Haskayne Peer Network

Do you remember that feeling of uncertainty the first time you entered Scurfield Hall? As you wandered around the building wondering where your classes were and whether you had chosen the right ones, you may have even struggled to override that knot in your stomach and increased heartrate. It seemed that everyone else sauntered along, knowing exactly what they were doing with their friends.

The Haskayne Peer Network makes incoming students’ transition to Haskayne less daunting by pairing first year students with students in their third year or above.  Students have high expectations for their university years – declared by many to be the best years of their lives – so stakes are high. Joining the Haskayne community is exciting but can be overwhelming. Having someone to connect with who understands what first year is like when you are just beginning your university experience provides valuable insights and encouragement.

“My experience with the program was great! I got to meet some amazing people and I learned lots and that’s exactly why first year students should join it! The program really helped me to adjust to university, it introduced me to great people and I learned about lots of opportunities within my faculty,” says Nik Hut, a first-year finance student.

Alice Liu, a first-year Haskayne student, expresss her gratitude: “My experience was great. I gained so much insight from my mentor and learned things that would never have been taught in a class. I would definitely recommend everyone to join because it encourages and motivates you to experience things that you might be too hesitant to try, like networking events and coffee meetings.” According to Liu, this experience for first-year students is invaluable.

“Where was this when I was in my first year?! This program would have helped me spend a whole lot less time being confused and doing the right things to advance my university career,” shared Kenny Huynh, a fourth-year marketing student. Huynh became a peer mentor precisely because he would have appreciated this exact program as an incoming student.

For upper year students like Huynh, the Haskayne Peer Network provides students approaching graduation a chance to act as a supportive role model to those brand new to the school. It is also a great opportunity to give back to Haskayne and help further develop a culture of growing and unity.

The relationship between peer mentors and mentees is casual and comfortable. Meetings take place over coffee, between classes or with a quick check-in that fits in their schedules. The program takes little time out of the week considering the impact it has on incoming students’ university careers – as well as those of upper year students.

“The Haskayne Peer Network gives student mentors the opportunity to enhance a first year student’s experience, build a connected Haskayne community and strengthen the soft skills needed for work after graduation,” says BComm student Shelly Kirkland, who is also the program administrator.

So what are you waiting for? Adopt a first year student and be that voice of encouragement, that friendly smile and that experienced perspective to make their integration into Haskayne exciting and anxiety free.

If you are going to be a third year or higher student this fall, sign up to become a peer mentor today! Those interested should contact Frances Donohue at mentorship@haskayne.ucalgary.ca.