Peer Support Program 2014-2015
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Peer Support Volunteer Position
Are you looking for a new college opportunity? Would you like to get involved in a
volunteer opportunity for just a few hours a week over the summer? Why not apply
for the NEW Peer Support Program!
During the 2013/2014 school year, a pilot project was launched to address the transition
issues that new students experience when starting their life in a university setting.
While many different programs work to create a positive experience and smooth
transition into university life, the piloted Peer Support Program aimed to develop a
relationship between a group of new students and an upper year student. Through
surveys, discussions an observations relating to the program, a review was conducted
and the program was adapted for this year to better fit the needs of the new students.
The new Peer Support Program will focus on building the relationship between an
upper-year student and a group of new students throughout the summer, instead of
September and beyond. Through the use of social media as well as telephone
campaigns, the new program will better prepare new students by connecting them to
a support network led by upper-year students. The new program will require a 10 - 20
hour commitment through the months of July and August, with options to continue into
the fall term.
We are excited to continue with the program this year with the revamped model. This
is a great opportunity to help new incoming students succeed in their transition to university,
and for upper year students to develop valuable skills.
Peer Support Program 2014-2015
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The program relies on student volunteers who are willing to dedicate their time to
better preparing first year students to be successful as they transition to life at Trent.
The Peer Supporters will strive to assist new students with preparing to begin their life
at Trent over the summer, confer knowledge of resources on campus, maintain contact
with students and program coordinators, and demonstrate professionalism in conduct.
All Peer Supporters must be in good academic standing with the university and have a
cumulative average of at least 70%. IF YOU DO NOT meet the required average of 70%
but feel you have skills to offer, please add a paragraph of explanation with your
application. Peer Supporters who complete the program receive recognition from their
college, leadership training, a certificate of merit, workshop credits that can be applied
to the Impact Leadership Program certificate, and will be able to add this activity to
their co-curricular record.
It is the responsibility of the Peer Supporters to begin contact with incoming students
in July and then to contribute regularly to the online community during the summer.
Peer supporters must be available for one event in early September to meet with their
groups. Peer supporters will maintain contact with their groups during the term as
determined by students in the group. Peer Supporters should bring their students to at
least one College Event during the first term. Training in various areas, including active
listening, building online community, equity programming, boundaries and managing
power dynamics will be provided to the Peer Supporters.
Peer Supporter Requirements
All Peer Supporters must:
- Be in good academic standing with the University
- Have a cumulative average of 70% or higher. Again, if you do not meet the
required average of 70% but feel you have skills to offer and that you would
be a great mentor, please add a paragraph of explanation with your
application.
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Peer Supporter Responsibilities
All Peer Supporters will:
- Attend up to 5 hours of program training
- Initiate email contact with students in their group starting July, 2014 (and
when further students are added).
- Connect with partner online
- Attend an event in early September
- Attend one college social event during first semester with students from the
peer support group
- Additional online monitoring/emailing through Student Blackboard checked
twice/week by each leader throughout the summer (max. 10 hours)
- Provide basic level assistance to students and screen their issues/questions
in order to refer them to needed resources on campus
Peer Supporter Rewards
Peer Supporters will:
- Receive formal training at the end of the school year on topics including
conflict resolution, building/maintaining an online community, time
management, resources and referrals, and facilitation, among others
- Be supported throughout the summer by College Heads, College Assistants,
and a Peer Support Liaison student (paid staff) in order to develop their
leadership skills
- Be recognized for their leadership within the college and receive a
certificate of merit
- Have the opportunity to log this experience in their co-curricular record
Peer Support Liaison Position
A Peer Support Liaison position will also be hired to support this program. One
student will be hired from each college for 10 hours per week during May- September
2014. Peer Support Leaders will have the opportunity to apply for this position; watch
the Job Board for the posting.
Peer Support Program 2014-2015
Peer Support Application Form
Name:
Student number:
Trent email:
Year of study (in September 2014):
1. What do you see as some of the challenges faced by first year students?
2. How do you see your role as a Peer Supporter in assisting with these
challenges?
3. What organization(s) are you involved in at the university or within the
community?
4. What interests you about the Peer Support program?
5. Have you ever accessed any of the following services (check all that apply;
Remains Confidential):
□ Impact Leadership Program
□ Academic Skills Centre
□ Peer Mentoring Program (Through ASC)
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□ Senior Tutors
□ Wellness Centre (Health Services, Counselling, Disability services)
6. On a scale of 1 through 5, please rate your current abilities in the following:
5 (strong)
4
3 (average)
2
1 (weak)
[ ] Communication and interpersonal skills
[ ] Ability to relate to others (specifically new students)
[ ] Time management skills
[ ] Professionalism
[ ] Respect for diversity
[ ] Ability to maintain confidentiality
[ ] Commitment to academics
[ ] Ability to serve as a role-model
[ ] Overall leadership ability
[ ] Presentation skills
7. Please complete a short personal statement of experience that outlines
why this position appeals to you, as well as any jobs or volunteer activities
you have done that may relate to this position. The statement may also
include other examples of experiences that have helped develop your skills
as a leader or mentor. The statement should be no longer than 250 words.
Your complete application should contain the following items:
□ Completed Application Form
□ Personal Statement
For more information, the peer support description can be found on
MyJobBoard. If you have any questions about the program or the
application please contact your College Assistant;
mailto:sako@trentu.caChamplain - Noranne Flower (nflower@trentu.ca); Gzowski Lesley Hulcoop (lhulcoop@trentu.ca); Lady Eaton - Jessica Fudge
(jessicafudge@trentu.ca); Otonabee - Michele Sparkes (msparkes@trentu.ca). All
applications must be submitted to your College Office by 4:00pm on Friday
March 22, 2014. Incomplete applications will not be considered.