First Generation Student Engagement programming and support provides connections to academic, career, wellness and many other services to foster a sense of belonging and community.
Within each area of programming, there is a focus on connection (to each other and the broader U of T community), as well as navigating barriers to access and inclusion.
First Generation Student Engagement is part of Access & Inclusion Peer Programs.
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Program Eligibility
This program is for First Generation students with intersectional identities, including: Racialized, international, 2SLGBTQIA+, mature, Transitional Year Programme students (current & former) and other lived identities.
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How The Program Works
One-to-one appointments
Individual appointments in-person or online Monday to Friday, September to March.
Drop-ins
Facilitated small group discussions, September to March. Day, time and location TBA. Registration is required.
Events
Facilitated workshops and events focusing on connections to supports and First Generation staff, librarians and faculty.
Learn more about how to register for appointments, drop-ins and events under Program Registration.
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Program Activities & Schedule
30 MarBlack, LatinX, SEA & First Gen Students Pre-Exam Tips & Social
Get help preparing for exams and writing papers from a supportive sharing, learning and social community of Learning Strategists, librarians, professors and student Mentor Navigators.
Date: 30 Mar 2023
Start Time: 4:30 pm
End Time: 6:00 pm
Location: In-person -
Program Student Team
Osarugue
Pronouns: she/her
Identity: African (Nigerian), Black Canadian, First Generation Canadian
Role on Team: Mentor Navigator
Why I became a mentor navigator: To support students and enhance their university experience.
Status: Undergraduate
Program of Study: Mechanical Engineering
Year of Study: 3rd
Interest(s):
- Technology
- Research
- Nature
Learn more about Osarugue
Wan Li
Pronouns: she/they
Identity: Chinese Malaysian, First Generation
Role on Team: Mentor Navigator
Why I became a mentor navigator: To make the university experience less isolating.
Status: Undergraduate
Program of Study: Human Geography and Contemporary Asian Studies
Year of Study: 4th
Interest(s):
- Running
- Reading
- Drawing
Learn more about Wan Li
Victor
Pronouns: he/him
Identity: Mexican, First Generation, Queer, Mature student registered with Accessibility Services
Role on Team: Mentor Navigator
Why I became a mentor navigator: To share that you are not alone on this journey, you have us to help you.
Status: Undergraduate
Program of Study: Humanities and Social Sciences
Year of Study: 1st
Interest(s):
- Food
- Music
- Meditation
Learn more about Victor
Natalie
Pronouns: she/her
Identity: Burmese, Dai, French-Canadian, First Generation, Buddhist
Role on Team: Mentor Navigator
Why I became a mentor navigator: To help create a community that's inclusive and supportive.
Status: Undergraduate
Program of Study: Peace, Conflict and Justice, and Contemporary Asian Studies
Year of Study: 3rd
Interest(s):
- Reading
- Eating
- Nature
Learn more about Natalie
Raechelle
Pronouns: she/her
Identity: Black, Mixed-race (half Grenadian and British-French), First Generation Canadian, has lived in Jamaica and England
Role on Team: Mentor Navigator
Why I became a mentor navigator: To help enrich student life and experience on campus.
Status: Graduate
Program of Study: Geography and Environmental Studies
Year of Study: 1st
Interest(s):
- Travelling
- Videography
- Hiking
Learn more about Raechelle
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Program Registration
Appointments
Book an appointment on the CLNx Mentor Navigator appointment calendar.
Drop-ins
Go to the Leadership, Mentorship & Clubs events calendar on CLNx to register for drop-ins.
Events
Watch: Using the CLNx: Registering for events
You will receive a confirmation email regarding your registration. For questions and registration support, please email Adonica Huggins adonica.huggins@utoronto.ca.
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Considerations & Exceptions
If you’re interested in further resources, please check out the Mentorship & Peer Programs resource library to learn more.