LMP mentoring program
Registration is now open for the 2023-2024 cycle
Registration forms are now available for:
Mentees: must be a graduate student from any program in LMP. Deadline: September 30th.
Student mentors: must be in 2nd year or above in any LMP graduate program. Deadline: October 16th.
Alumni mentors: can be an alumni from any program in LMP (does not need to be an LMP graduate program). Deadline: October 16th.
It is possible to be both a mentee and a mentor in the program, provided you can dedicate enough time.
Contact us at lmpmc@utoronto.ca if you have any questions.
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.
The timeline for 2023/2024
Now, until September 30: Registration is open for mentees.
Now, until October 16: Registration is open for mentors.
Week of October 23: We introduce mentors and mentees to their match
November 6: 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 21: 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
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.
The LMP Mentorship Committee
We are a group of LMP students, staff and alumni who manage the program and make matches!
Contact us at lmpmc@utoronto.ca
The committee is comprised of:
- Jenni Bozec, LMP staff: Communications and Outreach Officer
- Yuetong (Julia) Song: current LMP graduate student
- Maryam Khalil: current LMP graduate student
- Jenny Zhang: current LMP graduate student
- Rupal Hatkar: current LMP graduate student
- Courtney Irwin: current LMP graduate student
- Ruilin Wu: current LMP graduate student
- Ryan Hiebert: LMP Alumnus