Student peer mentoring programs
Mentoring programs at UM pair students with peers and professionals who can help you navigate the academic, personal and professional challenges of university and post-university life.
New Student Peer Mentoring Program
The New Student Peer Mentoring Program (NSPMP) is for any new undergraduate student at the University of Manitoba. New students in the NSPMP will be matched with a trained upper-year student (Peer Mentor) who will help them with their transition into university.
Key elements of the NSPMP:
- Make friends during small group meetings held by a pair of Peer Mentors
- Build connection through direct communication and one-to-one meetings with a Peer Mentor
- Learn new skills and important campus resources through workshops desgined for first-year students
- Develop transferable, life-long skills as a Peer Mentor through extensive training opportunities
- Get to know other students during fun social events!
New Students
New students in the New Student Peer Mentoring Program (NSPMP) will meet with both Peer Mentors and other first-year students as they transition into their first year of university. New students will also gain valuable skills during monthly meetings that are geared towards first-year students and their success in university. These sessions include topics such as goal setting, campus resources, effective study strategies, and maintaining balance.
New Students in the New Student Peer Mentoring Program will…
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Build relationships with upper-year U of M students (Peer Mentors) through direct communication and one-to-one meetings, as needed
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Meet other new first-year students during monthly small-group meetings guided by a pair of assigned Peer Mentors
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Learn skills that will contribute to success in university
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Practice setting goals for personal growth and learning
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Gain awareness of resources and support services on campus
For other mentoring opportunities, check out Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program, International Centre's Welcome Mentors program, or inquire with your faculty for faculty-specific programs.
Benefits and Skill Development Areas
Some of the benefits of joining the New Student Peer Mentoring Program:
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Participate in monthly social events where you can meet new people and make friends
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Connect with a community of first-year students and upper-year students
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Become informed about events and programs on campus
Skill development areas include:
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Self-awareness and personal strengths
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Resilience and confidence
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Problem solving
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Interpersonal communication
Program Dates and Commitment
New students can expect to spend 1-5 hours per month participating in the New Student Peer Mentoring Program. The amount you contribute is flexible and depends on your personal goals for the program. To get the most out of the program, we recommend completing as many requirements as possible.
Winter 2023 Program Outline
| Program Activities | Dates | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Program Kick-off (in-person) | Friday, January 13, 4:00 - 5:30 PM | Recommended |
|
Small-group mentoring / one-to-one mentoring |
Mutually scheduled by Peer Mentors and new students (minimum 30 mins per month) |
Required |
|
Personal and group communication |
Asynchronous; completed on your own time at least once per week |
Required |
|
New Student Workshops - Core Content |
Mondays, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
|
Recommended |
| New Student Workshops - Continued Learning (in-person) |
Wednesdays, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
|
Optional |
| Social Events |
[updated Jan 5, 2023] |
Recommended |
| Year-end program evaluation | Provided at the end of the year (approx. 30 mins) | Required |
Important information about CCR New students joining the program in Winter 2023 (part way through the academic year) are not eligible to receive a notation on their Experience Record / CCR.
Eligibility
You are eligible to join the New Student Peer Mentoring Program if you are...
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A new undergraduate student at the U of M - This program is not currently open to students enrolled at the International College of Manitoba (ICM)
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Registered in a degree program or general studies at the U of M
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Starting in Winter 2023 (or if you started in Fall/Summer 2022)
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Registered (or intending to register) for classes in the winter term
Please note, we welcome all first-year students who meet the eligibility criteria, but we also think it’s important that you know there are other mentoring programs available, too! If you need help deciding which program is the best fit for you, please feel free to check out the resources below or contact us at peermentor@umanitoba.ca
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International Centre's Welcome Mentors
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Faculty-specific mentoring programs – check with your faculty!
Application Checklist
- Read all of the position information above
- Confirm you are available for the dates and requirements listed in the program outline
- Confirm you are eligible to apply
- Complete an application before January 10th, 2023
We may have still have spots available past the deadline, please email us for more information.
Apply to be paired with a Peer Mentor for Winter 2023!
Peer Mentors
Peer Mentors in the New Student Peer Mentoring Program (NSPMP) work with Student Life staff to support new students as they transition into their first year of university. Through this program, Peer Mentors will aid in the successful integration of new students into the University of Manitoba campus community.
Peer Mentors in the New Student Peer Mentoring Program will be partnered with another Peer Mentor for the duration of the program and will...
