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Student mentors Kevin Smit and Michael Wodkowski say they draw great personal satisfaction from helping their peers with their studies. Both are pioneers of the unique student mentoring program administered by the Student Academic Success Service (SASS) in partnership with faculties.
Now their work is being rewarded financially as they have become the first recipients of the CIBC Mentoring Program Scholarships.
CIBC is investing $1 million in this program, which will eventually provide 18 undergraduates with scholarships to cover tuition fees – up to $4,500 per student annually. It will recognize and reward students who work as mentors through SASS.
CIBC District Vice-President Dave Hopper came to the University on November 8 to announce the scholarship program, established as a contribution to the Campaign for Canada's university. “CIBC Youth Vision has funded hundreds of initiatives that support education, mentoring and skills development,” Hopper says, “but it's the first time, to my knowledge, that we've been involved with a mentorship program of this size at a major university.”
“Donations like this are crucial as incentives to encourage students to participate in programs like mentoring,” says Rector Gilles Patry. “The program is obviously having an enormous impact on the success of our students, reducing failure rates, increasing student retention and improving the quality of the university experience.”
The student-mentoring network on campus comprises nine faculty-based centres, and two other support programs: the residence study groups and the Academic Writing Help Centre. Some 60 students are currently involved as volunteer mentors.
