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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Upper Year Mentor Registration

Mandatory Training:  September 14th, 7:00-8:30pm

Volunteering Timeframe: September 2020 – April 2021
Reporting to: Ellen James, Program Coordinator, Women in Engineering and Engineering Outreach

Be a leader in connecting students and creating our campus culture.  Peer Mentors are upper-year (2nd year and above) engineering students that work with incoming 1st or 2nd-year students to help ease the personal and academic transitions into university life. Peer Mentors will assist students by providing information and referrals for on-campus resources including academic advisors, student experience and support within the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. Peer Mentors will aid students in identifying difficulties, setting goals, facilitate access to campus resources and build confidence in the students’ strengths and abilities. All events this year will be virtual. 

To register for the program, click here and fill out the google form.

 Qualifications

  • Completion of at least one year (two semesters) of an undergraduate degree
  • Experience in leadership roles that emphasize helping
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Demonstrated initiative, self-motivation, and enthusiasm
  • Understanding of and sensitivity toward diversity-related issues
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Team oriented
  • A solid understanding of the first-year experience

Responsibilities

Connect with students

  • Conduct one-on-one meetings with the mentee in person or by email
  • Establish, develop and maintain an open relationship and a sense of belonging with your mentee.
  • Update mentee with any relevant Ontario Tech information (events, issues, etc).
  • Encourage and support mentees with their involvement on campus.
  • Promote academic and lifestyle balance.
  • Be familiar with academic and personal services on campus (included in training) and refer students as required.
  • Play an active role with Orientation week, welcoming students to campus.
    • New this year, we will be hosting a Women in Engineering Peer Mentorship welcome event for incoming first-year students. It is our hope that meeting students during the first week of school will increase the likelihood of participation in this program
    • Peer mentors will be expected to be available to attend this event unless permission is granted by Ellen James

Team Development

  • Be a resource for other Mentors.
  • Encourage idea sharing, team building and a positive work environment amongst teammates.

Communication

  • Be a resource for other Mentors.
  • Provide input and assist in the development of new workshops and initiatives for students.
  • Communicate with mentees regularly through agreed-upon methods (face-to-face, texts, emails).
  • Advertise events and services on campus.
  • Report serious individual and community issues immediately.
  • Complete and submit an online journal of activities and updates regarding your interactions with mentees online. (Note: Journal should be point form completed in word and just state a summary of email or in-person communication)
  • Give input on our events and suggest new ways of communicating with first-year students

Additional Duties

  • Uphold the mission of the program
  • Liaise with and remain informed about the activities of stakeholders that might affect program participants
  • Support the on-going development and improvement to the program

 

Statement of Understanding

Peer Mentors must abide by the terms and conditions outlined in the “Peer Mentor Contract Fall 2020 - Winter 2021.” Applying for this position indicates that the Peer Mentor agrees to the content contained within the Position Description and that they understand the duties and expectations discussed during team meetings and training.