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Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

Student Mentorship and Leadership

The Student Life Office organizes and plans additional training components for peer mentors on campus to learn and collaborate. Peer mentors are recognized monthly for their hard work supporting students. The Office hosts the TRU Student Leadership Conference inviting aspiring and active student leaders to gain more knowledge and skills. The Office also facilitates the Steps Towards Success Series for students to enhance their academic skill set.

Peer mentoring is a form of mentorship that usually takes place between a person who has lived through a specific experience and a person who is new to that experience providing support as well as knowledge and skills transfer. Peer mentoring encourages a give-and-take dynamic, where both the mentor and mentee offer advice and view points and learn from each other.


TRU Peer Leader of the Month Recognition Award

The TRU Peer Leader of the Month Award recognizes one or two Peer Leader(s) per month from September to April of each academic year for contributions they have made to their mentees, peer leader group, the TRU community, and/or the broader Kamloops community. This award recognizes the diverse contributions made by Peer Leaders and rewards students who exemplify attributes such as passion, leadership, resilience, excellence, creativity, and empathy.

Nominate a Peer Leader

  • Location: OM 1468
  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Phone: 250-371-5942
  • Email: lead@tru.ca

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Mentorship Opportunities

If you are interested in volunteering for one of these programs, please contact the program coordinator for more information.

Career and Experiential Learning

Career
Ambassadors

Career Ambassadors encourage student awareness of career and experiential learning opportunities. The primary role of the Career Ambassadors is to promote the Career and Experiential Learning Department through activities such as class visits, presentations, information sessions, events, and peer-to-peer support. They work closely with CEL coordinators to enhance the visibility of the department while acting as a point of contact for students. Career Ambassadors encourage students to ‘start early’ and take the first step towards the career, job, volunteer position, or work term they are after. 

Webpage

Contact

Tara Bond
Email: tbond@tru.ca
Phone: 250-828-5151
In person: OM 1735

Larry Iles
Email: liles@tru.ca
Phone: 250-371-5692
In person: OM 1712

Indigenous Student Development

Indigenous
Mentors

The TRU Indigenous Mentor Program supports entry level Indigenous students in their transitions to post-secondary student life. This is done through matching mentees with an Indigenous Mentor who will work one-to-one and/or in a group setting and through participation in various events, workshops, and activities. Indigenous Mentors can come from various backgrounds and programs of study, typically with at least 2 years of post-secondary experience. Selection, training, and on-going support is given by the Indigenous Mentor Coordinator. This program is meant to enrich the experience and education here at TRU for students.

Webpage

Contact

Marie Sandy
Email: msandy@tru.ca
Phone: 250-828-5188
In person: Cplul’kwt’en (GP 226, House 5)

Intercultural Learning

Intercultural
Ambassadors

The Intercultural Ambassador Team are student advocates for intercultural development, empathy, human rights, and anti-racism who work to promote these values and practices at all levels of the university. This group of students works together from September to April to engage in their own intercultural development, as well as hosting events and launching initiatives to promote intercultural engagement and learning at TRU. The Intercultural Ambassadors are valued members of the Intercultural Department, providing intercultural education, training, and advocacy to fellow students, staff, faculty and administrators.

Webpage

Contact

Dr. Amie McLean
Email: ammclean@tru.ca
Phone: 250-828-5301

Faculty of Science

Math Help
Centre Tutors

The Math Help Centre provides a space where students can work alone or together with other students in a relaxed, informal environment, with help readily available. Math Centre Tutors answer questions for introductory level mathematics and statistics courses. This is a great way to develop communication and teaching skills, while reinforcing math skills. Paid teaching assistant and work study positions are available, as well as volunteer opportunities. We also maintain a list of private tutors.

Webpage

Contact

Suzanne Feldberg
Email: sfeldberg@tru.ca
Phone: 250-828-5212

Faculty of Student
Development

Student
Storytellers

Student Storytellers pitch ideas, receive assignments, facilitate interviews, research subjects, edit drafts, and schedule approved content on WordPress and share information on social media channels. Through a multitude of mediums (blogs, videos, social media, events) students will have opportunities to learn, engage, reflect, and inspire others to step outside of their comfort zone, and Storyteller will report on these transformative, educational experiences in the hopes of influencing other students to flourish on personal, social, and academic levels.

