CLSS Peer Mentor Appointments

Unlock Your Academic Potential with Peer Mentors

Peer Mentors are your friendly, knowledgeable guides to academic success at U of T. As fellow students, they understand the unique challenges you face and are excited to share the insider tips and strategies they wish they’d known from the start. From learning study techniques and staying motivated to navigating campus services, Peer Mentors are eager to help you succeed on your own terms.

Book an Appointment

CLSS Peer Mentors Can Help You:

  • Learn how to study for exams.
  • Be effective at note taking.
  • Learn techniques to write tests and assignments.
  • Stay motivated and overcome procrastination.
  • Set and achieve goals.
  • Manage your schedule.
  • Access various U of T services and supports.
  • And more…
Choose a Peer Mentor and book an appointment.

Book an appointment with a CLSS Peer Mentor

  • Browse our list of experienced U of T students to find your ideal Peer Mentor and book an appointment through Folio.
  • Check available slots up to ten workdays ahead, with appointments offered regularly via Zoom.
  • CLSS Peer Mentor appointments are open to all UTSG (St. George) undergraduate and graduate students.

If you’re having trouble booking an appointment through Folio, no worries! Just give us a call at 416-978-7970, send us an email at clss@utoronto.ca, or use our online chat tool on the Centre for Learning Strategy Support home page, Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.

If you choose to email us, please include:

  • Your name
  • Student number
  • Level and program of study
  • Your available times
  • The reason for your appointment.

This way, we can make sure to set up the best possible meeting for you.

CLSS Peer Mentors

Alec smiling.

Alec Telford

2nd year, Graduate

Book an appointment with Alec

Alec (he/him) is a first-year Master of Teaching student studying at OISE here at U of T. He recently finished his undergraduate in history also at U of T. As a queer student who has lived in Toronto his whole life, Alec is committed to helping students at U of T feel supported, connected, heard, and empowered. Alec is very thankful for the opportunity to help students achieve their own goals and looks forward to meeting you!

Program of Study:
Master of Teaching

Interest(s):
Reading, writing, playing video games (mainly Stardew Valley), building Lego, and spending time with my family and friends!

Anneke Huisman

Anneke Huisman

4th year, Undergraduate

Book an appointment with Anneke

As an alumna of the Academic Bridging Program, Anneke understands that the path through education often doesn’t follow a straight line and that people attending university have a variety of unique experiences and needs. Anneke found the services offered through CLSS invaluable and is eager to give back to the university community. She loves helping other students and believes supporting each other creates a happier, healthier space for everyone.

Program of Study:
Archaeology and Digital Humanities

Interest(s):
Textile crafts, container gardening, and card, board, and video games

Cailey Aitkenhead

3rd year, Undergraduate

Book an appointment with Cailey

Cailey is a third-year undergraduate student pursuing a major in Political Science with minors in Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Studies. As a transfer student, she understands the challenges of adjusting to a new campus and is passionate about helping others find their footing. Outside of school, Cailey trains to compete in bodybuilding, loves writing, hiking, and is always on the hunt for the best vanilla latte in the city. She’s passionate about helping students feel confident and empowered as they navigate their own journey at U of T.

Program of Study:
Political Science Major, Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Studies Minors

Interest(s):
Working out, writing, hiking and getting a little too invested in Formula 1 races!

Edwin smiling and holding a drink in a restaurant.

Edwin Park

5th year, Undergraduate

Book an appointment with Edwin

Each year, Edwin has felt more at home attending University of Toronto. By taking the position of a peer mentor for the CLSS team, Edwin is excited to support his peers in their academic pursuits whilst helping them transition into university life. He is passionate about student life and looks forward to helping students develop their academic skills. Edwin hopes to continue his studies by attending graduate school and law school in the future.

Program of Study:
Philosophy specialist, criminology major and bioethics minor

Interest(s):
Discovering new music, watching movies on Criterion, and running

Faisal Alnaji

4th year, Undergraduate

Book an appointment with Faisal

Faisal Alnaji is a fourth-year student currently on the pre-med track with hopes of going into medicine next year. It’s his second year working with the CLSS team as a peer mentor to help others transition and succeed in university. Having put immense pressure on himself to succeed in his first few years at university, he’s developed many study habits and been exposed to several resources offered by the University that have supported him throughout his studies. He hopes to draw from these experiences to help ease the transition into university for any current or incoming students and encourage them to seek out the many of the resources available.