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Be paired as a duo with up to ten first-year students (their peers) who are new to the U of M
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Build and contribute to a mentoring relationship with their peers in one-to-one discussions, small group meetings, and at social events
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Practice active listening, share experiences, foster reflection, assist with goal setting, and provide referrals to campus resources as necessary
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Receive feedback and guidance from experienced Mentoring Team Leaders who will provide peer support throughout the year
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Participate in ongoing reflection and personal development as part of a community of Peer Mentors and Mentoring Team Leaders
For other mentoring opportunities, check out Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program and International Centre's Welcome Mentors program.
Peer Mentor applications for the 2022-23 academic year are now closed.
Benefits and Skill Development Areas
Some of the benefits of becoming a NSPMP Peer Mentor include:
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Making a difference in the experiences of new students entering university
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Building transferrable skills that will help you in your future
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Making connections on campus and with your peers
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Getting co-curricular (CCR) recognition for your contributions to the program - CCR recognition is provided only to volunteers who fulfil the program requirements
Skill development areas include:
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Group facilitation
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Helping and coaching
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Interpersonal communication (written, verbal, & non-verbal)
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Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Position Requirements and Important Dates
Required Commitment
Peer Mentors can expect to volunteer a total of 75-90 hours between August 2022 and April 2023.
*Please note, the time commitment and requirements are different from previous years so please make sure you read the requirements and important dates listed below!
Requirements |
dates/deadlines |
|
| Initial training | Wednesday, August 17 (6:00pm–9:00pm) and Thursday, August 18 (6:00pm–9:00pm) | |
|
Online training modules |
Estimated 5 hours total Completed on own time before September 6th |
|
| Program Kick-Off | Friday, September 16 (5:30-7:30pm) | |
|
One-to-one and small-group mentoring / communication* |
Approximately 4-5 hours per month (Sept – April) Completed on own time; mutually scheduled by Peer Mentors and first-year student peers |
|
| Professional Development Workshops (Choice between Wednesday or Thursday cohort) |
Wednesday Cohort (4-6pm) - in-person
|
Thursday Cohort (6-8pm) - online
|
| Peer Mentor Team Meetings |
Thursdays (6:00-8:00 pm) - online |
|
|
Supervision and consultation with Mentoring Team Leader |
Approximately 30 mins per month (Sept-Apr) Completed on own time; mutually scheduled by Peer Mentors and Mentoring Team Leaders |
|
| Social events |
Minimum one per term (approximately 2 hours per term) Multiple options available; dates announced at Program Kick-off |
|
|
Year-end program evaluation |
Approximately 30 minutes | |
*One-to-one and small group mentoring includes co-hosting small group meetings with your mentoring partner and up to 10 new students, holding one-to-one meetings to provide support to new students individually, planning, and digital communication (texting, emailing, posting icebreakers, etc).
Eligibility
Eligibility to be a Peer Mentor:
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Current undergraduate student at the U of M Fort Garry Campus
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Minimum one year of study at the U of M
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Completion of at least 18 credit hours prior to Summer 2022
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Strong academic background (GPA 3.0; exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis, please email us)
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In good conduct standing based on the University of Manitoba’s Behavioural Policies
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Returning as a student for both the Fall 2022 and Winter 2023 terms
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Available for the program requirements listed above to allow for full participation in the program
Application Checklist
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Review all of the position requirements above and confirm you are available for all the listed dates
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Confirm you are eligible to apply
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Complete an application before July 24, 2022 at 11:59 PM
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If selected, attend an interview
If you have questions about the committment or the position description, please contact us at peermentor@umanitoba.ca!
More mentoring opportunities
International Centre Welcome Mentors
In the Welcome Mentors program, mentors provide one-on-one intercultural, personal and academic support to their mentees for one academic term. Mentors complete training to support mentees during their transition to university.
Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program
The Neechiwaken Peer Mentor Program matches new Indigenous University of Manitoba students, known as Neechiwaken, with experienced Indigenous students, known as Lead Neechiwaken, who act as mentors, providing academic and social support and ongoing advice. It is open to Indigenous students in any year of study.
Student Life Peer Helpers
Peer Helpers are trained, upper-year students who you can talk to about your student experience, transition to university, ways to meet new people, and how to find resources and supports on campus. Peer Helpers are like casual peer mentors who can meet with you via Microsoft Teams by appointment.
They are available to meet with any student currently enrolled in a program at U of M (from any campus), International College of Manitoba (ICM), or English Language Centre (ELC).
Whether you're brand new to the university, an experienced student or a recent graduate, finding a mentor can be a valuable experience.
- Career Mentor Program
- Student Accessibility Services peer mentoring
- Land and Water Mentoring Program
- UM Career Café
Many departments and faculties have programs that can help you connect with a mentor for support. Check with your faculty or department to learn more.
You may also be looking for
Contact us
Student Life
225 University Centre
65 Chancellor's Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2
204-474-9093