The Microbiology and Immunology Peer Mentorship Program (MIMMtorship) aims to ease the transition of incoming MIMM students into the program. Through this program, we hope to strengthen and positively shape our MIMM community.
Being a new student and in a new program is an overwhelming experience. It can feel like there’s so much you don’t know, such as what courses to take or avoid, the best way to get involved, how to meet people and make connections, along with a million other questions don’t even know you have. There is definitely a lot to navigate, which is why MIMMtorship exists. Having a direct connection and a fostered relationship with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic upper year student can make the experience immediately less intimidating and isolating.
Having a peer mentor can have an incredibly positive impact not only during your first year, but can shape your entire experience in MIMM. Mentors will not only help you by answering your burning questions and ease your worries, but they can help you make connections, build communities, and open up opportunities that you might not have realized were there in the first place.
Interested in becoming a MENTEE? By becoming a mentee, MIMM’s newest family members can ease worries while simultaneously befriending upper-year students.
Why should you become a Mentee?
- You can develop new relationships and friendships to help integrate into the MIMM community.
- You will have a senior student to ask all of your MIMM/McGill questions to help with the transition.
- Having a mentor will allow you to learn and take advantage of opportunities and communities that you may not have known about otherwise.
Responsibilities of a Mentee
- Mentees are encouraged to reach out to their mentors if they have questions on whatever platform they prefer.
- Mentees are expected to respond to their Mentor’s emails and/or messages so that they know their communications are being received.
- Mentees are required to be respectful in all communications with Mentor’s
- If any issues arise with your Mentor, you can contact misacouncil@gmail.com or misa.vp.academic@gmail.com with your concerns
Interested in becoming a MENTOR? Peer mentors are granted the unique opportunity to sculpt the future of MIMM by influencing younger peers and by sharing their knowledge of the program, its buildings and its faculty.
Why should you become a Mentor?
- You can positively impact your peers’ experience in MIMM.
- You can develop new relationships and friendships.
- You can further your leadership skills.
- You can develop further insights from your mentees.
Responsibilities of a Mentor
- Mentors are expected to attend the in-person MIMMtorship GTKY event.
- Mentors will be matched with one to two incoming U1 students in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.
- Mentors must regularly check their McGill email or chosen messaging platform and respond to assigned students’ messages promptly.
- Mentors must distinguish between information that is personal opinion and factual information when communicating to students.
- Mentors must not answer questions that they do not know the answers to, but rather reach out to the MISA Council in those circumstances.
- Be a good role model, remember that as an upper year student you will have a significant influence on your mentees.
- Be proactive – if you haven’t heard from your students’ in a while, reach out to them (they might be shy!!)
- Be yourself! That is how the best connections and relationships are formed.