Peer Support

Support starts with a conversation

About Peer Support

Peer Support is designed to foster community, connection, and belonging among students on campus. By providing a safe, welcoming, and confidential environment, this program provides additional support to students who may be navigating difficult circumstances or simply seeking connection and understanding.

Rooted in the principles of peer support, the program connects individuals with shared lived experiences to promote empathy, encouragement, and mutual understanding.

Peer Support Drop-In Schedule

Peer Support is offered on a drop-in basis in the Peer Lounge (room 2002A)

Monday & Wednesday

12:00pm to 3:00pm

Tuesday & Thursday

10:00am to 1:00pm

What to Expect During a Peer Support Session

The session topics can range from very casual conversation, academic-related issues, friendship troubles, to very heavy, traumatic situations. Supporters will use active listening, empathy, lived experience, and genuine connection to support their peers and create a safe environment. Supporters will suggest various resources on campus and within the community that the peers can access depending on what they need.

Sessions are a maximum of 45-minutes per session and with only one topic discussed per session. Peers who feel they need longer or have multiple topics to discuss are encouraged to access additional services and resources on campus and/or within the community.

Become a Peer Supporter

Peer Support is a student-led program. All the services offered are delivered by trained supporters and are designed to create accessible opportunities for students to engage with their peers in meaningful ways.

As a volunteer Peer Supporter, the training that you receive is highly applicable to future careers, education, and volunteer opportunities. You gain hands-on experience supporting your peers through challenging situations, enhancing their abilities in communication, problem-solving, and active listening.

Supporters are the faces of the Peer Support Program. Without you, Peer Support would not be students supporting students, and we would not be able to offer this crucial program.

Peer Supporter Incentives

  • Peer Support Training
  • Continuous Learning Opportunities
  • Co-Curricular Recognition
  • Hours Count Towards Program Requirements
  • Personalized Reference Letter
  • Awards & Scholarships
  • Personal & Professional Development
  • Exclusive Peer Support Swag
  • End of Term Celebrations

Peer Supporter Attributes

  • Lived Experience

    A primary attribute that is essential to provide effective peer support

  • Empathy

    Demeanor is warm, understanding and non-judgmental

  • Communication

    The ability to speak clearly and respectfully while also being approachable without dominating conversations

  • Critical Thinking

    Useful for acting quickly to help navigate challenges a peer is facing, also important to identify a potential crisis

  • Professional & Responsible

    Respecting ethical boundaries and confidentiality, always working well within their scope

  • Self-Awareness

    The ability to recognize personal biases, triggers, and limitations

  • Cultural Inclusivity

    Understands value in diversity and respects different backgrounds, beliefs and experiences

Volunteer Sign-up Process

Step 1: Complete the Peer Support Volunteer Application

Step 2: The Peer Support Coordinator will schedule an interview and meet & greet

Step 3: Complete the 30-hour mandatory Peer Support Training offered in either the Fall term or Winter term

Interested in volunteering?

If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please reach out!

Tasks: Provide 1:1 Peer Support and promote the program during pop-up events.

Training requirements:

  • Mandatory 30-hour training held over two weekends in either the Fall term or Winter term. Training includes supportive listening skills, risk assessment, relationship development, effective communication, role-playing, note-taking, etc.
  • Continuous optional training is available throughout the year

What is the time commitment?

As much as you want!

Minimum of 18 hours per term to meet the requirements for Co-Curricular Recognition.