Peer Helpers
Are you looking for another student to talk to about your student experience? Do you want advice from an upper-year student about your transition into university? Are you looking for ways to meet new people and get involved? You're in the right place!
What are Peer Helpers?
Peer Helpers are a small group of trained students who 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).
Here are some of the things Peer Helpers can do during your appointment:
- Talk to you about adjusting to term changes as a result of the pandemic and the strike / help you understand changes that were made to the term
- Be a non-judgmental, listening ear
- Share relevant stories and advice based on their personal student experiences
- Show you how to meet new people and get involved on campus
- Help you find the right campus resources and supports
Appointments are available through our booking form.
Peer Helpers also run free events related to academic success each month for all students. See our upcoming events below!
Read our FAQ for more information or check out bios below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Peer Helper appointments
Who can book an appointment with a Peer Helper?
If you are a student in any of the categories below, you are eligible to meet with a Peer Helper:
- U of M students
- All faculties and programs (including Extended Education)
- All campuses
- All years (including grad students)
- International College of Manitoba (ICM) students
- English Language Centre (ELC) students
What can I talk about during a Peer Helper appointment?
You can talk about anything from feeling lonely during the pandemic to challenges that you are having in your classes. Peer Helpers are here to listen and share their experiences with you. They can even help you find ways to meet new people and get involved on campus. Peer Helpers are like casual, commitment-free mentors.
Where are Peer Helper appointments held?
Peer Helper appointments are currently being held on Microsoft Teams.
How long is the Peer Helper appointment?
Peer Helper appointments are usually around 15 - 20 minutes.
How many times can I book an appointment?
You can book a one-time appointment or several appointments with Peer Helpers throughout the year. There is no guarantee that you will see the same person twice, but you can always check if this is possible by emailing studentlife@umanitoba.ca
If you are looking to connect with one person for a longer period of time, you may be interested checking out opportunities to be paired with a peer mentor.
Is there a cost for appointments?
No! Appointments are completely free.
Peer Helper Bios
Want to become a Peer Helper?
Student Life's Peer Helpers work to support students both as they transition into university and throughout their academic journey. Peer Helpers meet with students one-to-one on a drop-in or appointment basis during weekly office hours, engage in student success outreach, and assist with the facilitation of student success workshops.
Peer Helpers…
- Practice active listening during weekly office hours while mentoring students on a drop-in or appointment basis and when making effective referrals to campus resources and services
- Model student engagement and success, and support your peers in developing / refining strategies for success.
- Support your peers in finding meaningful engagement opportunities on campus through tools such as the Co-curricular and experiential learning catalogs.
- Plan and host student success outreach events/presentations/workshops and help facilitate student workshops with the New Student Peer Mentoring Program and Student Life.
- Participate in ongoing reflection and personal development during weekly meetings as part of a community of Peer Helpers.
- Communicate and engage with students regularly through the development of social media content and responding to email inquiries.
Being a Peer Helper is an intensive volunteer experience that requires previous helping or mentoring experience and is a commitment of 125+ hours/per academic year.
Peer Helper applications will open Summer 2022. If you are interested in participating, check out the information below for what you might expect!
Benefits and Skill Development Areas
Some of the benefits of becoming a Peer Helper include:
- Making a difference in students’ experiences at university
- Building transferrable skills that will help you in the future
- Making connections with campus resources and your peers
- Getting recognition on your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) for the program
- CCR recognition is provided to Peer Helpers who fulfil the required program commitments
Skill development areas include:
- Interpersonal & helping skills
- Group facilitation skills
- Leadership skills
- Planning & organizing skills
- Verbal & non-verbal communication skills
- Self-awareness & personal strengths
Position Requirements and Important Dates
Peer Helpers can expect to volunteer 125+ hours between September 2021 and April 2022.
| REQUIREMENTS | DATES/DEADLINES |
| Initial online training sessions |
|
|
Online training modules
|
Estimated 6 hours Completed on own time before September 7 |
| Weekly office hours |
Two hours per week Scheduled based on availability |
| Weekly team meetings / additional training |
|
| Plan, design, create and host an interactive online outreach event, presentation or workshop | Once per term (dates decided in September) |
|
Miscellaneous tasks as assigned (e.g. planning, coordinating and practicing for event/workshop facilitation, record keeping, self-reflection activities, additional training opportunities) |
Three to four hours per month |
| Year-end program evaluation | Approximately 30 minutes |
All meetings and events will be held online until further notice. A virtual option will remain in effect for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Eligibility
Eligibility to be a Peer Helper:
- Current undergraduate or graduate student at the U of M (in any faculty/program) - knowledge of Fort Garry Campus resources is needed
- Minimum two years of study at the U of M
- Completion of at least 36 credit hours prior to Summer 2021
- Strong academic background (GPA 3.0; exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis)
- Returning as a full-time student for both the Fall 2021 and Winter 2022 terms (minimum of 9 credit hours per term); exceptionsmay be made on a case-by-case basis
- In good conduct standing based on the University of Manitoba’s Behavioural Policies
- Previous experience in a helping or mentoring role is needed, other leadership experience may be considered
- Available for all program requirements listed above to allow for full participation in the program
Application Checklist
- Read all of the position information above
- Confirm you are available for all of the requirements and dates
- Confirm you are eligible to apply
- Submit an application using the button below
- If selected, attend an interview with the Student Life team!
If you have questions, please email peermentor@umanitoba.ca
More information
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
Please note, our office is closed to in-person visits until further notice. The best way to get in touch with us is through email.