About the Program: The Connection Collective
The Connection Collective is a group-based mentorship initiative designed to support undergraduate and graduate peers; particularly those who identify as Black, Indigenous, Racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, and other equity-deserving groups, through a journey of connection, growth, and leadership. The program is led by Connection Leads, who serve as peer mentors and facilitators in a collaborative, non-hierarchical environment that centers intersectionality and lived experience.
Position Summary
As a Connection Lead, you will play a key role in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for equity-deserving students, looking to find community. You will support students through mentorship, resource sharing, and community-building activities. Connection Leads begin their community-building journey with students over orientation week and begin facilitating conversations and programming in September.
Key Responsibilities
As a Connection Lead, you will:
- Participate in Training & Development:
- Attend a series of training sessions in August, September, and between program phases to build facilitation, mentorship, and equity-informed leadership skills.
- Attend weekly meetings and/or stay up to date with meeting recordings
- Facilitate Peer Mentorship & Community Building:
- Build meaningful relationships with participants through regular communication, mentorship, and peer support.
- Host virtual and in-person events such as workshops, social gatherings, and discussion circles that foster connection and belonging.
- Host drop-in and appointment hours for peers to connect one-on-one (Winter-term only).
- Maintain Online Engagement:
- Moderate and contribute to the online platform by posting resources, answering questions, and encouraging dialogue.
- Resource Sharing & Navigation:
- Create and share tailored resources that highlight campus and community supports relevant to equity-deserving students.
Accountabilities
Connection Leads are expected to:
- Commit approximately 5 hours per week, including occasional evenings and weekends.
- Co-manage peer communities of equity-deserving and/or international students.
- Deliver inclusive, student-centred experiences aligned with the Student Success Office’s values.
- Promote awareness of campus services, support, and opportunities.
- Share lived experiences to support student transitions and foster a sense of belonging.
- Uphold a climate of trust, inclusivity and respect, centring intersectionality and peer collaboration.
Qualifications
- Current, registered undergraduate or graduate student.
- Lived experience or experience working with equity-deserving students is an asset.
- Strong knowledge of UWaterloo’s campus, services, and student life.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Teams and Office Suite.
- Creative, adaptable, and self-motivated with a passion for student success.
- Cultural sensitivity and the ability to navigate diverse group dynamics.
Working Hours and Time Commitment
All Connection Leads will work 5 hours/week for the duration of their role, doing a variety of tasks that support the peer community. These tasks include hosting meetups (virtual and in-person), engaging participants via MS Teams chat functions, responding to emails from participants and hosting drop-ins. Engaging participants on Teams, hosting meetups and events may require evening and weekend work. It is preferred that candidates be able to commit to working in the program from August 18, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
Mandatory Dates
All successful candidates must attend mandatory training prior to the program and specific event dates throughout it.
Contact
If you have any questions, or require accommodations for any of the selection process, please contact Tara Kleinsteuber at tkleinsteuber@uwaterloo.ca
How to Apply
Please visit the application link below; there is a field to upload a resume built into the application. The application must be filled out, along with the attachment of a resume. The closing date for applications is August 5, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.