Volunteer Opportunities with Peers: SHS

Applications to Peers: SHS are now available online, and in-person at 150 University Centre. 

Volunteer Application for Peers: SHS for 2012/13 

Please return the completed application to 150 University Centre.

If you are interested in applying to the program, please familiarize yourself with the program structure and requirements. See below for details!

Who are Peers and what do they do?

The Peers: Students Helping Students Program at the University of Manitoba began in 1987 (known then as “Peer Advisors) with the collaboration and funding of Student Affairs and the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU).

The program has grown steadily since that time, presently employing one student on a part-time basis and between 20 - 35 volunteer Peers, all of whom are students themselves. The program’s main office at 150 University Centre serves as a drop-in, referral, and administrative office.

Each Peer volunteer commits six hours per week to the program in the following areas:

  • training and updating their skills and knowledge;
  • operating the main office for support and referrals for students;
  • participating in a placement with a student service on campus; and
  • outreach and program promotion activities.

Peers complete an intensive training program led by Student Affairs professionals. In the first term, Peers begin with a mandatory training weekend in September and then continue with weekly meetings throughout the year. Topics covered in training may include the following:

  • active listening and empathic communication;
  • crisis intervention;
  • important student-related issues and topics;
  • marketing and promotion skills;

Training topics may be given by programs or groups on or off campus with particular expertise in these topics.

The Peers themselves are the program’s strength. Peers come from a variety of disciplines and perspectives; each makes a unique contribution to the program. What Peers have in common is a desire to learn, to listen, and to reach out actively and support other students.

Peers are an approachable resource for students who have questions, or need a supportive listener regarding a personal problem. Peers make referrals to other campus or community resources as appropriate. All services are confidential and free of charge.

Volunteers who meet all program requirements will receive a notation on their transcript/Co-Curricular Record to verify the number of hours they have volunteered, as well as the skills they received training in.

How do I apply?

Recruitment for September 2012 is open! Applications are now available. If you are interested in volunteering for September 2012, please refer to the information below and if you would like to know more about the program, please e-mail peer@umsu.ca

To be eligible to apply, students must:

  • Complete a minimum of 18 credit hours at the University of Manitoba (excluding credits transferred from other institutions) by the end of the Winter Term of the year of application
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher by the end of the Winter Term of the year of application

The application process involves the following stages:

  • Complete an application form (available online (above) and at 150 University Centre).
  • Return the application form to the Peer office by the deadline, and sign-up for a mandatory 2 hour orientation session.
  • At the orientation session, you will be asked to sign up for an interview. You will be interviewed by representatives of the Peer program.
  • Over the summer, a GPA and reference check is done.
  • Applicants are notified of their acceptance to the program in July for the following September.
  • Please note that the application process is competitive, and not all applicants are guaranteed acceptance to the program.

This is what former Peer volunteers have said about their experiences:

“Amazing Program! I learned more thank I ever expected I would.”

“I gained so much from this program, I made new friends that are supportive and always there for me and are friends that I will have for life.”

“I had a great time this year andreally hope to be involved with Peers next year!”

“This program is absolutely amazing! It far surpassed any expectations I had for it and I learned more than I can express”

“I really enjoyed our speakers and our Allies training.”

“I loved the group work/interaction, it helped me to get to know all the other peers and learn more by hearing their questions and opinions.”

“Everyone was amazing and I feel privileged to have met such caring, compassionate people!”