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Student Mentorship Program

Are you about to begin your studies at INRS in a regular program? You will benefit from our student mentorship program for newly arrived students.

What is the INRS Student Mentorship Program?

This program allows all students entering their first semester at INRS (regular program) are paired with a mentor. Wherever possible, all students enrolled in a short program, a DESS, a professional master’s degree or a master’s or doctoral research program benefit from mentoring.


Objectives

  • Facilitate your early experience at INRS and in Quebec
  • Answer your questions and direct you to the right resources
  • Allow you to create a knowledge network at INRS
  • Facilitate your full participation in academic life

FIRST CONTACT

In the weeks leading up to the start of your first term, you will be match with a colleague who knows INRS well: this person will be responsible for mentoring you! You don’t have to ask for pairing: it is automatic if you have confirmed your arrival. For international students, the Registrar’s Office must have received the study permit approval letter.

Pairing

Pairing is based on the preferred language of communication; the background and previous experiences; and the program of study and the research team. The mentee can withdraw from mentoring, request a change of mentor, or decline an activity proposed by the mentor.

 
Terms of references and mentor roles

Normally, the term begins with fall semester and lasts for three semesters. It is renewable. New mentees are assigned to mentors for the winter semester. The main role of mentors is to help mentees socialize and get them involved, as well as to guide him/her to the right support person. To do this, they must:

  • Communicate with him/her at the agreed-upon frequency.
  • Respect the mentor’s code of ethics.
  • Act in accordance with their training and the limits of their mandate.


During their mandate, mentors are well supervised and can always refer to their centre mentorship supervisor.


Mentors supervisors per centre


How to mentor students

Have you been studying at INRS for a few semesters? Do you want to get involved in your university? Do you think that newcomers need to be supported?

To be a mentor is:

  • Supporting new students for 2 or 3 semesters to help them adapt, take their place and create a network in their new environment.
  • Adding a rewarding and formative action to your own experiences.
  • Above all, about helping, creating links and animating your living environment.

This is a volunteer commitment, but a letter of recognition along with a $400 scholarship will acknowledge the participation of all mentors afterwards! To support you in this role, you will receive a short training as well as coaching.

The 2021-2022 mentoring team is full, but you can already apply for next year in case a spot opens up. The 2022-2023 team will be formed in April 2022.


Eligibility

To qualify as a mentor, you must:

  • Not be in a situation of failing.
  • Have been a graduate student at INRS for at least 1 year at the time of starting the mentorship.
  • Continue your studies at INRS for at least two semesters in the next academic year.


Required characteristics

Mentors should:

  • Have an interest in welcoming new students.
  • Socialize easily.
  • Have the time to meet with 3 to 4 new mentees each semester a couple of times, remotely or in person, and answer their questions.


How to submit your application

If you are interested in being a mentor for the 2022-2023 year, you can apply now. The deadline to apply is April 8, 2022.

Applicants should send the following items to sve@inrs.ca:

1. A few paragraphs explaining:

  • Their motivation to be a mentor and the skills that will enable them to play this role.
  • Their past experiences demonstrating their responsible and organized nature.
  • The list of languages in which she or he is fluent and can do the mentorship.

2. Those enrolled in a program of study with research must notify their research supervisor of their application by email and copy sve@inrs.ca.

Have questions? Write to the Student Life Services.

sve@inrs.ca