MAPS Peer Mentorship Program
The MAPS program is on hold for the winter 2022 semester. Watch this page for exciting information about plans for the fall 2022 semester!
About the Program
MAPS stands for "Mentors: Academic and Personal Success"
The MAPS Peer Mentorship Program provides mentorship experiences for all students at Mount Royal University in order to promote academic and personal success.
- Peer-to-Peer Mentorship: First-year and second-year students can apply to be matched with a more senior student in their academic program. Mentors and mentees meet approximately one hour per week between September-April. There are also community initiatives and professional development opportunities offered throughout the year. Due to high demand, applications are now closed for the 2021-2022 year.
- Community Connection Groups: Various mentorship groups meet throughout the year based on interest. These drop-in sessions are facilitated by senior peer mentors and groups include LGBTQ2SIA+, BIPOC, EDI Advocates, and more.The purpose is to build community, receive guidance, and work towards common goals.
NOTE: If you are an Indigenous student, you might also be interested in the BMO Indigenous Peer Mentorship Program. Contact Marija Small Legs (msmalllegs@mtroyal.ca) for more details.
Description of Roles
PEER MENTEES
Peer Mentees (first-year and second-year students in the program) will:
- Connect with an experienced MRU student in their academic program
- Develop strategies to successfully transition into university life (both academically and personally)
- Understand the supports and services available for personal and academic success
- Increase their sense of belonging within the MRU community
PEER MENTORS
Peer Mentors (students in second-year or higher) in the program will:
- Support new students transitioning into MRU through a mutually rewarding experience
- Develop mentorship and leadership skills
- Gain valuable leadership and community service experience to include on their resume and scholarship applications
- Increase feelings of connectedness and belonging within the MRU community
SENIOR PEER MENTORS
Senior Peer Mentors (students who have at least one year of experience as a MAPS peer mentor) will:
- Fulfill the primary MAPS Peer Mentor role
- Act as a faculty representative, community advisor, or committee chair
- Lead group mentoring sessions
- Facilitate training, activities, and events
- Host one-on-one and group check-ins with MAPS Peer Mentors
MAPS COMMITTEE MEMBERS
MAPS Committee Members (mentors or mentees in the program) will join one of the following:
- Communications Committee (help brainstorm, design, and plan content for social media and the MAPS monthly newsletters)
- Community Outreach Committee (help coordinate volunteer and service opportunities that allow for meaningful connections with the greater community)
- Event Planning Committee (help plan social and educational events for the MAPS community)
Applications for the 2021-2022 academic year are now closed.
Questins about the program? Contact us at maps@mtroyal.ca
Watch this video to learn more about the program:
Peer Mentors are:
- In year 2 or higher of their academic (credit) program
- Interested in helping first-year students succeed and grow
- Committed to leadership development
- Students in high academic standing (3.0 GPA or higher)
For the full role description, click here.
The 2021-2022 Peer Mentor Application is now closed. Please email maps@mtroyal.ca for all inquiries.
In the role of Senior Peer Mentor, students hone their leadership skills by providing mentees with academic and personal advice, guidance, moral support, and friendship and by providing MAPS Peer Mentors with support and learning opportunities through one-on-one check-ins (meetings), training activities, and group mentorship.
To learn more about this opportunity and how to apply, please read this role description.
There are are three MAPS Committees:
- Communications Committees (help brainstorm, design, and plan content for social media and the MAPS monthly newsletters)
- Community Outreach Committee (help coordinate volunteer and service opportunities that allow for meaningful connections with the greater community)
- Event Planning Committee (help plan social and educational events for the MAPS community)
If you are interested in joining one of the committees, please e-mail maps@mtroyal.ca a brief statement outlining what committee(s) you are interested in joining, why you are interested, and what skills you bring to the table. Mentees and mentors are able to join comittees.
There a variety of groups that meet based on interest. The meetings are facilitated by senior peer mentors and the purpose is to help build community, receive guidance, and work towards common goals.
How do I get involved?
- Contact maps@mtroyal.ca.
Where else can I get support as a first-year student?
- As a #New2MRU student, we encourage you to attend New Student Orientation (NSO) and check our the Getting Ready webpage created specifically to help first-year students get ready for life at MRU!
What other leadership opportunities are there?
- MAPS mentors and mentees have the opportunity to join one of the committees. Returning mentors can apply to become a senior peer mentor. We are committed to providing meaningful opporutnities for students to connect and make social change. For more details, please contact us at maps@mtroyal.ca.
- You can also visit this link to see other student leadership opportunities at MRU.
I missed the deadline to apply. Now what?
- If you want to be a mentor, please e-mail maps@mtroyal.ca and we will make sure to notify you when applications open again.
How is MAPS different from the Peer Learning Program?
- This mentorship program is different from the Peer Learning Program where learning peers (student leaders) help students with course-specific knowledge, study strategies, and encouragement. This program was formerly called the peer tutoring program.
- The MAPS peer mentorship program matches senior students (mentors) with first-year students (mentees) in their program or aspiring to be in their program. Mentors provide their mentees with mentorship and leadership in support of their transition into university life. They support them with academic advice and strategies, as well as personal/social support.
Through sharing of cultural tradition and values, the BMO Indigenous Peer Mentorship Program provides peer-to-peer mentorship experiences for Indigenous students at Mount Royal University. Recognizing the importance of supporting students as they transition into university, this program empowers both the mentor and mentee to establish relationships and hone their academic skills through education, culture, community and wellness. The BMO Indigenous Peer Mentorship Program is committed to supporting Indigenous student success.
If you are interested in being a mentor or mentee in this program, and you self-identify as Indigenous, please contact Marija Small Leggs at msmalllegs@mtroyal.ca.
Click here to learn more about the program.
Marija Small Legs
Student Success Coordinator
403.440.6285 | msmalllegs@mtroyal.ca