Mentorship Program in Full Swing
Last week over 250 students came together for a common purpose; providing their peers with a better university experience. Upper year students from a variety of faculties and cultural backgrounds have committed their time to act as mentors for first year students transitioning to the University of Manitoba.
The International Centre, the Indigenous Student Centre and Student Life have been working collaboratively over the past 6 months to develop programming that complements their respective programs: International Student Mentorship Program, Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program and New Student Peer Mentorship Program. In the past, each program ran separately. Now, all mentors interested in any program participate in 4 hours of training collaboratively, giving them the opportunity to share cultural experiences, develop friendships and build skills necessary to be a good first connection to campus. Mentors are given advice on how to be a good mentor – like how to familiarize their mentees with campus and campus resources. They’re also taught communication strategies and taught about various programs and academic goals.
First year students have a wide variety of needs and our goal is to have our dedicated mentors help provide guidance, answer questions and most importantly, develop a connection to the campus community they will be a part of for the next several years. Over the term, we offer a study tips workshop facilitated through the Academic Learning Centre and ally training offered by Rainbow Pride Mosaic as well as social events, giving students a chance to de-stress and have fun while on campus. Workshops and social events are open to both mentors and mentees, and they’re encouraged to get together one-on-one as well.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor in the future, please visit our webpage for further information. Winter term mentor applications are currently open. http://umanitoba.ca/student/orientation/nspmp.html
Check out a few mentor profiles on our Facebook page and feel free to give them a like!