The year ahead is brimming with uncertainties. Are you a first-year student seeking guidance but unsure where to find a reliable source? Or perhaps after having completed your first year, you are looking to offer support but are unsure about where to sign up? This article has the answers you need. In an exclusive interview with PDBY, Ms Veronica Israel, Head of Student Development and Disability at the University of Pretoria (UP), sheds light on the mysteries surrounding the STARS Mentorship Programme.
What are the primary goals of the STARS Mentorship Programme, and how does it support students?
“The primary goal of the STARS Mentorship Programme is to support the successful transition, retention, and holistic development of first-year students at the University of Pretoria. The programme focuses on helping them navigate academic, social, and personal challenges by providing structured, peer-led support. STARS mentors are trained senior students who guide first-year students (also known as mentees) through key aspects of university life, including academic adjustment, time management, campus resources, well-being, and social integration. The programme creates a sense of belonging and connectedness, which is critical for student success, particularly during the first year of study.”
What kind of students does the programme typically cater to, and what’s the application process like?
“The STARS programme primarily caters to first-year students, with particular attention to those at risk due to academic, social, financial, or transitional challenges. However, the programme is inclusive and open to all first-year students who would benefit from structured peer support. Senior students who wish to become mentors apply through a formal process that includes an online application, screening, and selection based on academic standing, leadership potential, communication skills, and commitment to student development. Successful applicants undergo comprehensive training before being appointed as STARS mentors.”
How does the programme measure success, and what kind of outcomes have you seen from participants?
“The STARS Mentorship Programme measures success through student participation, engagement trends, and structured feedback. The programme uses digital data tools to track attendance and collect student feedback in a secure, efficient way. In 2025, the FIDBAK App was expanded to support STARS, allowing mentors to record sessions and attendance and gather customised feedback while mentees log and view their participation. This has improved data accuracy, efficiency, and insight into student engagement. Outcomes include increased student confidence, stronger peer connections, improved awareness of support services, and a greater sense of belonging. Mentors also benefit by developing leadership and facilitation skills.”
What sets the STARS programme apart from other mentorship initiatives at UP?
“What distinguishes the STARS Mentorship Programme is its holistic, structured, and institutionally integrated approach. The programme is centrally co-ordinated within the Department of Student Affairs and works closely with faculties, residences, and professional support services to ensure alignment and consistency. STARS goes beyond academic mentoring by addressing students’ overall well-being, transition challenges, and personal development. The programme is evidence-informed, continuously evaluated, and responsive to the evolving needs of UP students, making it a key pillar of the university’s student success strategy.”
Are there any plans to expand the programme further, and how can interested students get involved?
“Yes, the STARS programme continues to evolve in response to student needs and institutional priorities. Current and future developments include strengthening faculty-residence collaboration, enhancing mentor training, and integrating the programme more closely with other student success initiatives within the university. Students can get involved by applying to become STARS mentors when applications open annually, participating as mentees during their first year, or engaging with STARS activities and events during orientation and throughout the academic year. Information about the programme is shared via official UP communication platforms and through the Department of Student Affairs.”
For more information about the STARS programme or how to become a mentor/mentee, you can send an email to chair.upstars@up.ac.za.
Visual: Mpho Makwela
