Embedded in the Introduction to Statistical Reasoning and Data Science (STA 130) is a required course for all students in the major and specialist programs. This peer-to-peer program brings together incoming students and upper-year mentors and encourages students to build community, share ideas, experiences, and resources. The program lasts for the entire semester.
Mentees
As a student in STA130, you are automatically enrolled in the mentorship program. This program is worth three per cent of your final grade, but you’ll be glad to participate even beyond that little bump up.
Once the course starts, you can access the internal Sharepoint to view upcoming events, browse and book appointments with mentors and have access to other campus resources.
How to participate: STA 130 students (Fall or Winter term) are automatically enrolled. Mentorship begins when class starts and ends when the term is over.
"I am deeply grateful for all staff members of course STA130 and all mentors who offer us an opportunity to connect with senior students during this hard time of COVID-19 . . . Words are powerless to express my gratitude. (This) mentorship actually helped me a lot."
- Student mentee from STA130
"This is really exciting for me as an international student who has never visited Canada before."
- Student mentee from STA130
Mentors
Do you remember being new to the University and having questions about selecting courses, not knowing when to drop a course or stick it out? You weren’t sure how to talk to a prof or where to get good food? This is your chance to give back and gain valuable experience.
As a mentor, you can develop skills employers are looking for, such as teamwork, leadership, project planning, communication and more. To become a STA 130 mentor please review the requirements, timeline, and process. Please note that preference is given to third- and fourth-year students. That said, we had some great second-year students in the past and you should apply if you’re passionate about sharing your experience.
How to participate: Mentors complete an application form. There will be an interview process for selected students.
"Although one-on-one meetings were conducted virtually, most of them were able to attend on time and ask lots of questions."
- Student mentor from STA130
It is such a privilege to bond with students calling from all over the world with the same interest and passion in statistics and research.
- Student mentor from STA130
Timeline
Mentees participate during their time as a STA 130 student. You can either participate from September to December (Fall term) or January to April (Winter term).
Mentors apply by mid-February and are interviewed and hired in early March. There will be required training over the summer to begin as school starts in September. The mentorship term runs until the end of the school year (April).