Dalhousie Engineering Peer Mentorship Program

 

Mentorship Program Purpose

The purpose of the Mentorship Program is to facilitate transition periods for engineering students throughout their time at Dalhousie University. The Mentorship Program will create a network of students and young professionals, connecting first and second year undergraduates, upper year undergraduates, graduate students, and young professionals. The collaborative project involves Dalhousie Diploma of Engineering Society (DES), Dalhousie Undergraduate Engineering Society (DUES), Dalhousie Engineering Graduate Society (DEGS), and registered Engineers in Training (EITs). The overall goal is to provide a formal support network for Dalhousie students based on shared academic interests.

Why Join the Program?

A mentor program can be beneficial for everyone involved. The connections that people make through programs such as this can include:

  • Higher student satisfaction and retention in the Faculty of Engineering

  • Valuable experience in a leadership role and increased teamwork capabilities for mentors

  • Importance guidance, support and advice offered to mentees

Important Processes & Policies

Matching

All Mentees will be matched with Mentors based on discipline interest and other factors collected in the application process.

Handling Complaints

Complaints are taken from students by the Mentor Coordinators or the Faculty Coordinator and resolved as soon as possible.

Dismissal from Program

Mentors and Mentees will be dismissed from the program form unacceptable, violent, or abusive behavior. Complaints will be taken and reviewed by the Mentor Coordinators and Faculty Coordinator. If the Mentor Coordinator or Faculty Coordinator determine a student should be removed from the program, the Associate Dean must be notified. The Faculty Coordinator must be informed of all complaints as soon as possible.

Withdrawal from the Program

As this is a voluntary program, students are permitted to withdrawal. Should a student wish to withdrawal, they should contact their Mentor Coordinator. Their partner will be notified by the Mentor Coordinator and reassigned by the Faculty Coordinator.

Strategies for Effective Mentoring

Use your resources.

It is important to remember that ‘I don’t know’ is sometimes the correct answer. There is nothing wrong with not knowing an answer, but make sure you find the answer and follow up.

Use effective problem solving.

Let’s work together to solve every problem that we face. We are here for everyone!

Hone your listening skills.

Many times, we assume we know what the person is trying to say. Take your time to really listen and make sure you understand. Sometimes repeating back what you understand the person to be saying in your own words is a useful strategy.

Ask open ended questions.

Try to avoid questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no.