Zyrinne Tolentino, Charge Ahead Peer Mentor

Hey Bisons! My name is Zyrinne, a third-year Faculty of Science student, a Charge Ahead Peer Mentor and very fortunately, a recipient of the Walter and Maria Schroeder Scholarship. Today, I wanted to share my unique experience of once being a Schroeder Transition Program participant to now mentoring new scholarship recipients!

What is the Schroeder Transition Program?

The Schroeder Transition Program is a six-week preparatory experience designed for all new Schroeder Scholarship recipients. It offers students a head start on university life by introducing them to the campus and highlighting the wide range of resources available to support their success at UM.

My Time as a Program Participant

I participated in this program during the Summer of 2023, just before beginning my first term. ARTS 1110, an introductory writing course, gave me an early understanding of the structure of university courses and the academic expectations placed on students. Campus meet-and-greets provided valuable opportunities to build connections early-on with staff and faculty. Through Intro to Communications, I gained confidence speaking on my feet and practicing public speaking in a supportive, low-stakes environment. Finally, University Math Prep cleared up any gaps in my pre-calculus knowledge, ensuring I entered my first-year math courses with a solid foundation.

One aspect of the program I especially valued was its strong emphasis on building meaningful connections—both with peers and with the wider UM community. University can often feel isolating, but being surrounded by fellow students who were also navigating the transition from high school gave me a genuine sense of belonging. Completing the program not only boosted my confidence but also reassured me of my ability to succeed at university.

Becoming a Peer Mentor

The opportunity of becoming a peer mentor was unexpected, but something I realized I really wanted to do! The thought of being able to support and guide students as I was once supported and guided was so exciting and felt like such a full-circle moment. My Student Transitions Mentor made a huge impact on me that summer and became someone I could reach out to beyond the program.

I spent this summer developing and facilitating the programming for the students and hoped to build upon and share the great experiences I once had. Seeing the students every day, celebrating their wins, and helping them overcome their challenges was very meaningful and has left me with so many treasured memories to carry forward.

What’s next for me:

Looking ahead, I may not know exactly what the future holds, but my time with Charge Ahead has made one thing clear: I love supporting my peers, and that will continue to guide me in whatever I do next. Starting university has already brought so many new experiences, and I’m eager to keep learning more about myself and what I enjoy most. I’m incredibly grateful for the generosity of the donor, which has opened the door to opportunities I may not have otherwise had.

What is the Charge Ahead program?

Offered through the Student Transitions and Success Centre, Charge Ahead is a peer-facilitated program that equips students with the tools, resources, and community they need to succeed in university and beyond. Rooted in UM’s commitment to fostering resilience and academic excellence, the program offers a blend of individual mentorship on drop-in and appointment basis and interactive workshops that transfer academic skills and contribute to student success holistically.

Our new space: A Place to connect and thrive!

Made possible through the 2023-2024 Strategic Initiatives Funding, we are opening the doors to our new Charge Ahead space in room 107 Tier Building. This space will function on a drop-in basis and will provide students at every stage of their academic journey with the opportunity to:

• Meet with highly trained peer mentors who can provide guidance and help create an actionable plan for success
• Participate in interactive activities, including conversation groups and skill-building workshops designed to address the unique challenges that students face
• Access curated resources on study strategies, positive psychology, resilience and more
• Find a quiet corner to study, reflect and recharge in between classes
• Build meaningful relations by connecting with peers that share similar goals and challenges

Join us for the grand opening:

We’re inviting all students, staff, and faculty to join us in celebrating this exciting development. Come explore the space, meet the Charge Ahead team, and learn more about how we can support your journey at UM.

Date: January 30, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop by any time!

Location: 107 Tier building

The Charge Ahead program thrives on collaboration between a dedicated group of peer mentors, staff, and the broader UM community. Built on the values of encouragement, inclusivity, and personal development, this initiative creates a nurturing environment where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.

For any questions: please email Charge.Ahead[at]umanitoba[dot]ca

We look forward to welcoming you to our space and supporting your journey to success. Let’s charge ahead together!

Chloe Ellerbrock

“I loved connecting with my mentee. Being a mentor is a reciprocal relationship where both mentees and mentors learn from each other,” says Ellerbrock. “My mentee and I would collaborate on ideas and share stories from our lives in a dynamic relationship that made me look forward to meeting with my mentee and fellow Indigenous students.”

The Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program helps first-year students in the Qualico Bridge to Success (QBTS) Program transition to university life by promoting student engagement and a sense of belonging on campus. The term Neechiwaken means “friend” in Cree.

The program matches first-year QBTS students with experienced Indigenous students called Lead Neechiwaken mentors who provide academic and social support as well as ongoing advice. Mentors are Indigenous students in any year of study, faculty or program.

