SPS Buddy Programme: Big Buddy Job Description
SPS Buddy Programme Big Buddy Role Description
SPS Buddy Programme is a peer mentoring programme for commuting and mature students within SPS. It connects new students with more experienced ones to share knowledge, build a sense of community, and help everyone feel more at home.
Current SPS students who have completed at least one year of undergraduate study at UofG and are enrolled for the full 2025/26 academic year in SPS can apply to become a mentor, or ‘Big Buddy’. Big Buddies will be matched with new, first year undergraduate students, or ‘Wee Buddies’. The aim is to offer informal peer support, build community, and ease the transition into university life. And for everyone, both Big and Wee, this is a great opportunity to make new friends, find new coffee spots, and have fun!
Role Overview
Scope of Support
· Help Wee Buddies navigate practical aspects of university life – this could be top tips for where to store your bag between classes, the best café on campus to nab a seat, or the quickest way to get into town to make the train home.
· Meet up with your Wee Buddy regularly; you should meet up at least twice in the semester, and meet first of all in October. It will be up to you and your Wee Buddy to decide what fits best with your schedules.
· Be friendly, approachable, and able to respond to messages.
· Big Buddies do not provide academic advice, mental health support, or resolve complex personal issues. If you encounter anything you are concerned about, just get in touch with the Student Experience team.
· Initial contact between buddies will be using your student email, however once you’ve made contact and met in-person, you may wish to use WhatsApp to communicate with each other.
· The Scheme is voluntary and will run for the duration of Semester One. Whilst there is an expectation you will complete a full Semester as a Big Buddy, all participants can withdraw at any time.
· Big Buddies will complete a mandatory training session to meet the other Big Buddies, share ideas, and receive an Induction pack with lots of ideas of things to do and who to contact for advice.
Application Process
· If you would like to apply to be a Big Buddy in Semester One, please complete the application form with as much information as possible about yourself and your interests. If your application is successful, we will match you to a student with similar interests as outlined in your application.
Why Apply
· This is a great opportunity to get involved with building community within SPS. You’ll be making a real difference to new students, sharing your knowledge, and will have some fun along the way. You’ll gain practical skills like teamwork, effective communication, leadership, and networking with others you may not have met otherwise. You’ll also be invited to exclusive events just for Buddies and have the opportunity to directly shape the Scheme for future years.