The Victoria College Faculty Mentorship Program Has Been Revived

^{Victoria College Principal, Alex Hernandez, and Victoria University Registrar, Yvette Ali, are co-sponsors of the revamped Victoria College Faculty Mentorship Program. (Photo by Will Dang)}

The Victoria College Faculty Mentorship Program is being relaunched and now will be open to all Year 2 students. The program pairs students with a Victoria College fellow, associate or faculty member who will give them access to resources, academic and research opportunities, and guidance in a supportive and informal setting.

Victoria College Principal Alex Hernandez and Victoria University Registrar Yvette Ali, who co-sponsor the program, say it is the only direct faculty-student mentorship program in the broader University of Toronto system open to all second-year students regardless of discipline.

“We’re excited to build on this program alongside the dedicated and distinguished faculty that make it all work,” Hernandez says. “It’s unlike anything else offered at the university’s various colleges and demonstrates how Vic is especially committed to student success and all-around excellence.”

The program was previously open only to incoming award-winning students. Hernandez said it was broadened to all second-year students to help combat the “second-year slump” and to make sure students who most need help were eligible to apply.

“The Faculty Mentorship Program helps students maximize their learning experiences, develop meaningful relationships with faculty mentors and explore research, career and postgraduate opportunities,” Ali said. “It serves as a powerful tool to guide Vic students through their academic journey and prepare them for success.”

Applications for mentees close on Sept. 16, with matching targeted for the next week and a launch event early in the 2024–25 academic year.