Leaders. Some of the languages provided are; Japanese, French, German, Spanish, English, British Sign Language, Arabic and Chinese. Free tea and Coffee is provided each week, and an engaging learning environment promised. Why not take your buddy to the Language Café if you are both interested in language learning? The Language Café runs every Tuesday 18.00-19.30 in Room 76, and you can find more information at www.sussexlanguagecafe.co.uk.
Active US
‘Active US’ is a collaborative project between Sussex Sport and the Students’ Union with the aim of increasing Sussex students’ regular participation in sport and keep students engaged during their transition from school or college throughout their time at university. Over the course of the academic year the Buddy Scheme will collaborate with Active US to provide free or discounted activities and non-competitive sport sessions exclusively to Buddies including free transport to venues and socials. Active US runs events every week throughout the academic year, and you can find more information at www.activeus.co.uk.
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Student Support at the Students’ Union:
The Students’ Union is here to help students with issues relating to their course or time at university; from issues with your course, complaints about the University and helping students facing disciplinary action. We have a team working in to support students with academic issues regarding appeals, academic misconduct, disciplinaries and fitness to practice. Website: https://www.sussexstudent.com/support/university-issues/ Email: advice@sussexstudent.com Phone: 01273 87 7038
Student Reps
In collaboration with the University the Students’ Union holds election each year for Student Reps for each course, who you can inform of any issues you have with your course or module. Student Reps provide an essential link between students, the Union and the University. Student Reps are Undergraduate and Postgraduate students elected by Sussex students to represent the views and interests of students in their subject, department or school year. Reps find out about issues impacting on student’s studies and experience, and take this information informally to individual members of staff in the department, and can raise issues more formally at department, school, and university level committees in order to effect positive changes. You can find out more information about the Student Rep Scheme on our website http://www.sussexstudent.com/student-reps/.
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Information about the University services:
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Student Life Centre The Student Life Centre offers email and telephone advice, pre-booked appointments and welfare drop-in sessions, and is the first place to come to when you have questions, queries, worries or concerns. They can signpost you to all other relevant student services on campus, and they also; • Can give you information for all internal university processes such as fee payment and mitigating evidence • Run the X-card scheme (which entitles people to free condoms) and offer sexual health advice and information • Issue Student bursaries and scholarships • Hold regular Drug and Alcohol drop in sessions • Deal with student wellbeing such as homesickness • Help with funding queries and problems with loan payments Website: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/studentlifecentre/ Email: studentlifecentre@sussex.ac.uk Phone: 01273 876767
Student Accounts Turn to Student Accounts if you have any queries about undergraduate, postgraduate or study abroad fees. They can also explain how to pay any fees or charges you might get, such as library fines. Website: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/finance/services/feesandincome/ studentaccounts Email: studentaccounts@sussex.ac.uk Phone: 0800 849 4979
University Counselling Services The University Counselling Services offer free counselling sessions to any student who feels in need of support. Each year, over 1600 students are seen for counselling, either individually, in therapy groups, or in workshops offering strategies for managing mood. Website: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/counselling/ Email: counsellingreception@sussex.ac.uk Phone: 01273 678156 25
Housing Office The Housing Office deals with university managed accommodation both on and off campus, and can also give some housing advice on private renting in Brighton. You can send a student there if they have any problems with their housing or are looking for somewhere to live for next year. Website: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/internal/housing/ Email: housing@sussex.ac.uk Phone: 01273 678220
Student Support Unit The Student Support Unit is a team of specialist advisors who work with students who may need support at the university due to a long term condition. They offer tests for anyone who is not sure if they have a learning disability such as dyslexia, and also run study skills session on things like essay writing, note taking, revision etc. Website: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/studentsupport/ Email: studentsupport@sussex.ac.uk Phone: 01273 877466
International Student Support Office & Study Abroad Office The International Student Support and Study Abroad Office deals with specific issues that international students might have, such as immigration status and visas. They also put on a lot of good events and trips for international students, and they’re the place to send people who are thinking of taking a study abroad option. Website: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/international Email: international@sussex.ac.uk / international.support@sussex. ac.uk Phone: 01273 678422
Careers and Employability Centre The Careers and Employability Centre help students with writing CVs and finding employment after they graduate. They run sessions on how to make yourself more employable and have information about jobs available for students while they study. Website: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/ Email: careers@sussex.ac.uk Phone: 01273 678429
Student Mentors Student Mentors offer academic support for students, and employs students to work as mentors for peers to help with any issues or questions related to your course, writing essays, study skills and revision techniques. You can find out more about the Student Mentors for your individual course at their website. Website: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/studentlifecentre/academic/mentors
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