The program provides all members with social, academic and cultural learning opportunities, peer-to-peer support, activities to support community building and the opportunity to be a Neechiwaken (friend) to one another.

Bailey Hendry, ISC student advisor and program coordinator, says the past year’s cohort of students were a lot of fun and really seemed to enjoy spending time together.

“We do a lot of activities that get us socializing and crafty,” says Hendry. “One of my favourite nights was our Halloween party in collaboration with the Blankstein Momentum Program. We all carved or painted pumpkins, wore costumes and listened to Halloween music after we shared a meal together. Meals are a common occurrence in our programming and provide us with the opportunity to connect in other ways that are rooted in culture and belonging.”

Ellerbrock says that the program builds a sense of community.

“Indigenous students come together in a safe space to learn from and enjoy one another’s company,” says Ellerbrock. “The UM is a huge environment that welcomes individuals from all walks of life, which can make it a bit difficult to meet people. This program has introduced me to many individuals that I now call friends and spend time with outside of program meetings.”

Students who become a Lead Neechiwaken have the benefit of meeting other Indigenous students, providing support and friendship to a first-year Indigenous student, gaining experience in mentoring and leadership skills and receive training on peer support and active listening.

There are monthly meetings that allow for both Lead Neechiwaken mentors and Neechiwaken mentees to take a break from school and connect with the community. Being a mentor and taking on the Lead Neechiwaken position is recognized in the Experience Record as well; and students can expect to have their experience added if they meet all the requirements throughout the academic year.

Hendry believes that mentoring is important because it gives students the opportunity to build trust with each other, provides a safer space for learning and allows everyone involved to engage in learning new things together. She adds that, as Indigenous peoples, community, mentors and Elders are the sources of guidance often needed to feel a sense of belonging.

“Many mentees have mentioned that they found their mentors to be an incredible source of support and guidance throughout the year,” says Hendry. “The friendships that are built are by far the best part and the monthly meetings provide students with the opportunity to form those friendships in a space like Migizii Agamik that is safe and familiar to them.”

Ellerbrock encourages anyone who is considering becoming a Lead Neechiwaken mentor to apply.

“Being part of Neechiwaken has allowed me to assist other students to achieve their goals as I am striving to achieve mine. I was taught to always give back to our community and to share when we have bounty,” says Ellerbrock. “With the Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentorship Program I was able to do just that while learning from my own mentees. Bailey made the program super welcoming and inviting. She is very easygoing, which made talking to her about anything no problem at all.”

If you or someone you know may be interested in becoming a Lead Neechiwaken mentor please visit the Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program webpage.

“I have learnt so much about the importance of health and wellness in our university’s community and I have enjoyed learning more about diverse populations here at UofM while fostering community and making friendships. I look forward to volunteering next year and continuing to advocate for wellness” – Jodh Ghuman, current Healthy U volunteer.

We know the importance of caring for our wellness and the impact our health and wellness have on our academic success. Accessing support on campus is essential in maintaining a positive experience throughout university. Everyone deserves access to support for their health, whether this be addressing challenges or taking proactive measures to maintain their overall wellness.

The Student Wellness Centre is looking for motivated and compassionate students to become peer health educators with UM’s Healthy U program starting September 2024. Applications open March 11 until March 22, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Founded in 2015, Healthy U (HU) is an opportunity for students to gain valuable training in the health and wellness field while promoting education on numerous topics including mental health, physical health, sexual health and substance use. Healthy U engages in online health promotion through social media and develops and facilitates numerous outreach events and initiatives such as sex pub trivia, stress management, and self compassion. In addition to health promotion, Healthy U volunteers are trained to provide one-to-one peer support using an empathetic, non-judgemental lens, meeting students where they’re at and helping them feel empowered in taking control of their own health.

“Being a HealthyU member has enabled me to become a more culturally competent individual. The community that the HealthyU team builds not only offers a safe and welcoming space for others but also for yourself. Overall, being a member can be a very rewarding and self-fulfilling experience!” – Bowen C., current Healthy U volunteer.

For those with an interest in health and wellness, looking to connect with their peers, or strive to creating a healthy campus, Healthy U may be the rewarding experience you are looking for.

To learn more and apply to be a Healthy U volunteer, visit the Healthy U website.

For any additional questions or application information please contact healthyu[at]umanitoba[dot]ca

Apply through UMConnect and log in through Single Sign On.
Then search for the following position title or Job Posting ID:

Position Title: Healthy U Peer Health Educator
Job Posting ID: 70468

Starting university is an exciting time, but it can also bring uncertainty, especially if you are beginning your studies in a new country. For international students adjusting to student life, there can also be a steep learning curve adjusting to a new culture without having someone help guide them through it.   

It was with this in mind that the International Centre created their Welcome Mentors program, which pairs new international students with experienced University of Manitoba students, allowing both sets of students to develop meaningful relationships and expand their skillsets.  

