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Get to know the program

The First in the Family Peer-Mentor Program is for first- and second-year students whose parents did not pursue post-secondary education.

Starting on Friday, June 1st, 2012, students can join the program for free by signing up below. Once you join this exclusive community, you become a "mentee" and gain access to resources, special events, and support.

1. How to Access the Program

2. Your Academic "Pods"

3. Completing the Program: Official Recognition

4. Joining the Program

1. How to Access the Program:

First in the Family provides you with structured support, so that you can succeed at the University.

The program also gives you the opportunity to develop your academic skills and join a fun community on campus.

 

There Are 3 Ways to Access the Program:

Mentors:

• - Meet on a regular basis with an upper-year mentor with a similar academic background
• - Once you sign up for the program, you will hear from your mentor
• Learn about our mentors

Learning, Study and Social Events:

• - Attend specialized academic, social and co-curricular events led by mentors, Faculty and University staff members
• - Choose the events that best work for you
• - The academic sessions are run throughout the academic term
• - You can register for these sessions now
  
  
  

    

Learning Skills Advisor:

• - Access one-on-one academic advice and support from a learning skills advisor and/or doctoral  student advisors in your field
• - Contact us at: firstgen@utoronto.ca if you want to access one-on-one support.

 

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2. Your Academic Pods

You can attend academic workshops that belong to one of three learning communities or "pods": Arts, Commerce, and Sciences.

 

Academic Topics Will Include:
 

 

Arts:
- Research in the Humanities and Social Sciences
- Making the most of tutorials and TAs
- Note-taking for lectures
- Writing for the Arts
- Sign up for Arts workshops here

 

Commerce:
- Preparing for your first assignments
- Excelling in Economics and Math
- Writing in Business
- Test and exam preparation
- Sign up for Commerce workshops here


 

Science:
- Research in the Sciences
- Preparing for lab reports and major assignments
- Multiple choice tests and exam and test preparation
- Study skills for the Sciences
- Sign up for Science workshops here


  Mature:
 - Connect with one of our upper-year mature students
 - Informal events are designed around your schedule
 - Topics cover both academic and life issues
 - Mature students can attend any academic sessions
-  When signing up for the program, indicate "Mature" as your learning community

To learn more about our mentors, click here.
 

What is a Mature Student?

A mature student is someone who self-identifies with one or more of the following points: 

• - Someone who has taken time away from formal education

• - Someone who has several years of experience in the workforce

• - Someone who has family responsibilities that the average
    undergraduate student doesn't have

• - Someone over the age of 25

• - For more information: U of T Mature Students' Association

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3. Completing the Program

You can pick and choose what parts of the program you'd like to take advantage of: attend academic workshops and co-curricular events that work for you.

 
Letter of Recognition:

But, if you complete a set of specific requirements, you will receive an official letter of recognition from the President of the University of Toronto. Find out more information about the Letter of Recognition

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4. Joining the Program!

Starting on Friday, June 1st, 2012, students can join the First in the Family Peer-Mentor Program for the 2012-2013 academic term.
 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

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First in the Family Program
214 College Street, Student Life, Main Floor
firstgen@utoronto.ca
Phone: 1-416-946-7752
Fax: 1-416-971-2152
Twitter: @UofTFirstGen

Rahul Bhat
Program Coordinator
Office of Student Life
rahul.bhat@utoronto.ca
416-946-7752

Jesse Langille
Program Assistant
Office of Student Life
jesse.langille@utoronto.ca

Roz Spafford
Learning Skills Advisor
Academic Success Centre
roz.spafford@utoronto.ca