Let’s Talk Science Outreach Program at UVic is a not-for-profit volunteer organization that delivers STEM education and activities to classrooms and individual students from K-12.  At UVic Let’s Talk Science, we have created a mentorship program for high school students looking to make valuable connections and gain experience alongside knowledgeable university students. We are looking for UVic students who are taking STEM degrees to serve as mentors.

The intent of this mentorship program is to provide university students with an opportunity to gain volunteer experience while guiding prospective STEM students as a knowledgeable and approachable mentor at UVic.

Student mentors are trained to:

• Provide insight on university life and involvement in opportunities related to their area of study.
• Give advice on post-secondary applications, as well as scholarships, bursaries, and loans.
• Advise on STEM topics to students.
• Provide support and tips on studying, time-management, and well-being.
• Be a role model to their student mentees!​​

This program has a 1-2 hour time commitment per month after a required 2 hour training session, and runs from November 2021 to April 2022.

This is the link to a short application form to apply for the Mentor position:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQE6tVncFuixqmC8xWdnHPFDReGEj5u5w5Xl1SYjvcni9NRQ/viewform

The deadline to fill out this form is Saturday, October 23rd at 5:00PM.

The Peer Support Centre (PSC) is a safer space created to be an inclusive and comfortable space for students from all walks of life. It operates as a first point of contact for students looking for mental health support, referrals, and other resources. They operate through a face-to-face Peer Support model that is offered out of SUB B035 in the basement of the student union building.

PSC student volunteers (from all faculties and programs) are highly trained in suicide prevention, active listening, cultural competencies, in order to offer non-judgmental, empathetic and confidential support to their peers.

The volunteer program is especially popular with psychology, sociology, and social work students as it is highly relevant to those wishing to pursue trauma centered careers; however, they have also had students from a variety of faculties (ie. Engineering and Fine Arts) bring great value to the team. 

The PSC offers full training, volunteer support, reference letters, and professional development opportunities to our volunteers, which makes the organization an excellent choice for those pursuing next steps after graduation that require volunteer hours (ie. med school), but also creates a safe and welcoming space for those who find fulfillment through volunteering. 

Details are as follows:

Who: Students of any faculty who are open-minded, empathetic, and would like to help their fellow students. 

What: Peer Support — providing non-judgemental, confidential, and compassionate support to peers from all walks of life (training provided)

Where: In person on the UVic campus, SUB B035 and virtually

When: September 2022-April 2023 (negotiable and flexible). 2-4 hours a week (Centre hours are in person Monday-Wednesday from 12:00-5:00, and virtually Thursday and Friday from 6:00-10:00)

Why: Fulfillment from helping your peers navigate difficult situations, full and robust mental health training, consistent volunteer hours, professional development opportunities, and reference letters.

If this volunteer opportunity is of interest to you, please see the application form at https://uvss.ca/peer-support-centre/ and email your application form, resume, and cover letter to pscoperations@uvss.ca by end of day on September 17th.