For some time the Faculty of Education has provided incoming graduate students the opportunity to be assigned a
“buddy” to assist with the transition into graduate study and the aspects of being an Education graduate student here at Queen’s University.  For September 2012 some new and exciting changes will be implemented to the mentoring program and those who have not already volunteered have an opportunity to participate as well.

The Queen’s Faculty of Education Graduate Student Mentoring Program aims to build upon the existing “buddy” scheme with the introduction of a more formalized program designed to benefit both current Faculty of Education graduate students who volunteer to become “the mentors,” and the incoming graduate students, the “mentees.”

The main objective of the Graduate Student Mentoring Program is to provide incoming graduate students with support and guidance as they make their transition to the Faculty of Education and the surrounding community in Kingston. Mentors are not be expected to assist with questions related to program regulations, transfer credits, course prerequisites and all other administrative academic issues.  All incoming graduate students will be strongly encouraged to participate. The Graduate Student Mentoring Program will provide opportunities for mentors to build upon their leadership, communication, interpersonal, team building and networking skills, and all mentors who participate will be awarded a certificate of participation.

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The Graduate Student Mentoring Program will follow the Adaptive Mentorship Model (Ralph & Walker, 2010) and workshops will be held for mentors at the commencement of the fall and winter terms providing an opportunity for training in the use of the Model, for the sharing of best practice, and to have any questions answered. A celebration event will be held at the end of the winter term for mentors and mentees, and all participants in the mentoring program will be invited to attend.

If you would like to volunteer, please email Celina Caswell in the Graduate Studies Office (celina.caswell@queensu.ca) and request that your name is added to the mentor list. Should you have any further questions about the Graduate Student Mentoring Program please do not hesitate to contact Lorraine Godden (lorraine.godden@queensu.ca).