Volunteer Peer Mentors (2020-21)

Accessibility Services is recruiting volunteer Peer Mentors for the 2020-21 academic year (August 2020 – April 2021)!  Peer Mentors provide leadership, guidance, and support to students with disabilities as they make the transition to university. 

Overview of Responsibilities:

• Participate in the planning and delivery of various events such as the Peer Mentor Learning Community sessions and board game cafes.
• Meet with a mentee for confidential, one-on-one sessions to support their transition to UTM's academic and social environment.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support in key areas such as navigating student resources and services, facilitating social events and workshops, and providing social support and academic coaching.
• Make effective referrals to student and academic services on campus.
• Attend all mandatory training workshops and meetings.
• Complete all mentor reflection assignments on Quercus.

Time Commitments:

Weekly commitments: 2-3 hours

Time commitments will vary based on the events and activities scheduled on a given week.  Activities may include one-on-one coaching conversations with a mentee, attending training sessions/meetings/social events, planning academic skills workshops, and completing reflection assignments.

Mentors are required to attend all mandatory training sessions, meetings, and events including: Peer Mentor Orientation (July), Summer Academic Skills Institute (August), and monthly update meetings (begins in September).  The exact dates are still to be determined and will be communicated to all applicants. 

Number of Positions: 5

Qualifications:

• Undergrad (3rd year or higher) and graduate students at the University of Toronto Mississauga campus.
• Good academic standing with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 (as currently listed on ACORN) - Applicants whose CGPA does not meet the minimum requirement but can demonstrate that they learned from and overcame academic and personal challenges are welcome to apply.
• Robust knowledge of campus resources.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven time management skills and ability to juggle the demands of academic studies and extracurricular activities.
• Empathy and commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.

Benefits of Becoming a Peer Mentor:

• Gain career-related experience and develop transferable skills (e.g. interpersonal, communication, leadership, time management, conflict resolution, diversity and equity awareness).
• Learn about university resources and services.
• Support access and full participation in campus life for persons with disabilities.
• Receive a University of Toronto Co-Curricular Record (CCR) recognizing your experiences and contributions.

To Apply:

Please email your cover letter and resume to Scott Mendoza (Coordinator of Volunteer Services) by Friday, May 29th, 2020

Email: accessvolunteers.utm@utoronto.ca

For more information, please contact Accessibility Services at 905-828-5422 or accessvolunteers.utm@utoronto.ca