Mentorship Program

The Mentorship Program is an initiative launched by the University of Manitoba, the Manitoba Professional Planners Institute and the University of Manitoba Association of Planning Students intended to strengthen ties between students and professional planners. The program involves pairing a student with a practising member of MPPI, so that the mentor could offer support and guidance to the student during the course of their academic career. The mentor would be the first point of contact between the student and the planning profession. Responsibility for matching the student with the professional will lie with the University Liaison committee of MPPI. See the MPPI website Mentorship Program for more details including the Guide Book (2002).

A mentor would take the time to meet with their student on a casual basis. Mentors could expect to discuss course work, major degree project topics, internship opportunities, and perhaps future career strategies with their student. The areas of interest or practice do not necessarily have to be the same, as it is expected that the studentís interests and course work will evolve during the course of the program. Acting as a mentor would also enable the professional to identify relevant or timely thesis/practicum topics that would be of interest to the student, mentor, and planning profession.

In participating in the Mentorship program, professional planners can earn points towards a professional development certificate offered by CIP. Acting as a mentor also enabled the professional planner to fulfil their commitment to the Canadian Institute of Planners as set out in the Code of Professional Conduct. Section 3.4 requiring members to contribute to the professional education, mentoring, and development of planning students, provisional and full members of the Institute and other colleagues.

Chris Leach, then President of MPPI met with M1 students during Orientation week Sept 06, 2001 to introduce the Institute and the Mentorship program. A mentorship evening is arranged during each term.

 
The 4th annual Mentorship Program Wine & Cheese Event arranged by the MPPI Academic Affairs & Professional Development Committee at the University of Manitoba, Faculty Club. This was an introduction to the new Mentorship Program, a chance to meet new and returning City Planning students and an opportunity to mingle with other professionals. Photos of event below.
The 2nd Annual City Planning Mentorship Evening was held Nov. 29, 2000 at the newly renovated University Club. Sponsored by the Manitoba Professional Planners Institute and the University of Manitoba Faculty of Architecture, the evening offered the opportunity to view the studio work of first and second year Planning students, as well as a chance for mentors and students to meet. A delicious assortment of hors díoeuvres and stimulating conversation was enjoyed by all.
Welcome and introductions were made by Diana Isliefson (a City Planning Grad), representing the MPPI. Dr. Sherri Blake introduced the Studio 1 work and Prof. Tom Yauk introduced the Studio II work.
Upper (left): Rhoda Gregorio, Allison Cook, Angie Clark. (right) Sherri Blake and Kristy LeBaron review Studio 1 work.
Middle (left): David Hicks, Lloyd Talbot, Ian Wight and Akim Roy. (centre) Liz Sweatman, David Palubeskie, Sherri Blake;
(right) Allan Clayton, Kangjian Luo, Alex Robinson.
Lower (left) Ian Skelton, Lloyd Talbot (middle) Tom Yauk, Sherri Blake, Basil Rotoff. (right) Kent Snyder, Doug Clarke, Xu Liu, Robert Nicol

Students interested in participating in the Mentorship program, or for further information please contact:

Dr. Richard Milgrom
Head, Department of City Planning
University of Manitoba
Phone: 474.6417
Email: milgrom@cc.umanitoba.ca


President, Manitoba Professional Planners Institute
Manitoba Professional Planners Institute
2nd Floor - 137 Bannatyne Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 0R3

Tel: (204) 943-3637
Fax: (204) 925-4624

or UMAPS representatives (University of Manitoba Association of Planning Students)