Mentoring is a term that is heard all around Trent University.
The Office of Student Affairs has launched a new program this year where each first-year student belongs to a college-based group led by peer supporters. Peer supporters introduce incoming students to Trent, and offer guidance throughout the academic year.
In addition to this new program, the University hosts numerous department- and student-run groups who also offer mentoring support to students. Volunteer mentors in the Trent Peer Mentoring Program have provided academic mentoring for ten years, and this program continues to offer essential support for students struggling with their courses.
“Student helping students” is the motto and mandate for the Trent Peer Mentoring Program. The program is a division of the Academic Skills Centre, and the program is a great way to get involved in the academic community.
Available to all undergraduate students at Trent free of charge, the Peer Mentoring Program matches students in need of academic help with upper-year experienced students who are able to help.
Mentors are students with successful academic track records. They help other students by providing them with a better understanding of course concepts, the opportunity to practice course-specific skills, and friendly advice.
This academic year, the Peer Mentoring Program has matched students in disciplines like Business Administration, Chemistry, French, and Indigenous Studies. As this mentoring program grows larger, it can support more students.
Mentoring supports many students at Trent, and it’s a great volunteer opportunity for students considering careers in support fields or who are applying to professional and graduate programs.
Mentors are required to have an overall average of 75 percent and a desire to extend a helping hand to students who may be struggling in a specific course. We welcome students and student mentors from all disciplines.
The experience gained by student mentors in our program is invaluable as they gain new perspective on material, reflect on their own organizational and study strategies, and practice patience, empathy, and communication skills such as active listening and thoughtful questioning.
Perhaps unexpectedly, the mentee offers many lessons for the mentor as well. It may be the mentee who asks for support and advice, but it is the mentor who learns the most from the experience.
Whether you’re looking for help with your studies, or are looking to help other students, we invite you to join the Peer Mentoring Program and try something new.
If you require support in a course where you are struggling or some guidance in a new course that confuses you, we’d like to help you find a mentor.
Visit our website for information or to register with the program: www.trentu.ca/peermentoring.