Program of Study:
Fundamental Genetics and Its Applications Major, Minor in Immunology and Physiology

Interest(s):
Volleyball, biotechnology, food (big foodie)

Jade smiling.

Jade Johnson

4th year, Undergraduate

Book an appointment with Jade

Jade is a 3rd year undergraduate student pursuing a double major in Political Sciences, Critical Equity and Solidarity Studies, and a minor in Philosophy. Jade joined the Peer Mentor team to guide fellow students in an inclusive and supportive environment. She hopes that as a peer mentor, she will grow through her interactions with the vast spectrum of students present at the University of Toronto.

Program of Study:
Double Major in Political Sciences, Critical Equity and Solidarity studies, with a Minor in Philosophy

Interest(s):
Sewing, knitting, crocheting, TV shows, reading

Maple Xiang

1st year PhD, Graduate

Book an appointment with Maple

Maple (they/she) is an incoming PhD student in the Adult Education and Community Development program at the University of Toronto, where they have also completed their Master of Education. Having navigated through various challenges during their studies, such as pivoting fields from the life sciences, Maple understands that everyone’s learning needs and educational pathways are diverse. They hope to use their experiences, including discussions around “failure,” to support other students in a welcoming, collaborative learning environment.

Program of Study:
Adult Education and Community Development

Interest(s):
Creative writing, reading, music, video games, hiking, and learning new things.

Mecca Hussein

4th year, Undergraduate

Book an appointment with Mecca

Mecca (she/her) is a first-year Master of Arts student in the Higher Education program at OISE. As a first-generation student, she understands the challenges of navigating U of T and postsecondary education. Driven by a commitment to mentorship, Mecca is excited to serve as a CLSS Peer Mentor and looks forward to supporting students at all stages of their academic journeys.

Program of Study:
Higher Education

Interest(s):
Reading, watching movies, taking long walks

Shayan Farzanegan

3rd year, Undergraduate

Book an appointment with Shayan

Shayan is a third-year undergraduate student pursuing a Molecular Genetics & Microbiology Specialist and a Neuroscience Major. With aspirations of becoming a physician, he has worked diligently to build a path that both follows and reflects both his interests and his character, navigating academic and personal challenges along the way. Through this journey, he has learned the value of focusing on what works for him, and he hopes to share those “wayfinding” strategies with his peers. As an English Language Learner and former international student, Shayan relates deeply to many of the additional obstacles a large group of his peers face. He brings this understanding and empathy into his peer-to-peer conversations.

Program of Study:
Molecular Genetics & Microbiology Specialist, Neuroscience Major

Interest(s):
Philosophy, cooking, cinema

Explore academic success at U of T

Two female students doing homework
CLSS Peer Mentor run workshops

CLSS Peer Mentors run multiple workshops every week to support you and all aspects of your academic success. Check out our Workshop Series for more details.

Understanding academic support roles at U of T:
Peer Mentor vs. Learning Strategist vs. Academic Advisor

Peer Mentor: A peer mentor is a current U of T student who acts as a guide to academic success, offering personalized tips, motivation, and insider knowledge.

Learning Strategist: Learning strategists are expert staff advisors who provide personalized, professional support tailored to boost your academic skills. They are available by appointment at the Centre for Learning Strategy Support or your home college, department or faculty.

Academic Advisor: An academic advisor is a trained professional with expertise in academic planning. They can help in formulating and/or adjusting your short-or long-term educational goals, including course selection, interpreting degree requirements, and understanding university regulations. Academic advisors are available through your faculty or college registrar.

Other resources to check out:

Study Hubs

Scheduled times for you to set and meet your studying goals

U of T Tutor Directory

A central resource for current University of Toronto students to find other students who are effective and trustworthy tutors

Academic Integrity

Learn about academic integrity and how it applies to every member of the University