Toronto Alumni Chapter Mentorship Program

1. Develop a more connected alumni chapter through mentorship.  

2. Develop and support Toronto’s talent pool of UW Alumni.  

3. Develop a forum for recent graduates to discuss career direction, challenges and development opportunities.  

4. Create an opportunity for experienced alumni to give back to the newest members of the UW Toronto Alumni community, as well as to further develop leadership skills.  

5. Foster a positive and rewarding learning experience for both the mentee and the mentor

The purpose of the mentor-mentee relationship is to share knowledge, answer questions and be an encouraging and supportive partner in the professional development of each other.  

The program is open to alumni who: 

• are interested in developing their leadership skills 
• have a desire to develop new skills or apply their knowledge to current employment or professional goals
• have graduated from a University of Waterloo program 
• are currently employed
• are committed to building a strong partnership 
• meet the specific requirements for the mentor and mentee roles (see application process for more information)

The partnership will last for 7 months (May 2024 - November 2024) between the mentor and the mentee. The time invested and structure of the mentor-mentee relationship will be catered to the needs of the participants; there is no set schedule for meetings. However, there should be a minimum connection of one hour every month in addition to the group gatherings listed below. Meetings can take place face-to-face, by phone or video conferencing through skype/facetime, etc. this is up to the pair to decide the best method and their schedule. 

• April 4, 2024 Applications Open
• April 30, 2024 Applications Close (or once capacity is reached)
• May 2024 Review and matching process 
• end of May 2024 Alumni are connected to their matches 
• August 2024 Mid-way check-in with organizers 
• November 2024 Wrap up and celebration event 

Mentors and Mentees are asked to complete the application below. Applications will be capped at 50 per role, and 30 per role will be accepted to participate in the pilot program.

Specific requirements in addition to those listed above (in the who can apply section):

Mentors; 

• a minimum of 8 years of work experience 
• demonstrated success and leadership skills
• aware of current workplace trends and practices 

Mentees; 

• a graduate of 2021 - 2023 (inclusive)
• prepared to create goals and consider their career objectives 
• willing to apply learnt skills and advise (where applicable) to their current career path

The applications will help participants share more about these requirements as well as other information to support the matching process. 

Matching Process 

The UW Alumni Toronto Chapter Mentorship Committee will be facilitating the match between mentor and mentee based on the information collected on the program application form. Key criteria for matching partners will be based on the areas of expertise the mentor has, and the area of greatest learning need identified by the mentee. 

All participants who agree to part take in any role within this program confirm that they are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for ANY persons who participates. We will not tolerate any instances of discriminatory or harmful behaviors. Any indication of harmful, unsafe, and/or discriminatory behaviors will lead to immediate removal from the program, and a review of actions.

Role Expectations  

Mentors; 

• Take initiative to make the first contact and be willing, able and available ​

• Play an active role in supporting the mentees goals and define strategies for success ​

• Help the mentee develop an appropriate learning plan ​

• Give sound, constructive, tactful and honest review of the mentee’s progress ​

• Accept the mentee as a colleague with potential for high performance ​

• Provide help and serve as sounding board for issues relating to your mentee’s goals 

Mentees;

• Take initiative and be proactive in and responsible for your career development ​

• Play an active role in setting personal goals and communicate those to your mentor ​

• Initiate meetings, discussions and activities and seek feedback ​

• Follow through on commitments and the timeline mentee and mentor have set ​

• Allow flexibility with regard to meeting times and places ​

• Be willing to be coached and ask for and receive feedback in a non-defensive manner 

Mentorship Tips for All; 

• DO ask questions around career experience, growth, interests, etc.​

• DO ask for specific advice on your skill set, plans, ideas, goals (the more specific you are the easier it will be for your mentor to respond and advise in a meaningful way)​

• DO set clear expectations for your partnership (time commitment, confidentiality, accountability, goal setting)​

• DO keep an open mind to new ideas, suggestions, feedback (remember that feedback is meant to be constructive!)​

• DON’T expect your mentor to own your professional development - they are their to support, offer advice, and act as a sounding board, but it is up to mentees to identify key objectives that you would like to address and work on and it is up to mentees to keep the relationship focused and moving towards achieving your goals​

• ​DON’T expect instant changes or a new job right away – mentorship is a process and new skills take time to build​

1. Who is responsible for initiating the meetings?

Mentors will be asked to take initiative to make the first contact and schedule the first meetings. Following this, mentees will be required to set up meetings. However both participants must commit and communicate if their availability changes. We recommend booking your future meetings all at once.

2. What happens if I am not chosen for the initial program? 

Alumni who are not selected will be on a wait list should spots become available, and will be considered first for the next edition.

3. Will there be guidelines and training to outline the expectations of each role?  

There will be a handbook with guidelines, worksheets for setting goals and tips provided to all participants. 

4. What to do if you are no longer able to participate in the program? 

While we do ask all participants to commit to the 7 months, we understand that sometimes life circumstances change. If you no longer feel you can participate in the program, we asked that you please notify the Toronto Alumni Chapter and your partner of this change. 

5. What to do if you do not feel like your partner is not a good match? 

The application and matching process is extensive and meant to ask questions that will allow the Chapter to make the most informed matches. We encourage all participants to give the relationship time to grow and bring a positive attitude. However, if after some time you strongly feel your match is not compatible with you, we ask you to please connect with the Toronto Alumni Chapter and a member will help with next steps.  

6. What to do if you feel your partner is demonstrating unsafe, harmful or discriminatory behaviours?

As mentioned above it is our priority to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all participants. If you feel you have been in any situation that is unsafe or have experienced harmful and discriminatory behaviours please notify the Alumni Relations team immediately and a staff member will connect with you as soon as possible and take action where necessary.