Mentoring

E-mentoring

Durham College offers first generation students a direct connection to the first generation student co-ordinator through the E-mentoring program. The program provides students with a “go-to person” on campus and strives to ensure that first generation students are kept informed as they go through their educational journey at Durham College. E-mentoring allows participants to easily communicate on a regular basis via e-mail.

Your e-mentor will:

Help ease your transition to college;
Provide information about the college experience;
Offer support and celebrate your successes throughout first year;
Encourage engagement in campus activities;
Be your on-campus resource;
Help connect you with campus services; and
Encourage a positive college experience.

Students who have identified themselves as first generation students in their Ontario College Application (OCAS) or the Student Success Survey will automatically be registered for e-mentoring through the first generation student initiative. Students may also register by contacting the first generation student co-ordinator.

First Generation Peer Mentoring program

Is a great way to get to know Durham College, meet people and get involved!

Durham College is excited to offer a peer mentoring program to first generation [FG] students. The FG Peer Mentoring program has been designed to support new students in their transition to college and to provide upper-year students with an opportunity to “give back” by sharing what they have learned. First-year students will have the benefit of connecting with someone who has “been there,” the mentor will be available to answer their questions and guide them through the first year of college. This year the FG Peer Mentoring program will expand beyond traditional one-on-one peer mentoring. FG Peer Mentors will be conducting a call campaign during the summer to welcome in-coming first-year students and to inform them of the supports offered through the FG program as well as hosting drop-in peer mentoring gatherings to provide first-year students with an opportunity to.

Mentors will typically:

Answer questions;
Host drop-in sessions;
Assist with the FG student call campaign to welcome incoming first-year students;
Attend ‘Lattes with Lucy’ sessions;
Help first year students identify their goals for the year;
Work with them to develop a plan for success; and
Be available to help first-year students find the resources they need to achieve those goals.

The FG Peer Mentoring program will be hosting events throughout the year for first-year students and mentors to attend.

Whenever possible mentoring pairs will be matched based on program of study and/or personal interests.

Registration is ongoing, matches will commence end of August. Please note that this is not a tutoring program.

Benefits of having a peer mentor

Ongoing encouragement and support from someone who has “been there”;
Access to an upper-year student who knows the “ins and outs” of Durham College;
Support during the transition to college and throughout the first year;
Stronger connection with the Durham College community; and
Increased knowledge of the services and co-curricular activities available.

Click here to request a peer mentor.

Become a peer mentor

Sharing your expertise with a fellow student is one of the greatest things you can do during your time at Durham College.

We are currently recruiting returning students to become mentors for the 2012-13 academic year.

Benefits of being a mentor

The opportunity to “give back” and share your institutional knowledge with new students;
Satisfaction from helping other students adjusts to college;
Learning – peer mentors will be receive mentorship and diversity training;
Leadership skill development and Co-curricular Recognition; and
Increased connection with the Durham College community.

Expectations of mentors

Attend a two hour training session during the summer and a diversity training session in September;
Assist with the FG student welcome call campaign;
Co-host one or two monthly peer drop-in sessions;
Attend the FG Orientation Session on Monday, September 10, 2012 from noon to 2 p.m.;
Initiate contact with your student within two days of receiving their contact information;
Meet with your student in-person a minimum of three times during the first semester;
Accompany your student to an FG sponsored event or workshop;
Contact your student twice per month via e-mail;
Maintain a high level of confidentiality at all times;
Refer your student to appropriate services for assistance if required;
Co-ordinate a closure visit with your student in the spring; and
Complete the program evaluation form provided at the end of each semester.

Click here to apply to become a peer mentor.