Peer Mentors

The Role of an SSSC Peer Mentor

Mentors in the SSSC hold two 1.5 hour shifts (three hours total) per week during the fall and winter semesters. During this time, you will either mentor students one-on-one or work on other SSSC-related projects. Your first priority is to engage with students who have requested to be matched with a mentor over the summer, with the goal of developing a long-term mentoring relationship throughout the year.

In addition to regular mentoring sessions, you will also meet with students identified by the Early Warning Initiative (EWI). Through EWI, the SSSC reaches out to various students who achieve a grade of 60% or lower in courses within the Faculty of Science at midterms and also contacts students who may be struggling at the end of each term. Mentors guide these students in developing the learning strategies and habits necessary for their personal, professional and academic growth.

In addition to mentoring students, you will also work on other projects within the SSSC. These projects will depend on your focus area and may include preparing academic workshops, planning social engagement activities, and organizing supplemental academic, skill development, or experiential resources for students. We are constantly looking for new ways to help Faculty of Science students, and our mentors have the creative freedom to propose and implement new ideas. One of the perks of being a mentor is coming up with fresh ways to make a difference in the Faculty of Science and seeing ideas come to life with the resources and backing of the SSSC.

All volunteers in the SSSC are required to attend regular training sessions and community-building activities throughout the year.

What will you do as a mentor?

  • Mentor and motivate undergraduate Faculty of Science students across pathways (academics, career, and social).
  • Help students set goals, create action plans, and track progress.
  • Connect students with relevant resources, scholarships, peers, and experiential learning opportunities (e.g. research, internships, co-op, etc.).
  • Organize and host workshops, information sessions, and one-on-one coaching on topics relevant to undergraduate students. Such as, but not limited to: study skills, time management, exam strategies, and effective study habits.
  • Lead and support special events and major networking events each semester (e.g., Science Kindness Week, Computer Science Industry Mixer, Health Care Night) through planning, promotion, and on-the-day execution.

Mentor Duties

  • Complete all online training modules over the summer and attend the initial in-person mandatory training session on Tuesday, September 8th, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (see below)
  • Attend mandatory training sessions given by the SSSC staff throughout the school year; each training will include an online portion and an in-person portion offered at multiple times during a week
  • You will be assigned 4-6 mentees in July as a part of the Summer Matchup program; you will be in charge of contacting the mentees at least once in July, and again in August and September to answer any questions they may have about coming to Carleton University
  • Attend and help with Academic Orientation Day (AOD) on Tuesday, September 8th
  • Volunteer for two 1.5 hour shifts per week in the SSSC between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm (EST) Monday through Thursday
  • Regularly meet with and provide support to assigned mentees
  • Meet individually with students who are identified through the Early Warning Initiative
  • Maintain accurate records of mentoring sessions and support strategies proposed and/or used
  • Meet and have regular communication with SSSC staff in order to give and receive feedback, suggestions, and recommendations on SSSC projects and programming
  • Work on projects within one of the focus areas or work on implementing fresh ideas.

Qualifications

  • Have an 8.0 CGPA at the time of application (the average SSSC mentor CGPA is 10.50, and academic strength is considered in the application process); students who struggled early in their academic career and demonstrate exceptional academic improvement in upper-years will also be considered
  • Be willing and able to act as a role model for other students in the Faculty of Science
  • Display outstanding leadership, initiative, communication, and organizational skills
  • Have a proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and without direct supervision
  • Have extensive knowledge of on-campus services and resources and/or the desire to increase this knowledge
  • Previous mentoring, tutoring, coaching or facilitation experience an asset
  • Excellent public speaking skills an asset

Mandatory Training

There will be mandatory online training posted once in June and once in August. All SSSC Mentors are expected to attend SSSC in-person training on Tuesday, September 8th, starting from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. There will be additional training required throughout the academic year. These will be further described during the initial in-person training. 

Summer Match-up Online Training

  • Brightspace Training 
  • Due Date: Friday, June 26th 

*Note: You must complete the online training in June to be matched with students for the summer match-up program over the summer.*

SSSC Welcome to the Academic Year Online Training

  • Brightspace Training
  • Due Date: Monday, September 7th 

*Note: You must complete all online training modules prior to the mandatory training session. If you do not complete any portion of training, you will not be able to continue as an SSSC volunteer.*

SSSC In-Person Training 

  • Science Student Success Centre (3431 Herzberg Laboratories)
  • Date: Tuesday, September 8th from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm 

 

    Search Carleton