weCONNECTu Mentor Application

The weCONNECTu mentorship program aims to provide mentorship to first-year students entering the Faculty of Health by pairing first-year students with an upper-year mentor, who will act as a resource to answer questions, connect their mentees with resources and services on campus, and offer social support throughout the first year at university.

First-year students who apply for the program will be matched with a mentor from their program, based on the interests and preferences that they share in their application.

Mentor applications for 2023-2024 are now closed. If you have any questions, please contact Vivienne Hang, Student Relations Officer.  

Why be a mentor?

As a weCONNECTu mentor, you will...

  • Support new students in the Faculty of Health as they transition to university
  • Share your Faculty of Health and UW knowledge, resources, tips and experiences
  • Develop your communication, listening and leadership skills
  • Participate in professional development opportunities 
  • Meet students in the Faculty of Health and help to build the community

Mentor responsibilities

With changes due to COVID-19, mentors do not need to be physically present on campus or in the Region of Waterloo. All training will be completed virtually, and all communication with mentees can take place over email, video chat and/or social media. There may be in-person programming in fall and winter terms depending on UWaterloo and public health guidelines.

In this role, you are responsible for:

  • Supporting first-year student mentees (max. 3) as they transition into university by answering questions and directing mentees to appropriate resources

  • Engaging in positive and meaningful interactions with mentees via email, social media and/or meeting in person. A communications timeline will be shared for your use.

  • Responding to all mentee communication within 24 hours (if non-urgent) 

  • Refering mentees to resources in the Faculty of Health, on campus, and in the community as necessary

  • Completing all mentor training and monthly check-ins, and participating in professional development opportunities

  • Upholding the principles, mission and policies of the Faculty of Health and the University of Waterloo

While weCONNECTu will try to match all mentors with a mentee, we cannot guarantee that you will be matched with a mentee.

Mentor qualifications

  • Must have strong communication, time management and organization skills

  • Must be knowledgeable about the first-year student experience and aware of first-year student needs

  • Must be a current Faculty of Health undergraduate student

  • All students in term 2A or 2B are encouraged to apply

  • Must be available to volunteer from July 2023 through to April 2024

  • Must complete online Faculty of Health training (by the end of July 2023) and Peer Mentorship Training through the SSO (by end of September 2023)

  • Once matched with a mentee, must complete monthly check-ins with Student Relations Officer

  • Hiring is subject to academic integrity checks