Contact

Alicia Ashcroft
Email: aashcroft@tru.ca
Phone: 250-852-7245

Faculty of Student Development

Writing
Centre Tutors

Writing Centre Tutors provide one-to-one feedback for all TRU students. As a tutor, you’ll address both lower-order writing concerns such as grammar and sentence structure, and higher-order concerns such as development and clarity of ideas. Tutoring helps you to support other students; develop your writing skills; enhance your tutoring and teaching skills; reflect about writing, learning and teaching; improve your interpersonal and communication skills; and obtain valuable experience that will enhance your resume. We have volunteer, work study and honoraria opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate student tutors.

Webpage

Contact

Jenna Goddard
Writing Centre Coordinator
Email: jegoddard@tru.ca
Phone: 250-371-5689
In person: OM 2674

Faculty of Student Development

PACE
Leaders

At weekly PACE study sessions and one-to-one academic coaching sessions, PACE Leaders support student athletes to achieve their academic goals while maintaining a busy schedule. PACE leaders are also student athletes, and are trained in referral and study success strategies. The Leaders build their leadership, interpersonal, communication, critical thinking, and tutoring skills while supporting student athletes on difficult courses and assignments. We have volunteer and honoraria opportunities available.

Webpage

Contact

Eryn Barrett
Athletics Learning & Administrative Support Specialist
Phone: 250-852-6255
Email: ebarrett@tru.ca

Wellness Centre

SWAT Student Wellness Ambassador Team

The Student Wellness Ambassador Team works around campus to promote the health and well-being of all those in the TRU community. There are a variety of opportunities involved, including individual consultations or plan building, classroom presentations and campus-wide activities geared toward increasing wellness in all spheres of the university experience. The TRU Wellness Centre promotes the well-being of our growing, changing, diverse TRU community. The TRU Wellness Centre values the health of all employees and students on campus, and aims to provide unique, educational and fun programs that will help provide the skills and tools needed to create a more harmonious and balanced life.

Webpage

Contact

Becky Grobb
Email: rgrobb@tru.ca
Phone: 250-828-5010
In person: OM 1479

TRU Residence

TRU Residence
Resident Advisors

Resident Advisors (RAs) are here to help students. Whether it’s helping with adjusting to campus life, academic or personal issues, or it’s planning events, and promoting a sense of community within our residence. RAs receive extensive training in event planning, emergency management, and conflict resolution. This is a paid position, and all Resident Advisors are required to live in residence.

Webpage

Contact

Ben Jodoin
Residence Life Coordinator
Email: bjodoin@truresidence.ca
Phone: 250-852-6301
In person: TRU McGill Housing Front Desk

The Future Students Team

Future Student
Ambassadors

Future Student Ambassadors connect with future students who are exploring their post-secondary options. Ambassadors share their personal TRU story, helping enhance the post-secondary discovery process. Ambassadors lead campus tours; join Student Recruiter-Advisors on high school and other visits (both locally and within B.C.); assist with recruitment events such as Open House, Applicant Receptions, and Aboriginal Transitions Day; and participate in other initiatives facilitated by the Future Students Office. Ambassadors develop their public speaking, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. There are both volunteer and honoraria opportunities available for undergraduate students in any year of study.

Contact

Lachlan Todd and Amy Waters
Future Students Coordinators
Email: futurestudents@tru.ca
Phone: 250-828-5006
In person: OM 1468

Student Experience

Orientation and
Transition Leaders

Orientation & Transition Student Ambassadors work to provide information and guidance to interested students and other relevant parties at booths around campus and at other campus and community events. Ambassadors also lead training for Orientation Volunteers and host informational TRU Student Life Workshops throughout the semester. Orientation & Transitions Ambassadors build communication skills, organizational skills, interpersonal skills, and leadership skills.

Webpage

Contact

Email: studentlife@tru.ca

Department of Engineering



Engineering
Student Mentors

Second – fifth year software engineering students mentor first year software engineering students on how to navigate the engineering course load, build time management skills, provide study tips for midterms and exams, and any other topics relevant for students’ success. For more information on this program, please contact the engineering advisor at engr@tru.ca.

Contact

Email: engr@tru.ca

TRU World

Social Media
Ambassadors

Social Media Ambassadors promote TRU as study destination through social media channels, attend and promote events through social media, blog on a variety of topics on ourTRU.ca, and create weekly digital content to be posted on TRU Worlds social media channels. Students that act as ambassadors in this program can expect to expand their understanding of social media, grow their communication skills, and expand on their time management skills.

