- Applying to study
- New to Uni
- Important dates
- Forms
- Enrolment
- Fees and costs
- The Academy
-
Services and facilities
- - Student Services Hub
- - Workshops, programs and online resources
- - Counselling Service
- - Disability Service
- - Student Welfare Service
- - MATES
- - English Conversation Groups
- - Disruption to Studies
- - Student Legal Services
- - Chaplaincy and Inclusive Communities
- - Student Representation & Participation
- - International student support
- - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student support
- - Student Stores
- - Online student support
- - Student facilities
- - Support for Student Veterans
- - TalkCampus
- Online systems
- Student Misconduct Rule
- Exams
- Results
- Academic Progression
- Graduating
- Semi Permanent Unlimited Live
- Western Digital Story Telling Project
MATES
What is MATES?
MATES is a peer mentoring program for commencing and first year students.
MATES provides first year students with an opportunity to connect with other new students and mentors in later years of study. This helps students to make social networks and acquire knowledge and skills to help settle into life at university.
Where is MATES held?
MATES mentoring sessions take place face to face on campus or online via Zoom. Each mentor nominates a day and time they are available for their group mentoring sessions across the eight weeks of the program, and also connect with group members between the weekly sessions via phone calls and emails.
I'm a new student, how do I get involved?
Registrations for the Spring 2025 program will open on 1st July 2025, with mentoring sessions starting in week 1. Early registration is encouraged to ensure you are included in all the pre-semester fun on campus!
Step 1: Join the MATES community
As part of the MATES community, you can also connect with other students via the MATES WESTERNLife group, Peer Programs Community WhatsApp chat, and MATES and Peer Programs events. You can ask MATES mentors questions and connect with other first year students and share your experiences. You will receive a weekly newsletter (MATES Mail) and other emails from your mentor, delivering lots of helpful hints and tips straight to your inbox.
Step 2: Join a Mentor group
Once you are part of the MATES community you can choose to join a mentor group that meets weekly, either face to face on campus or online via Zoom. Mentor groups are led by mentors who are trained student volunteers in later years of study.
Mentor groups give you the opportunity to ask questions, share your experiences with other first year students and learn about Western Sydney University services and resources, in a relaxed informal environment. MATES provides useful information to get the discussion flowing.
I'd like to be a mentor, how do I get involved?
Let us know you're interested!
Recruitment for the Spring 2025 intake of new peer mentors is now open. If you are interested in being a mentor please visit the Mentor FAQs page (link is on the left) and refer to the eligibility criteria and ensure you meet these before completing the application form. This form can be accessed via the above "Register Now to become a MATES Mentor."
Contact us
For more information about the MATES program please have a look at the additional webpages, and if you have a question that isn't answered there, send an email to mates@westernsydney.edu.au (from your student email account).
Mobile options: