STUDENT MENTOR PROGRAM
Peer Mentors 2011/2012. Photo by Melissa Clark
The Student Mentor Program at OCAD University is an official student transition program coordinated by Campus Life, a department in Student Success Programs.
The first year of university can be overwhelming. With this in mind, the Student Mentor Program has been designed to create a positive student experience and enhance personal growth and academic success for all participants:
By assisting new and first-year students with their transition to OCAD U.
By encouraging community involvement and engagement between new and first-year students and their faculty and peers in social and learning activities.
By recognizing and supporting a diverse environment in which all members, regardless of race, colour, place of origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religious beliefs or socioeconomic status, feel equally welcomed and acknowledged.
How Does it Work?
The program runs from July through to November. New and first-year students are encouraged to sign up (anytime between May and September) and participate. Be a Mentee and get a Peer Mentor!
Peer Mentors are knowledgeable upper-year students who remember the challenges faced in first year, and they want to help! They are ready to assist with a Mentee's transition to OCAD U and encourage community involvement and engagement with peers, faculty and staff, provide one-on-one encouragement, support and guidance, and share knowledge regarding OCAD U procedures, student support services and extracurricular activities.
Get connected! Get answers to your questions! Engage in actual dialogue with a real person! Support your academic and social success as early as mid-summer!
New or first-year student? Get more information on how to be a Mentee!
Second-, third-, or fourth-year student? Become a Peer Mentor!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the purpose of the Student Mentor Program?
The mission of the Student Mentor Program is to create a positive student experience, enhancing personal growth and academic success for all participants. See the mandate at the top of this page.
Who can be a Student Mentee?
New (advanced standing) and first-year students from any of OCAD U’s programs and faculties can apply to be assigned a volunteer Peer Mentor. Second-year students who did not take advantage of the program in their first year, who still feel they could benefit from the program, are also welcome.
Who can be a volunteer student Peer Mentor?
Second-, third- and fourth-year students from any of OCAD U's programs and Faculties are welcome to join the program as volunteer student Peer Mentors. Some conditions apply.
How is the Mentor/Mentee assignment done? What are the criteria?
Upper-year volunteer student Peer Mentors are matched with a small group of new and first-year students. Some Mentor/Mentee assignment may depend on “matching criteria” indicated by the Student Mentee in the program application form. The most common criteria students indicate are faculty of study, gender and age.
How many Student Mentees are assigned to each Student Mentor?
The number of Student Mentees assigned to each Peer Mentor is dependent on how many Peer Mentors are in the program and how many Student Mentees sign up to participate. A ratio of 3:1 is common.
What happens after Student Mentees are assigned or matched to Peer Mentors?
Peer Mentors will receive Student Mentees' contact information and be asked to initiate contact with those individuals within three business days (starting as early as the beginning of July).
What kind of support can Peer Mentors and Student Mentees expect from the program and staff?
Firstly, a day of program orientation and a Mentor Program Handbook kicks off our support for you in the role of a Peer Mentor. An experienced Peer Partner (returning Peer Mentor) will be assigned to you also. She/he is available to answer your questions (in addition to the Student Life Coordinator who coordinates the program). You will receive mid-month communication with content that you can use in your monthly emails to your Student Mentees. A schedule of communication (the first three days of each month) has been established to help you manage your time. You are encouraged to drop in to the Campus Life office anytime if you have questions about the program, how to communicate with your Student Mentees, or about life and study at OCAD U.
When does the program start? When does it end?
The Student Mentor Program runs from July through to November. A one-day Program Orientation occurs at the end of April each year, and available Peer Mentors are asked to participate in key activities planned during Registration Assistance Days (RAD) scheduled at the end of June/beginning of July.
Why is it important that Peer Mentors participate in summer and fall orientation activities?
It is important that Peer Mentors participate in these activities because it is our first point of contact with the new and first-year students. It is our first opportunity to welcome them, recruit them to participate in the program and begin the process of creating community, building relationships and enhancing the overall student experience.
What makes a good mentoring relationship?
A good mentoring relationship is determined by a variety of factors. The one-day Program Orientation in April will provide helpful tips, the do’s and don'ts about making a good mentoring relationship. Peer Mentors will also receive valuable handouts, including “Building a Successful Mentoring Relationship”.
Where do I find information about OCAD U resources?
The OCAD U website is an excellent reference point. The Mentor Program Handbook will also contain this information for Peer Mentors. The topic is discussed during Mentor Program orientation.
How often do Peer Mentors have to contact their Student Mentees?
Peer Mentors are asked to initiate contact with their assigned Student Mentees within three business days of receiving their contact information, starting as early as July. You should encourage them to contact you with any questions and kindly respond in a timely manner. Communicate regularly and as often as you like, but you will also be required to adhere to a communication schedule and send an additional "Official Program Communication" (OPC) monthly (for the duration of the program) within the first three days of each month. A mid-month communique from the Student Life Coordinator will provide you with timely support and information that you can use in the OPC.
What information is required in the Monthly Mentor Report?
The Peer Mentors' simple online Monthly Mentor Report form is self-explanatory. Fill in the appropriate blanks and tick the appropriate boxes. A URL link will be provided.
When does the mentoring relationship end? Can I remain friends with my Student Mentees?
The mentoring relationship begins in July and is intended to finish at the end of November. Remaining friends beyond this time is welcomed as part of community building, but you should remember that you are still expected to respect confidentiality.
Where do I go if I have concerns or questions regarding my Mentoring?
All Student Mentor Program participants can talk to Student Life Coordinator Brent Everett James if there are concerns or questions regarding mentoring relationships.
What if I find it difficult to undertake the responsibilities of a Mentor?
If you are experiencing any problems or issues in your mentoring relationship, or cannot continue your commitment further due to any reason, contact Student Life Coordinator Brent Everett James at 416-977-6000, Ext. 275.
Contact:
Brent Everett James
Campus Life Cooordinator, Student Success Programs
416-977-6000, Ext. 275
(Bottom Photo by Esra Tasdemir)
Last Modified:1/24/2012 12:57:32 PM