Webpage

Contact

Reid Maisonneauve
Manager, Digital Marketing & Business Development
Email: rmaisonneuve@tru.ca

TRU World

Study Abroad
Ambassadors

Study Abroad Ambassadors are TRU students who have studied and participated on an exchange and upon return apply to become a member of the Ambassador team. Ambassadors provide one-to-one support and act as a source of information to their peers. This is done through leading information sessions and student support sessions, social media and promotional material management, coordinating special events and delivering peer workshops to special groups or program areas. This team will allow for the opportunity to build on leadership, interpersonal, communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills while supporting fellow students looking to participate on an international activity while completing their undergraduate degree.

Webpage

Contact

Thomas Johansen
Manager, Study Abroad
Email: tjohansen@tru.ca

Supplemental
Learning

Supplemental
Learning Leaders

Supplemental Learning (SL) is an academic support program that provides structured review sessions to students enrolled in challenging introductory courses. SL Leaders organize and facilitate weekly sessions in which students collaborate to review notes, discuss readings and prepare for exams. In their sessions, leaders integrate course content with reasoning and strategic study skills. For novice learners, the SL Leader becomes a role model of critical thinking, effective study, and mastery of the discipline. SL Mentors, selected from the strongest of experienced leaders, assist with leader training, and support new leaders in their training and development.

Contact

Elizabeth Templeman
Supplemental Learning Coordinator
Email: etempleman@tru.ca
Phone: 250-828-5277
In person: OM 2699

Office of Research and Graduate Studies

Undergraduate Research Ambassadors

The Undergraduate Research Ambassadors work with the Research Office on a range of projects related to undergraduate research. They will bring together the knowledge, skills, and interests developed through all aspects of their education and have the opportunity to participate on projects and work with students from a variety of majors and backgrounds as a team, pooling resources and collaborating with faculty and staff. This capstone experience will strengthen students’ undergraduate research understanding and provide training to enhance skills as TRU Ambassadors.

Contact

Kate Fagervik
Learning Strategist, Office of Student Research & Public Engagement
Phone: 250-852-7146
Email: kfagervik@tru.ca

Office of Research and Graduate Studies


Graduate Student
Research Mentors

The Graduate Student Research Mentors volunteer with the Research Office on a variety of projects related to the enhancement of student research, work as a team, mentor students from a variety of majors and backgrounds, pool resources, and collaborate with faculty and staff. They help to plan and organize the annual 3MT as well as a series of graduate research workshops and guest speakers. The Graduate Student Research Mentors are recognized as representatives of TRU research and creativity at campus and community events, and the experience is great for students who wish to promote and expand these efforts across the campus.

Contact

Kate Fagervik
Learning Strategist, Office of Student Research & Public Engagement
Phone: 250-852-7146
Email: kfagervik@tru.ca

TRU Sustainability



Student Sustainability
Ambassadors

The Student Sustainability Ambassador Team works on campus to promote sustainable initiatives, programs, and mindsets in the TRU community. Sustainability Ambassadors help spread the ‘spirit of sustainability’ at TRU and be a force for change, helping to improve the culture of sustainability on campus. Ambassadors are given the opportunity to develop their public speaking and communication skills, cultivate a greater understanding of sustainable initiatives on campus, create their own sustainable project/initiative, and become a Sustainability Champion on campus. Visit the website for more information.

Contact

James Gordon
Email: jgordon@tru.ca

Faculty of Arts

Arts
Ambassadors

The Arts Ambassadors are students committed to building an inclusive culture in the Faculty of Arts by bringing together students from all Arts disciplines in ways that help to create experiences and foster relationships. The Ambassadors take on active, encouraging, and innovative leadership roles within the Arts faculty while promoting social and professional opportunities for students.

Contact

Dr. Elizabeth Reimer
Associate Dean, Student Success
Email: ereimer@tru.ca
Phone: 250-377-6085

School of Nursing

Nursing
Mentorship

The Peer Mentorship Network aims to cultivate leadership, peer support, and cohesion across all cohorts of TRU’s School of Nursing. Through various initiatives and programs, participants will develop mentorship skills intended to improve retention rates and cultivate supportive peer relationships that can be applied to professional settings. This program provides a semi-structured approach to assist participants in developing leadership and mentorship skills. Participants will be provided training, access to exclusive events, and safe spaces to seek peer support.

Contact

Kristen Plowe
Assistant Teaching Professor
Email: kplowe@tru.ca
General Inquiries: tru.son.peermentorship@gmail.com

Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics

Student
Associates

Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics Student Associate program is designed for a select group of business students to help enhance the TRU Gaglardi student experience on and off-campus.

