ENV Peer Mentorship Program

Type:

Paid/Volunteer

Position Description:

Primary Purpose

The Faculty of Environment Peer Mentorship Program is designed to welcome first-year undergraduate students to the Waterloo community by:

  • supporting their transition to university life
  • connecting them to Faculty of Environment services, resources, and supports
  • facilitating peer-to-peer relationships with students of the same program

Environment Peer Mentors will oversee and support a community of 1A students. In their communities mentors will work to create connections while being a resource for students and ensure that they feel like they belong and are heard. Environment Peer Mentors are knowledgeable on the Faculty of Environment student experience and will focus on helping new students build connections and community within the Faculty. The Environment Peer Mentorship Program will run from the week of September 11th to mid-October.

Participation in this program will allow you to:

  • Develop and/or strengthen your leadership and communication skills
  • Expand your network within the Faculty of Environment
  • Contribute to the retention and success of incoming students by building community and relationships

Key Accountabilities

  • Connect with student communities regularly for the duration of the program (September-October)
    • Peer mentors must be available to work approximately 2-3 hours a week (including some evenings/weekends)
    • Note: Number of hours may vary based on need and size of group
  • Oversee a community of their program’s first year cohort. Peer mentors will provide support to their communities by answering questions and providing guidance to ease the transition to university while building community
  • Hold office hours each week, allowing for live, real-time conversations
  • Deliver and support engaging experiences for students, based on the direction of the Faculty of Environment and the needs of students
  • Promote and 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 positive school spirit and 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

Mandatory Training and Committments

  • Foundational Training Program for Peer Leaders (if not previously completed)
  • One virtual role-specific training session in August
  • Prefferably on-campus for the fall term

Required Qualifications

  • Previous leadership or mentorship experience at Waterloo (i.e. don, orientation leader) considered an asset
  • Knowledge of the Faculty of Environment community considered an asset
  • Completion of University of Waterloo Peer Mentorship Training, Student Leadership Training or Peer Success Coach Training, considered an asset
  • Be a full or part-time registered student (including co-op) and in good academic standing at time of hire
  • Demonstrate a high level of professionalism in all modes of communication
  • Excellent knowledge around University of Waterloo services and support programs
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills to effectively support students within the community
  • 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 technological tools (i.e. Microsoft Teams, Webex)

Additional Information

The Environment Peer Mentor position is an in-person role, with some training and communication to be conducted using a variety of online tools. Access to a computer (with a camera and microphone) and fast reliable internet access is required.

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 Dana Elrick

Date Posted/Application Open:

Application closed. 

Application Deadline:

N/A

Start Date:

September 7 , 2023

Optional event on July 18 (in-person).

Training late August (virtual).

End Date:

October 20, 2023

Posted by:

Faculty of Environment, Dean's Office

Number of Positions:

9-12

What term are your currently in, or, if you are in co-op, what term have you most recently completed?
Status:
Are you available for approximately 3 hours per week, and able to give a commitment from mid-August to mid-October?
Have you completed the Foundational Training Program for Peer Leaders, offered by the Student Success Office?
Are you currently a volunteer with the Environment Ambassador Program, Orientation, or Environment Student Society and Program Associations?
One file only.
20 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf, doc, docx.
I acknowledge that a university representative will review my student record for the purposes of processing this application. I consent to the University of Waterloo reviewing my student record to assess my eligibility for this role, including but not limited to my academic record and campus incident system reports. Please contact dlelrick@uwaterloo.ca if you have questions regarding the academic requirements for the Peer Mentor Program.
Your consent is required in order to move forward with your application. Your information will remain confidential.
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