Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can I select my own Mentor?

Unfortunately not. The Mentoring Across McGill program was designed to pair mentees and mentors randomly or according to specific needs and interests in order to enhance the University experience for all. If you have specific factors, preferences, or criteria that you would like us to consider when pairing you with a mentor, please indicate these as clearly as possible in the assigned box on your Mentee Application Form. We will try to accommodate you to the best of our ability.

With the launch of the graduate student mentor stream, all mentees have the option to choose between a staff/faculty mentor or a graduate student mentor.

Can I be paired with someone in my own program or faculty?

It depends. Because the objective of the Mentoring Across McGill program is not to provide an academic mentorship or replace any facet of academic advising or tutoring at McGill, we discourage pairings between mentors and mentees in the same program or faculty. The Mentoring Across McGill program has to take into consideration any potential conflicts of interest that may arise from a pairing.

In cases where a mentor teaches courses that directly apply to a mentee's program, there may exist an inherent conflict of interest. However, if there is no course overlap between a mentee's specific program and a mentor's academic discipline, and with a few other exceptional circumstances, we are happy to pair people who have similar academic areas of interest.

If you are looking for an academic mentorship, we strongly encourage you to speak to someone within your discipline about finding an academic mentor.

*However, the Program does pair undergraduate students with graduate students in the same academic discipline.

What do you mean by "Special Considerations" in the Mentoring Program application?

"Special Considerations" refers to any additional information that you’d like us to take into account, if possible, when assigning your mentor. This may include any personal information that you would like to have in common with a mentor (for example, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic identity, religion, ability, etc.).

This is also an opportunity for you to list any particular characteristics you are looking for in a mentor (such as specific skills like public speaking, travel experience, background in certain academic fields, similar extracurricular interests, etc.).

Am I supposed to contact my mentor once I am assigned one?

Feel free! When you and your mentor are electronically paired, an email will be sent to you both outlining how to contact one another. The email will provide you with a link to your mentor's profile where you can find their email address. Do not hesitate to contact your mentor first!

What if I meet my mentor and we have nothing in common?

Like any friendship, a rapport between a mentor and mentee isn't always established immediately. We suggest that you meet with your mentor a second time to see if you can exchange any common interests or mutual experiences. You may be surprised at what you two may have in common!

If, however, you meet again and you don't think the pairing suits you, you are not obligated to continue with the mentorship. You can either tell your mentor directly that you are no longer interested or you can contact us and we will notify your mentor.

This doesn't mean that a different mentorship would not be successful! Let us know what you are specifically looking for in a mentor and we will try to pair you with someone with whom you feel you are more compatible.

What are the qualifications to be a mentee?

Because the program is in its pilot phase, at this time the Mentoring Across McGill program is only open to undergraduate students.

What if I have changed my mind and no longer want to continue with the Program?

Student participants have the right to withdraw their involvement from the Mentoring Across McGIll program at any time, no explanation required (although we always appreciate feedback on the Program).

If you have decided to not continue with the Program, please contact your mentor directly and alert them that you will no longer be participating. Because our mentors dedicate their free time to mentor undergraduate students, it is important that they are made aware of your decision. Or, if you are uncomfortable discussing this with your mentor, please inform the Mentoring Across McGill program team (undergrad.mentoring [at] mcgill.ca), who will relay the information to your mentor.

Does my mentorship relationship end at the close of the academic term or year?

Not necessairly! At Mentoring Across McGill, we recognize that every mentorship relationship is unique and develops organically over time. Accordingly, we do not limit the scope or span of mentorships: they may continue (formally or informally) for as long as the mentee and mentor wish. This means that it is possible to continue your mentorship passed the academic term or year in which it began, as long as you and your mentor agree to do so.  

If you feel like your mentorship has accomplished all that you would have liked it to, but you have new or evolving mentorship needs and would like to be paired with a new mentor, please fill in a new mentee application, indicating that you are a returning mentee in the designated field. Don't forget to communicate your decision to your existing mentor.

 

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