The Outstanding Impact of MentorshipÂ
Standing
Undergraduate
Type of Proposal
Oral Research Presentation
Challenges Theme
Open Challenge
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Tim Brunet
Proposal
The Outstanding Scholars Mentorship program is a valuable resource to aid in easing the transition from high school to university for incoming first year students. The program takes extensive consideration to make an ideal match between mentors and mentees based on their programs, career goals, and interests to ensure a strong connection and sense of relatability can be established between the pair (1). Meetings between each pair is guided with recommended regular meeting dates, key topics to generate conversation, and every meeting report (with any notable questions or concerns) is reviewed by coordinators to ensure each mentee is receiving the support that they need. Reports and feedback forms from the mentors and mentees provide a detailed look at the journey of mentees in their first year. Coordinators can get a first-hand account of the challenges that mentees encounter as they navigate their first year and work with faculty leaders to make changes, generate events, and create resources that cater to the needs of mentees to make their experiences better and alleviate these challenges (2). Peer mentorship is important, and this presentation will serve to highlight some key benefits that show how the program can positively impact both mentors and mentees. Mentees gain social support and career guidance that can translate to increased academic performance and better mental health (3). Mentors gain many transferrable skills such leadership, communication, and how to reflect on their own experiences as they relay advice to their mentees in a compassionate and supportive way (4).
Grand Challenges
Viable, Healthy and Safe Communities
The Outstanding Impact of MentorshipÂ
The Outstanding Scholars Mentorship program is a valuable resource to aid in easing the transition from high school to university for incoming first year students. The program takes extensive consideration to make an ideal match between mentors and mentees based on their programs, career goals, and interests to ensure a strong connection and sense of relatability can be established between the pair (1). Meetings between each pair is guided with recommended regular meeting dates, key topics to generate conversation, and every meeting report (with any notable questions or concerns) is reviewed by coordinators to ensure each mentee is receiving the support that they need. Reports and feedback forms from the mentors and mentees provide a detailed look at the journey of mentees in their first year. Coordinators can get a first-hand account of the challenges that mentees encounter as they navigate their first year and work with faculty leaders to make changes, generate events, and create resources that cater to the needs of mentees to make their experiences better and alleviate these challenges (2). Peer mentorship is important, and this presentation will serve to highlight some key benefits that show how the program can positively impact both mentors and mentees. Mentees gain social support and career guidance that can translate to increased academic performance and better mental health (3). Mentors gain many transferrable skills such leadership, communication, and how to reflect on their own experiences as they relay advice to their mentees in a compassionate and supportive way (4).