10 Ways Students Help Students at McGill University

Ever wanted to get involved with peer programs at McGill? Here are ten peer support roles currently recruiting for the 2016-7 year. How will YOU support your peers?

1. International Student Buddy Program

The Buddy program pairs new international students with current students who provide the friendly face, helping hand, and first Montreal friendship that can make a world of difference for new arrivals. Buddies can also offer linguistic support, cultural guidance and information about life at McGill. Typical "buddy" activities might include showing international students around campus, locating nearby banks and grocery stores, helping with an apartment search, chatting over a cup of coffee.

Apply here

2. Student Life Ambassador Program

Join this important team of leaders and be a lifeline between McGill University and new students. As their first "personal" link to the university, this is your unique opportunity to help relieve the anxiety and confusion of being a first-year student, to build excitement for Orientation and the great times ahead. Student Life Ambassadors correspond with their assigned new student(s) periodically throughout the summer months helping them prepare for their transition to McGill's academic and social life.

Applications are due March 20

3. CSI: CEGEP Student Information Orientation Session

This is an opportunity for students to help with the welcome and logistical work for this information day intended for newly accepted students from Cegep (Quebec colleges). CSI McGill takes place June 9, 2016. In addition to the full-day event, volunteers are also required to attend a 2-hour training/preparation meeting.

Applications are due March 20

4. 4.Off-Campus Connects (OCX)

Off-Campus Connects is an orientation day hosted by Campus Life & Engagement at the beginning of each academic year (end of August). It is similar to RezFest but geared towards incoming students not living in McGill residences. Apply to be a Facilitator (leading a group of approximately 25 first-years with a co-facilitator) or a Logistical Volunteer (e.g., set-up/take down, registration, signage, crowd control, preparing/handing out food).

Applications are due March 20

5. CaPS Career Leadership Program

Career Leaders are a vital link between all McGill students and CaPS. They are involved in various activities such as workshop development and facilitation, CV and LinkedIn review sessions, as well as outreach and liaising with various student groups, departments, and faculties across campus.

Applications are due March 20

6. Consent McGill

Consent McGill provides educational programming and information on consent education to promote healthy, consensual relationships and to confront and prevent sexual harassment, assault, and abuse on campus.

Join the Promo Team to help spread the word and raise awareness about consent, healthy sexual communication, and the available support resources on campus.

Join the Volunteer Facilitator Team to lead the "Becoming an Active Bystander" workshops designed to empower students to identify and interrupt potentially harmful situations, and respond compassionately to individuals affected by sexual violence, or the "Alcohol and Consent" workshop, which provides participants with an understanding of how alcohol affects the body and one's ability to give and receive consent.

Applications are due March 20

7. International Student Leadership Program (ISLP)

ISLP is designed to give undergraduate students the chance to develop leadership skills, self-efficacy, and confidence. By actively contributing to the development of International Student Services projects, programs, and communications initiatives; by attending inspiring leadership training workshops; and by engaging in peer mentoring and coaching, you will raise your McGill experience to a whole new level. You will have the opportunity to help raise awareness of international student issues at McGill, promote greater understanding and cooperation amongst campus groups, and contribute to the ongoing internationalization of the campus community.

Applications for the 2016-7 academic year are now open!

8. Discover McGill & Engage McGill

Discover McGill (August 30, 2016) is a great opportunity for students to volunteer and help welcome the University's new students at one of the largest orientation events organized by McGill. There are opportunities for logistical support in the month leading up to Discover McGill (e.g., new student package preparation), the days before (e.g., preparing materials and doing set-up), and the day of (e.g., group formation, orientation package and lunch distribution, University Fair setup, and the overall welcoming process).

Engage McGill is the end-of-day event on Discover McGill day and is another excellent opportunity to develop your logistical and organizational skills and contribute to creating a successful orientation event. Volunteers assist in overseeing the delivery and distribution of food, set up and installation of various activities, and various other tasks. It's a wonderful way to ensure that new students get the welcome they deserve.

Applications are due March 20

9. Orientation Week Leaders & O-Staff

SSMU 2015

Orientation Leaders are returning McGill students who help guide and acquaint new students to the McGill and Montreal communities before, during, and between organized University-wide (Discover McGill) and Faculty/interest-specific (Frosh) events throughout Orientation Week. The Orientation Leader is a key contributor to setting the tone for the week and the culture of the University and city, and helps ensure that all participants' time is fun, safe, inclusive, and welcoming.

O-Staff are returning McGill students who help to create welcoming and well-organized environments, spaces, and operations for events and participants during Orientation Week. O-Staff are essential to the success and smooth functioning of all events.

Applications are due March 20!

10. Office for Students With Disabilities (OSD) Mentor Program

The OSD's mentor program is designed to facilitate access to learning and support the inclusion of diverse learners during all stages of their University career. Each student or mentee will be paired with a Mentor who is selected from a similar academic background and shares their same extracurricular interests and individual preferences. During weekly one-on-one meetings, mentors and mentees participants will have the opportunity to talk about what the campus has to offer, discuss various fields of study and academic interests, connect with others and share ideas and resources, all while facilitating access and promoting an inclusive university environment.

Want to be a mentor or mentee? Apply here

Connect with the McGill Peer Programs Network!

Want to learn more about and get involved with peer support and peer programs at McGill? The McGill Peer Programs Network (PPN) can help! Visit the PPN website and like the PPN on Facebook.

McGill Peer Programs Network