LMP mentoring program

Registration is now closed for the 2024-2025 cycle

If you have any questions, contact the committee at lmpmc@utoronto.ca

We offer two different kinds of mentoring for our graduate students:

peer-to-peer: where lower year graduate students are mentored by upper year graduate students
alumni: where our alumni mentor graduate students at any stage of their program

All LMP graduate students are welcome to take part across all our programs.

How does it work?

We open registration for mentors and mentees at the start of the academic year (September). Using the information provided in the registration form, the LMP Mentorship Council, comprised of LMP staff, students and alumni, match mentors and mentees.

We introduce mentors and mentees by email, provide resources and structure (if needed) and events, to support those in the program.

At the end of the program in June, all participants complete an evaluation so we can report on the effectiveness of the program and make improvements for the next cycle.

If you are an alumni of LMP, find out more on our alumni mentoring page.

The timeline for 2024/2025

Now, until October 11: Registration is open for mentees.

Now, until October 18: Registration is open for mentors.

Week of October 28: We introduce mentors and mentees to their match

End October/start November: Mentoring orientation event – compulsory for all mentees, mentors are welcome to attend. We’ll guide new mentees through how to get the most out of the mentoring program, how to be a great mentee, and what resources and supports are available.

November 22: Deadline for rematching. If something hasn’t gone to plan, we will try our best to find a new mentor or mentee for those affected.

June, date TBC: Weather depending – our summer social networking event, downtown Toronto.

End of June: Mentors and mentees hold their final meeting and summarize progress. All participants must complete the program evaluation.

Program expectations

Access resources to support your mentoring relationship

What will expected from you if you register for the program.

Mentor responsibilities

Do approach your mentee to start communication and set up meetings. If you get no response, please let the Mentorship Council (at lmpmc@utoronto.ca) know by November 21 so you can be rematched.

Depending on the particular goals of the mentee, as a mentor, your responsibilities may include:

helping to set short-term learning objectives and short-term and long-term career goals.
recommending and/or creating specific learning or development opportunities, including leadership development.
relaying and modeling the best practices, values, and culture within your field, including challenging aspects.
recognizing strengths and areas for development for your mentee.
providing valuable and constructive feedback.
establishing personal boundaries, expectations and communication methods early on.

A mentor is not...

A tutor.
A counselor.
Someone the mentee approaches for a job.

Student mentee responsibilities

Mentees, you will get out of this program what you put into it. Make an effort to initiate meaningful conversations and lead the relationship to get the best experience!

As a requirement, you must:

Approach your mentor to start communication and set up meetings. If you get no response, you must let the Mentorship Council (at lmpmc@utoronto.ca) know by November 21 so you can be rematched.
Complete meeting forms for a minimum of three meetings (forms will be provided).
Set goals for the relationship. We will provide a template, which you do not have to use, but you need to set goals and share them with your mentor in some way.
Attend the orientation meeting in October - date TBC.
Complete the evaluation form sent to you in June.

To get the best experience from the program, as a mentee, you will:

be responsible to initiate communications with your mentor.
take the lead in scheduling meeting times and locations.
be respectful of your mentors’ time: be punctual and give advance notice of cancellations.
prepare questions and issues to discuss in advance of the meeting.
be willing to participate in an open and honest discussion about your background, interests, work experiences, and career goals.
respect the confidentiality and privacy of your mentor.

Mentoring awards

Mentees can nominate their mentor for either an Outstanding Student Mentor or Outstanding Alumni Mentor Award. The awards are presented at the LMP Annual Celebration of Excellence in June and receive a gift card and certificate.

This award recognises their dedication as mentors and the contribution they make to students' personal, professional or academic development.

Mentees are sent details on how to nominate their mentors in the spring.