Aachen Mentoring Model
The individual and extensive mentoring system allows students at RWTH to have systematic advising in one-on-one consultations throughout their degree. Their individual needs, problems, as well as potential can be established early on.
For Students
The Aachen Mentoring Model is an offer that lets students be accompanied and advised individually, by choice, and at no charge throughout their degree. The mentoring system is available at almost every faculty. It aims to detect challenges, personal potential, and further issues in your studies early on so at to address them in a systematical and solution-oriented manner.
Win-win situation: our mentors will be able to advise you in-depth when they know the issues that are bothering you. The mentors will also pass on general issues to the University so it can react directly to possible problems affecting the student body. The University can only be active if it is aware of students’ issues. Therefore, please do not hesitate to come and see us for mentoring.
Our mentors receive special training to prepare them for working with students, e.g., in conflict management, degree specifications, and intercultural competence. They are very experienced in many areas and often have a professional connection to the degrees they are advising on. First and foremost, our mentors are one thing: trustworthy. They are highly motivated to help you and let you get the most out of your degree.
No matter whether your issues are related to the transition to studying, motivation, time and self-management, studying plans, studying abroad, generating perspectives, personal crisis situations, work-life balance, doubts about your studies, under-demands or an upcoming third test attempt – our mentors are always here for you. They will elaborate realistic solutions for your issues together with you. And in case they are not able to work on your issue themselves, they can guide you to suitable contacts thanks to their good network. There is always only one person in focus: you!
You can choose your favourite mentor on our webpage and then book an appointment via our appointment tool online or ask for an appointment via telephone or email. You will be advised on your study situation during the appointment. Of course, every consultation is free and 100% confidential. If you agree, the content of the conversation will be documented anonymously – this is the only way mentors can tell the University about current student needs. Accordingly, tailor-made steps are taken to improve the study conditions and optimization is continually promoted. Of course, you can arrange as many sessions as you like.
We are looking forward to meeting you!
For Lecturers
With support from the Donor’s Association, a concept for reducing drop-out rates was developed and implemented in a nationwide mentoring system. The Aachen Mentoring Model was introduced in October 2011 with a big kick-off event and was funded by a German Federal State program for better study conditions and more quality in teaching until the end of 2020.
Since the beginning of 2021, the Aachen Mentoring Model is no longer a funded project, but it still retains its high standards and implementability tools. Among other things, it primarily pursues the goal of improving the studyability.
Every faculty adapted this program individually and is able to implement it for their specific needs. In terms of organisation and networking, the faculties are also supported by the mentoring coordination anchored in the CLS.
Through the work of the mentors, the faculties as well as the central institutions of the university are able to gain a direct insight into the students’ day-to-day learning routine and can use these findings to adapt studying conditions to students' needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What issues can I get help with in the Aachen Mentoring Model?
Mentors are here to help and advise you on all questions relating to your studies. This also includes helping you with personal, private, or social problems, how to finance your studies, and much more. They also try to find the right advice center for you within or outside the University.
How and with whom do I make an appointment?
You can make an appointment for a confidential consultation simply by telephone, email or via the appointment tool. Please select your faculty or department in the table below. From there you will be forwarded to the contact details of the mentors responsible for you. Usually, the mentors can offer you an appointment within the next seven days.
I have already had a consultation before. Can I contact a mentor again?
Of course, you can have a consultation as often as you like and feel you need it.
Where do the consultations take place?
Consultations take place in the offices of the mentors and can also be conducted by telephone or email for shorter requests. You will find the addresses on the linked page of your faculty. Currently, the consultations take place by phone or via Zoom.
What does the coordination office of the Aachen Mentoring Model do?
The coordination office supports and networks the mentors with each other, for example at regular meetings, and represents mentoring at internal and external university events. Through the connection to the CLS, the coordination establishes the connection to the teachers and thus reports the needs of the mentees back into the university. In addition, specific training opportunities for the mentors are organised as needed.
Contact:
Dr. Josefine Méndez
email
Phone: +49 241 80 926 83
Do consultations cost anything?
No, the service is completely free for all students.
How confidentially is my data treated? What data is stored?
Aachen Mentoring Model takes data protection very seriously. Consultations are completely confidential. Some information is necessary to continuously improve mentoring. However, mentors always record this anonymously, so it cannot be traced back to the mentee. General data such as course of study, discussion initiative, and target group is collected for each mentee. Further information such as gender, date of birth, number of semesters, and need for counselling can only be recorded with the mentee's consent. This helps mentors to support mentees in further consultations. The data is also used to report students' general situation to the student representative councils and faculties.
On request, you can have your anonymous data deleted from the system at any time.
Contact Persons in Your Faculty or Department
Are you studying at RWTH and would like a mentoring consultation?
Make an appointment with the contact person in your faculty or department.
Documentation of Consultation Results – in German
Documentation of Conversation Results – SS 2020 to WS 2020/21
Documentation of Conversation Results – SS 2019 to WS 2019/20
Faculty 1 Department of Computer Science (de)
Faculty 1 Department of Physics (de)
Faculty 3 Civil Engineering (de)
Faculty 4 Mechanical Engineering (de)
Faculty 5 Division of Earth Sciences and Geography (de)
Faculty 6 Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (de)
Faculty 8 School of Business and Economics (de)
Documentation of Conversation Results – SS 2018 to WS 2018/19
Faculty 1 Department of Computer Science (de)
Faculty 1 Department of Physics (de)
Faculty 3 Civil Engineering (de)
Faculty 4 Mechanical Engineering (de)
Faculty 5 Division of Earth Sciences and Geography (de)
Faculty 5 Division of Materials Science and Engineering (de)
Faculty 5 Division of Mineral Resources and Raw Materials Engineering (de)
Faculty 6 Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (de)