Science Mentor Program
Have questions about the Science Mentor Program?
Contact Deborah Fox (she/her), Student Engagement Specialist for the Faculty of Science, at scmentor@ualberta.ca.
Looking for support as you begin at the U of A? Let's make the most of your undergraduate experience!
Our program provides mentoring to incoming first and second year students across all Faculty of Science departments and majors. Science Mentors are upper-year students with diverse interests, lived experiences and career goals. They are dedicated to creating a welcoming community and offering guidance to other students as they transition to the U of A and start their own unique academic journey.
Benefit from personalized peer support. Get tips + advice. Learn about research + volunteer opportunities. Participate in a variety of events. Make new friends.
Mentor Matching
Each mentor is matched with up to five students on the basis of academic major + program, common interests, lived experiences and career goals. Note that since the ratio of mentors to incoming students varies each year, your mentor may not have the same major as you.
What to Expect
Your mentor will check-in with you bi-weekly, in person or online. You may also meet in small groups with other students in the program. Please honour any commitments you've made together and remain respectful of the time your mentor dedicates to supporting you.
Mentor Events
Science Mentors host several events that address common areas of concern for new students. Each includes an informative session plus a social activity to allow time for open discussions and connecting with other students. Event topics include: goal setting, best practices for communicating with professors, study tips and preparing for finals, getting involved on campus and time management.
Mentor Support
Science Mentors do not provide tutoring. They will model effective study and learning strategies that have worked for them and help connect you with academic resources available on campus. They are also unable to offer academic advising. Questions related to program admissions, transfer credits, program planning and degree requirements should be directed to a Faculty of Science Student Advisor.
About Science Mentors
Research has shown that peer mentorship directly contributes to student progression and success. Science Mentors are student volunteers, selected on the basis of their campus involvement, academic experience and commitment to supporting the personal and academic growth of their peers. They undergo training in preparation for their role, attend regular meetings, and receive program support and oversight from the Faculty of Science.
How to Request a Science Mentor
Science Mentor requests submitted after September 15, 2026 must be accompanied by a referral from a Faculty of Science Academic Advisor. Other students seeking support after that date can email scmentor@ualberta.ca for information regarding group meetings or mentor-hosted events that may be available for support.
Interested in Becoming a Science Mentor?
Science Mentor recruitment for the 2026-27 academic year is now closed. Learn more about the role and the application process here. Applications for 2027-28 will open in February 2027.