STUDENT MENTOR PROGRAM
Peer Mentors 2012/2013. Photo by Wryan Jeong.
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 was 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 June through to November. New and first-year students are encouraged to sign up (anytime between May and September) and participate as a Student Mentee. Sign up and get a Peer Mentor!
Peer Mentors are knowledgeable upper-year student volunteers who are matched with (up to) two “Student Mentees” (new/first-year students) and assist with their transition to OCAD U by encouraging community involvement and engagement with peers, faculty and staff. Peer Mentors provide encouragement, support, and guidance, and information regarding university procedures, student support services and extracurricular activities.
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 Faculties/Programs 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 two or three new/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 June).
What kind of support can Peer Mentors and Student Mentees expect from the program and staff?
Firstly, two days of program training (one day of which is a leadership retreat outside the city) and a Mentor Program Handbook kick off our support for you in the role of a Peer Mentor. 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) should be 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 June through to November. New and returning Peer Mentors must commit to mandatory two-day Mentor Program Training—one day of which will be an exciting Leadership retreat outside the city—at the end of April. Available Peer Mentors are also asked to participate in key activities planned during Registration Assistance Days (RAD) scheduled at the end of June/beginning of July, and O-DAYS! (orientation) in early September.
Why is it important that Peer Mentors participate in RAD and O-DAYS!?
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 two-day Mentor Program Training at the end of 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 Training.
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 June. 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 Campus Life 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 June 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 Brent Everett James, Campus Life Coordinator, Student Success Programs if there are concerns or questions regarding mentoring relationships.
What if I find it difficult to undertake the responsibilities of a Peer Mentor?
If you are experiencing any problems or issues in your mentoring relationship, or cannot continue your commitment further due to any reason, contact Brent Everett James, Campus Life Coordinator, Student Success Programs at 416-977-6000, Ext. 275.
Contact:
Brent Everett James
Campus Life Cooordinator
Student Success Programs
416-977-6000, Ext. 275
Lali Mohamed
Program Coordinator, Mentorship
Student Success Programs
416-977-6000, Ext. 4021
(Bottom Photo by Esra Tasdemir)
Last Modified:5/3/2013 4:07:49 PM
