Environment Peer Mentor Application

Type:

Paid

Position Description:

Primary Purpose:

The Faculty of Environment Peer Mentorship Program aims to have mentors create connections with and enhance the sense of belonging of first-year students. The Program is designed to support first-year undergraduate students to the Waterloo community by: 

  • Running programming and building connections that foster a sense of belonging,

  • Connect first-years to resources and opportunities around the Faculty of Environment and the University of Waterloo,

  • Facilitate peer-to-peer connections in students’ programs, the Faculty, and beyond. 

Job Description: 

Concretely, the role of a peer mentor includes: 

  • Connect with student communities regularly, in-person and virtually, for the duration of the program. 

  • Hold weekly office hours allowing for comfortable drop-in discussion with 1A students. 

  • Regularly engage 1A students through select online platforms. 

  • Support two events introducing 1A students to the program and furthering connection, including story-sharing circles 

Broader goals as a peer mentor include: 

  • Connect students to appropriate academic and personal support services across campus and specifically in the Faculty of Environment. 

  • Share personal stories and experiences as they relate to transition and adjusting to university as an Environment student. 

  • Promote a sense of community. 

  • Build a climate of trust, respect, and inclusivity. 

  • Recognize boundaries within your role and seek out assistance/make appropriate referrals, where necessary. 

Through this program, you will: 

  • Contribute to the success of first-year students by building community and providing them with the tools to be personally and academically resilient. 

  • Build personal and lasting mentorship connections with first-year students 

  • Develop and/or strengthen your leadership, storytelling, and communication skills. 

Specific Job Commitments: 

The Peer Mentorship Program will run approximately from September 4th through October, breaking for reading week. 

  • Approximately 4-5 hours a week of office hour availability,
  • Complete Foundations of Collaborative Leadership Training (if not previously completed),
  • Ability to attend Waterloo Ready Day on July 17th (optional),
  • Orientation engagements September 2 – 6 (September 6 Club Fair),
  • Being on-campus for Fall term is strongly preferred.

Skills & Qualifications: 

Specific qualifications include: 

  • Be a full or part-time registered student (including co-op) and in good academic standing at time of hire. 

  • Access to a computer (with a camera and microphone) and fast reliable internet access.

  • Previous leadership or mentorship experience (e.g. don, orientation leader, peer mentor) is an asset. 

  • Knowledge of the Faculty of Environment and broader University of Waterloo community.

General skills and competencies we’re looking for are: 

  • Ability to connect and empathize with first-year students. 

  • Strong interpersonal skills to effectively support students within the community. 

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills. 

  • Demonstrate a high level of professionalism in all modes of communication. 

  • Excellent knowledge of University of Waterloo services and support programs. 

  • Demonstrated good judgment and problem-solving skills. 

  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a larger team. 

  • Demonstrated leadership skills. 

  • Working knowledge and/or experience in building community within a diverse group of students. 

  • Proficiency with online tools and chat platforms. 

Additional Information

This role is flexible. When and how engagement is done with student communities is largely dependent on the Peer Mentor schedule. 

If you have questions about the position, please contact environment.undergrad@uwaterloo.ca  

Application Deadline:

Sunday, June 23, 2024 at 11:59pm.

Position Start Date:

September 4, 2024

Optional event on July 17 (in-person).

Optional event on September 6 (in-person).

Training late August (virtual).

Position End Date:

October 28, 2024

Number of Positions:

5-6

Posted by:

Faculty of Environment, Dean's Office

Date Posted:

Monday, June 10, 2024 at 12:00pm.