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
23 AugAfrican Black Caribbean, Latin American, Southeast Asian & First Generation Students and Financial Aid
Learn about Ontario and U of T funding, awards, financial planning and counselling
Date: 23 Aug 2023
Start Time: 2:00 pm
End Time: 4:00 pm
Location: Online28 SepFirst Generation Students Welcome
Connect with peers, mentors, librarians and faculty. Learn about hidden services, supports and resources for UTSG undergrads.
Date: 28 Sep 2023
Start Time: 4:30 pm
End Time: 6:00 pm
Location: In-person -
Program Student Team
Doyin
Pronouns: She/her
Identity: African Black Caribbean, First Generation, Christian. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in Toronto.
Role on Team: Mentor Navigator
Why I became a mentor navigator: To share the tools, resources, and experiences I have accumulated with others.
Status: Undergraduate
Program of Study: Human Biology, Psychology and Drama
Year of Study: 4th
Interest(s):
- Reading
- Eating
- Adventure
Learn more about Doyin
Mahlet
Pronouns: She/her
Identity: African Black Caribbean, First Generation. Born and raised in Toronto, and identify as Ethiopian-Canadian. Speaks both English and Amharic.
Role on Team: Mentor Navigator
Why I became a mentor navigator: To use the skills I gained from navigating U of T to support fellow students.
Status: Undergraduate
Program of Study: Sociology, History and African Studies
Year of Study: 4th
Interest(s):
- History
- Movies
- Art
Learn more about Mahlet
Rianne
Pronouns: She/her
Identity: African Black Caribbean, First Generation. Born in Saint Lucia, with diverse heritage from across the Caribbean and Britain. Have an invisible disability.
Role on Team: Mentor Navigator
Why I became a mentor navigator: To embrace new perspectives and challenges posed by mentees and foster mutual growth.
Status: Undergraduate
Program of Study: Environmental Biology and Global Health, Statistics, and Sustainability Pathways
Year of Study: 3rd
Interest(s):
- Learning
- Exploring
- Nature
Learn more about Rianne
Alejandra
Pronouns: She/her
Identity: Latin American, First Generation. Born and raised in Puerto Rico. English is my second language.
Role on Team: Mentor Navigator
Why I became a mentor navigator: To build a safe and welcoming environment for my peers to express themselves and ask for help.
Status: Undergraduate
Program of Study: Latin American Studies and Psychology
Year of Study: 5th
Interest(s):
- Dancing
- Writing
- Environmental justice
Learn more about Alejandra
Yi En
Pronouns: She/her
Identity: Southeast Asian, First Generation. Born in Malaysia, raised in Singapore. International student in Canada for less than 5 years.
Role on Team: Mentor Navigator
Why I became a mentor navigator: To help fellow students, especially those who share similar lived experiences and struggles.
Status: Undergraduate
Program of Study: Sociology, Urban Studies, and Diaspora and Transnational Studies
Year of Study: 3rd
Interest(s):
- Books
- Photography
- Nature
Learn more about Yi En
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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.