Volunteers for Mentorship Program Wanted

Some of you may be aware that in the past the Department of Mathematics has been involved in a mentorship program with high school students.  We would like to continue this program starting in January 2013 and are looking for mentors to be involved.  Student mentees chosen for this program are highly engaged in mathematics and are seeking to expand their knowledge and involvement in mathematics by making connections with those involved in math research.
The time commitment for this is fairly minimal and, with a few exceptions, is based completely on your schedule.  The exceptions to this will be an initial meeting for all involved in the mentorship program in January and a closing meeting in May.  Otherwise you and your mentee would determine a schedule of about once or twice per month to be held on campus based on your schedules.
If you would like more information or if you are interested in participating please email me at pamb@math.toronto.edu by December 21st.  We will be doing pairings in early January with an eye to holding the first meeting with all participants at the end of January.
Thank you all for your time and I hope to have many of you involved in this highly dynamic and beneficial program.
Pamela

Pamela Brittain
Outreach and Special Projects Coordinator
Department of Mathematics
40 St. George St., Room 6290
Toronto, ON M5S 2E4
416-978-1149

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Let’s Talk Science program at U of T

Let's Talk Science is a national charitable organization committed
to building youth interest and engagement in science, engineering and
technology (http://letstalkscience.ca/). At the U of T St. George site,
we mobilize graduate student volunteers studying science, engineering
and technology to dohands-on/minds-on science activities with
children and youth.

Through a newly developed partnership with the Graduate Professional
Skills program, hours logged for Let's Talk Science earn credits toward
the notation on a students' transcript recognizing professional
development. Volunteers can earn up to 8 of the 20 required credits
through offerings including our Science With Impact training,
science fair judging, career mentorship and hands-on activities. 

Last year, we had over 250 graduate student volunteers registered with
our program who logged over 2000 hours of outreach preparation and
presentation time this year.

This year, we want to expand our volunteer pool and are looking for
more graduate students from all areas of science and engineering
to become leaders of their field and take their knowledge to youth
via classroom visits and on-campus events, such as StemCellTalks,
Chemistry Day, Physiology Day, etc.

If you are interested in learning more about Let's Talk Science,
join us at one of our information sessions on the following dates
held at Grad Room (66 Harbord Street):

Monday September 12, 12-2pm

Pub Night: Tuesday Sept. 13 @ 6-8 pm @ O'Grady's (second floor)

Thursday September 15, 12-2pm

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please attend one of the
following Science With Impact training sessions (earns GPS credits!)
held in the Red Conference Room in CCBR (2nd floor, 160 College Street):

Tuesday October 18, 5:30-8:30pm

Wednesday October 19, 5:30-8:30pm

We look forward to inspiring youth with the help of our volunteers
this year! 

The Let's Talk Science (UofT St. George) Team
lts.grad@utoronto.ca
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Hi Everyone, 


We have received SOS from several undergraduates in MAT257Y1 and 
MAT157Y1. This can be an unsettling and frightening time for first year 
students and second year students as they try to build a good math 
base on which to grow.


I have a growing list of students who would like to be enrolled in Math 
programs and it is with these students that I would like to establish 
contact with graduate students who are able to provide some guidance 
for them this time of adjustment.


NOTE:  


THERE WILL BE A MAXIMUM OF 3 OFFICIAL MENTORING GROUP 
SESSIONS FOR THE YEAR.  THIS MAY INVOLVE THE REVIEW OF 
PAST PAPERS OR EXAM PREP ACTIVITIES!!


What is in it for you?

*   Participation in these type of activities is a crucial requirement for 
some scholarships


*   Employers regard this type of behaviour favourably when they 
examine applicants to jobs


*   You will be contributing to the renewed focus on improving the 
students' experience in which the Mathematics Department is 
currently engaging


*   Recognition by the Department
                       

Would you consider volunteering as a Math mentor for this year?



                             

Your role:

                                  

*   Provide contact information for student mentee ( An e-mail 
address other than the U of T address is welcomed)


*   Refer student to known resources based on your prior experience 

*   Respond to student's queries or refer student to 
Undergraduate Administrator


*   Provide encouragement to students 


*   Where applicable, encourage student in Math Union Activities


*   Where possible, provide academic assistance Maintain 
relationship in accordance with all Canadian Laws on societal 
behaviour



*   Please reply to this e-mail if you would like to the volunteer with 
title ???GRAD  MENTOR???

Thank you for providing the contact information for the assigned
student.



All the best,

Donna


_________________________________



Donna Birch, Undergraduate Administrator
Dept. of Mathematics, University of Toronto
40 St. George Street, Rm. 6291,
Toronto ON, M5S 2E4
E-mail:  dbirch@math.utoronto.ca
Phone:  416-978-5082           Fax:  416-978-4107

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