We are looking for TRU Gaglardi's Student Associates (SSAs) to provide key support during school events, produce engaging content on the school's social media pages, and whatever else possible to create a holistic and engaging experience for our student community on campus and around the world.

Visit the website for more information: https://www.tru.ca/business/students/sobe-student-associate.html

Contact

Karel Zouzal
Return to Campus Coordinator
Email: kzouzal@tru.ca

Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics

First Year
Experience Mentors

We’d like to invite you to be a First-Year Experience Mentor for our Peer Mentoring Program for 1st Year BBA students. The transition into first year is not easy for many students, and many of them struggle without developing peer connections. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to develop your mentoring skills, while making a valuable contribution to your TRU community.

Click to apply

Contact

Rien Okawa
Email: rokawa@tru.ca

Faculty of Law


Student
Mentorship Program

Law school, and particularly first year, can be a challenging and stressful time. The Student Mentorship Program, a collaboration between the Society of Law Students and the Assistant Dean, aims to ease the transition into law school and throughout the first year by pairing incoming 1L students with upper year mentors who are willing to share their experience and insight into the study of law. Upper year mentors are an important piece of the 1L student experience, acting as role models and advisors to provide general guidance and support about law school, living in Kamloops, and dealing with the stresses and rigors of legal education.

Contact

Lana Walker
Email: lawalker@tru.ca

Peer Mentors Workshop Series

The TRU Peer Mentors demonstrate initiative, innovation, and creativity on a daily basis on campus. Peer Mentor Programs include Social Media Ambassadors, Indigenous Peer Mentors, Writing Centre Tutors and many more!

Get involved in a Peer Mentor Program

TRU Peer Mentors or students interested in getting involved in leadership opportunities, developing skills, or professional development are welcome to attend the following workshops:

Peer Mentors Workshop Series
Upcoming WorkshopsDescriptionDateTime
Peer Mentor Training Day A one-day professional development day for TRU Peer Mentors. Topics include professional conduct, mentoring skills, tabling and facilitation skills, early psychosis intervention information, digital marketing strategies and more! Register here. Tuesday, August 29, 2023

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Law Reading Room, 3rd Floor, Old Main
Sexualized Violence Prevention & Response Training This one-day training is facilitated by the Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response Team, this training day will cover consent, responding to disclosures and bystander intervention training. Register here. Wednesday, August 30, 2023

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
CT 200
Peer Mentor Lunch & Learn

The Counsellor’s Guide to Managing Your Life Somewhat Better through a Series of Hopefully-Effective Sleep-Related Strategies
Bring your lunch and join us as Cliff Robinson, TRU Counselor, guides us through a fun workshop about making small changes to your sleep, which could make medium-sized differences to your mental health and life in general. Topics include the structure of sleep, the role of sleep, and sleep improvement strategies. Register here. Thursday, October 12, 2023

noon – 1 p.m.
OM 2761

Other Opportunities to Get Involved

LinkedIn Learning: Leadership Development Playlist

Are you looking to sharpen your leadership development skills? Access thousands of videos on LinkedIn Learning, free for TRU staff, faculty, and students!

Check out this playlist created specifically for TRU Students.

Meet the Team

The Student Life Office is your first stop when you arrive at Thompson Rivers University!

Our role is to ensure new-to-TRU students make a successful transition to university life. We want to support students achieve their academic, personal and social goals. We also want to ensure that our office offers an assortment of opportunities to engage students in university life such as workshops, leadership development, peer mentoring and certificate programs.

  • Julie Taylor

    Julie Taylor
    Manager of Student Experience
    250-371-5942

    Biography

    Julie has been at TRU since 2010 where she oversaw the Global Competency Certificate. She then moved into a role within the Center for Student Engagement, was a Learning Strategist - Orientation & Transitions, and now the Manager of Student Life. Julie completed her education at UBC with a Bachelor of Education and worked in SD73 for many years before TRU. In her spare time Julie can be found exploring the outdoors, playing soccer, working out, or spending quality time with her son.

  • Umme Mansoory

    Umme Mansoory
    Learning Strategist
    Mentorship & Leadership
    250-371-5996

    Biography

    Responsible for the oversight of all mentoring programming including peer mentor professional development, TRU LEADership conference, and Steps towards Success. Works with students and faculty on certificates such as Global Competency and Leadership in Environmental Sustainability.


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