ALIGARH, September 25: Begum Sultan Jahan Hall, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), launched ‘SYNNECT’, a structured peer mentorship programme aimed at helping newly admitted students adapt to hostel and university life through guidance and support from senior residents.
With the motto “Together We Go: Bridging the Gap Between Seniors and Juniors”, the programme seeks to provide freshers with a supportive and non-judgemental space for academic guidance, smoother hostel adaptation and personal development.
Prof. Mohd. Athar Ansari, Dean, Students’ Welfare, appreciated the Hall’s student-oriented initiative and observed that effective mentorship can help students recognise their strengths and weaknesses, make informed choices and gradually develop the confidence to face academic and personal challenges independently. He said that a supportive peer environment can also strengthen students’ sense of belonging and make their transition to university life more meaningful.
Prof. Ali Jafar Abedi explained the practical dimensions of mentorship and distinguished it from tutoring. He said that while tutoring primarily provides academic assistance, mentorship encourages students to make their own decisions, face challenges and gradually become self-reliant. He explained the acronym SYNNECT as Support Yourself, Navigate, Nurture, Empathise, Connect and Trust, and highlighted the use of Socratic dialogue to encourage thoughtful interaction rather than simply providing ready-made solutions.
Prof. Mohd. Wasim Ali, Faculty of Law, highlighted the growing importance of mentorship in the academic environment. He noted that newly admitted students may face stress and difficulties in adjusting to university life and said mentorship and counselling can support them in academic, career and personal matters.
Earlier, Prof. Fatima Khan, Provost, Begum Sultan Jahan Hall, introduced the concept and significance of mentorship. She observed that seniors and other people around us can often serve as sources of guidance and inspiration, and said that having someone to support newcomers can make their transition to hostel and university life easier.
The SYNNECT Mentorship Programme Manual was unveiled by the Provost, Wardens and distinguished guests. The manual outlines the framework of the initiative and emphasises a safe and non-judgemental environment where mentees can communicate freely with their mentors.
The Provost, Wardens and Senior Hall representatives felicitated the guests. Dr. Nazia Haneef, Warden, proposed the vote of thanks.