What the role involves
The buddy program is an unpaid volunteer opportunity. The time commitment required is 20 hours during the orientation and semester for buddies.
This is made up of a series of compulsory events, as well as extra events such as helping during Kickstart and possibly a couple of other marketing events like Open Day. It also involves:
- providing peer advice and support to new international students
- accompany students on day trips around Sydney and NSW main tourist attractions
- facilitating social events and activities with students
- providing feedback and recommendations to improve the program
Responsibilities
Buddies are expected to fulfil the following responsibilities:
- adhere to the Macquarie University Student and Staff Code of Conduct.
- engage and participate in the compulsory events (listed below).
- provide support and guidance to new students through the Program.
- commit a minimum of 20 hours per session.
Reporting relationship
Buddies will be supported by a group of Buddy Team Leaders, who in turn report to Student Engagement, Inclusion and Belonging staff.
Key Activities
Buddies will be expected to attend the following dates:
Activity | Date |
|---|---|
Buddy Induction and Training Trainings and Workshops for student facing volunteers Kickstart briefing | 11 February 2025 or 14 February 2025 |
Orientation Social Program Late Evening events or trip Daytime event or trip | The week of: 17 February 2025 |
Session events
| Date and time TBC Weekly throughout session |
Selection criteria
- effective oral communication skills.
- proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- established non-judgemental, respectful and empathetic behaviour.
- demonstrated ability to maintain appropriate and professional boundaries.
- demonstrated problem solving skills.
- ability to engage diverse students through initiating and maintaining conversation.
- ability to build a good rapport with students and staff and answer questions patiently.
Applicants must:
- be over 18 years of age.
- be able to come on campus as most of our events are in person.
- have completed at least one full Session of study at Macquarie University.
- be enrolled as a student at Macquarie University in Session 1, 2025.
Benefits of joining the Buddy program
- an opportunity to volunteer at MQU, meet with new students, current buddies, team leaders and expand your network.
- receive additional training and build your communication, leadership skills and cross-culture competency.
- Buddy who completes 20 hours in the Buddy program will receive a certificate of completion.
- be invited to our Volunteer Recognition event.