Peer Mentorship
The Military & Veteran Friendly Campus (MVFC) Peer Mentorship Program is designed to match incoming and current military or Veteran students with experienced students/alumni/staff/faculty who have Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) military backgrounds. This program will give these students a connection to an upper year student or alumni/staff/faculty who has already experienced the transition to university. Our goal is to provide students with mentors who have similar interests and experiences so they can have a supported transition into their new role as a post-secondary student. Peer mentors work with mentees to help support the transition from military service to campus life.
How it works
The MVFC Peer Mentorship program is designed to connect current or former military members who are new to the UofA with current/former UofA student Veterans to provide support, resources, and increase campus and community engagement.
This program is intended to be casual, low commitment, mostly self-directed and be based on a naturally evolving relationship.
Expectations
Mentor applicants must:
- Be a current CAF military member or Veteran
- Have student status in an Undergraduate or Graduate program at the U of A in at least the second year of their program; or be a U of A alumni/ staff/faculty with previous CAF experience.
- Mentors will be provided with training on how to have supportive conversations.
Mentors are required to check in with their mentees a minimum of 4 times throughout the academic year (near the beginning and middle of each term). The method of check-in is to be agreed upon mutually by the mentee and the mentor at the outset of the program. The only requirement for in-person meetings is that they take place on campus in a public space.
Should there be any difficulties in mentors/mentees communication, ability to meet, or if you wish to opt out of the program, connect with the MVFC team to let them know.
Mentors will participate in training/orientation sessions and mentees must be willing to participate in an orientation session hosted by the MVFC team.
Benefits
Mentoring is not a one-sided relationship! We view mentoring as a collaborative experience that benefits both the mentee and the mentor. The mentor relationship offers a number of benefits to both individuals:
Mentees
- Develop a relationship with an upper year student or alumni/staff/faculty member to discuss questions about transitioning to campus life
- Build connections and social supports within the campus community
- Have access to someone who knows the resources and services available at the University
- Enhance general communication and networking skills
Mentors
- Make a difference in someone's life by providing insight and guidance based on your own personal experiences and knowledge
- Practice leadership and interpersonal skills through coaching, communication, and active listening
- Make connections and network with campus staff and partners
- A written reference from the MVFC team is available upon request
- Recognition and Appreciation from the Dean of Students at the end of the program
Supports available to mentors and mentees
The MVFC team will reach out to mentors and mentees on a regular basis to check-in and offer support.
Mentors and Mentees can reach out to the team as needed for any questions, concerns, or guidance.
Application process and deadlines
Mentors and mentees must apply for the program through an application form that is available on the website and have a meeting with a member of the MVFC team to discuss the mentor/mentee role. Training/ orientation sessions will be held in person, on campus and are mandatory to attend.
All MVFC students will be notified regarding the program as they complete their application form. Application will be accepted on an ongoing basis, with matching to occur as needed.
Career Mentorship
Students interested in Career Mentorship will have access to the Career Mentorship Program, offered through the University of Alberta Career Centre. Students interested in a mentorship relationship with a professional in their field of study can apply to the program and be matched with a mentor who can work with them on achieving their career goals after University.
This service is open to students in any year of study, and comes with a $75 fee. Interested students can visit this website or email careereducation@ualberta.ca.
Applications are open for the month of September.