Mentors that are part of the program are trained to help support their mentees as they adapt to university life in Canada. Through the Welcome Mentors program, mentees receive one-on-one personal, intercultural, and academic support from a mentor throughout their entire academic term.  

“New international students really value the support they receive from the program. Many return to the program as volunteers themselves so they can give back to another new student,” says Roxanne Tackie, Intercultural Programs Coordinator at the UM’s International Centre. “Being a mentee is also a great way for students to enhance their cross-cultural competence by developing a relationship with a peer who may be from a different country or culture.” 

International students who are new to life at the University of Manitoba are welcome to apply for Welcome Mentors. The program is for graduate or undergraduate students interested in enhancing their first term experience by connecting with a peer mentor for advice and support. Apply by December 10 at https://umanitoba.ca/international/intercultural-experience#welcome-mentors-application or contact Roxanne.Tackie@umanitoba.ca for more information. 

For more information on how to apply, click here. 

Student Groups
Find your community!

Student groups, associations and clubs can help you connect with others. Whether you are looking for other students who share your interests, are in the same academic program, or are committed to advancing similar causes, there are still ways to connect.

Peer mentoring
Whether you’re a mentor or a mentee, peer mentoring programs are a way to build lasting friendships and understand the resources available to you. There are many mentorship programs at UM that can help you navigate the academic, personal and professional aspects of university and post-university life, including the Career Mentor Program, Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentorship Program and UM Café.

Community Engaged Learning
Are you interested in developing intercultural competence, civic engagement and bringing your classroom learning to community work? Community Engaged Learning offers programs and workshops aimed to help you better understand the challenges and solutions in social, economic and environmental justice work all while giving you hands-on experience and building your capacity to contribute to social change. They also offer the Mutual Aid Program: Students Helping Students! that aims to build community and opportunities to support other UM students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recreation Services
Recreation Services provides membership and recreational programming at both the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campus locations. The Active Living Centre and Joe Doupe Centre are both open for workouts and group fitness classes. Timeslots for both must be booked in advance. Find out more about their new health and safety measures.

Student Exchange
Through the International Centre’s student exchange program, you can receive credits toward your degree while spending one or two terms in a different country. Many faculties, schools or colleges also offer international exchange. Due to COVID-19, exchanges may not be possible for the 2021-22 Academic year. Applications are still being accepted, but you should be aware that exchanges may be cancelled.

Language Partner
The Language Partner Volunteer Program matches volunteers with English Language Centre students to help them practice their informal listening and speaking skills and adapt to Canadian culture. As a volunteer, you will get to learn about another culture while sharing your own culture, practice cross-cultural communication and enhance your resume with volunteer experience. You may also qualify to receive a Letter of Recognition and notation on your co-curricular record. The International Centre also offers a Language Exchange program. 

Leadership
Whether you are in your first year or nearing graduation, you can develop your leadership skills through interactive workshops and activities. One of the leadership programs on campus is the President’s Student Leadership Program.

Co-curricular record
Your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) is an official university document that catalogues your involvement in campus activities and organizations that support your development outside the classroom. Approved activities & groups are listed online, and any questions you might have can be addressed by a staff member in Student Life.

Involvement on campus can help you gain new skills, polish existing ones, expand your resume (or network), explore possible academic or career pathways, and make a difference in initiatives that you’re passionate about. A well-rounded CCR supports the skills you have gained and refined from your experiences on-campus, while supplementing your resume and making you more competitive in the job market.

Find more ways to get involved here, and all the updates about COVID-19 for students here. And if you’re not yet following the @umstudent account on Instagram, make sure you do. There you will stay up-to-date about what’s important to students, and also learn what your peers are up to throughout the year.

This program has been designed to help students reach their goals. There exists an informational disconnect between services offered and individuals who can benefit most. An example of this disconnect comes from my personal experience. As a first year student, I chose to not use my test accommodations despite not being able to properly write my exams in class. I chose this route not because I thought I didn’t need my accommodations but because of misinformation about it. I believed it would show up on my transcript and look bad on my degree. This hurt my academic progression.

Since then, however, I have written all my exams with SAS which lead to my grades improving and my goals are in reach. This is a common issue students with disabilities face and I am hopeful that this program will be able to help match students with the services they require.

Over the academic year, our group of experienced and dedicated students are available to meet with students one-on-one to answer questions and discuss services available to them. Such questions could include academic assurances, transportation assistance, and career- specific services for persons with disabilities. Mentors are available at set times every day in 520 UMSU University Centre. Check out the full schedule here.

We are very thankful to the University of Manitoba’s Success through Wellness grant for funding the SAS peer mentoring program.

Andrew Fenwick is in his final year in the Faculty of Arts, he has served as a student representative for students living with disabilities on campus on various organizations, and he the Lead Peer Mentor with Student Accessibility Services.