The transition to post-secondary education is a pivotal moment that can define a student's academic and personal trajectory. Join us for a dynamic showcase featuring three distinct mentorship models designed to break down barriers, foster belonging, and provide the essential scaffolding first-year students need to thrive.

In this session, our guest speakers will share insights into research-based strategies, culturally specific support systems, and scalable peer-to-peer frameworks that are making a measurable impact on student retention and success.

Queens University | QSuccess

• Speaker: Gabriela Ludusan, Coordinator of Peer Programs

• The Program: QSuccess is an innovative, research-based mentorship program developed through a collaboration of wellness experts, educators, and student leaders. By focusing on one-on-one mentoring and ongoing engagement, QSuccess works to remove systemic barriers and ensure a seamless transition for incoming students.

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Itoju Mentoring | Uthando Collective Group

• Speaker: Mofi Badmos, Founder and Program Lead

• The Program: ìtọ́jú is a specialized program dedicated to supporting Black African international students in Canada. Under the umbrella of the Uthando Collective Group (est. 2021), the program equips students with the community and resources necessary to navigate both the Canadian immigration system and the academic landscape.

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Ontario Tech University | Peer Mentorship Program

• Speaker: Lindsay Smith, Student Development Specialist

• The Program: At Ontario Tech, support is built-in by design. Their program automatically matches every incoming first-year student with a trained upper-year mentor from their specific faculty. This model ensures that every student has an immediate, relevant connection to the university community from day one.

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