Peer Programs

QSuccess is a transition program available to all first-year students. QSuccess mentors will work 1:1 with first-year students to help ease the transition to university life. First-year students will have the opportunity to self-match or be matched with an upper year mentor who will be responsible for building a good rapport with their mentees and sharing their own relevant experiences to help the transition to Queen’s. Mentors will guide students who participate in QSuccess through exercises to build tangible social, academic, and healthy lifestyle skills to support their transition to life at university. This is an ideal opportunity for students who are looking to find meaningful ways to engage with their peers in a structured setting and to give back to Queen’s. Some benefits of being a QSuccess Mentor include:  

• Build community at Queen’s 
• Develop as a Mentor and build skills transferable into the workplace  
• Certificate of contribution for your professional portfolio  
• Meet other students with similar interests  

Number of Positions: Up to 200 

Time Commitment: July 2025-April 2026, 3-4 hours/week. Mentors will be assigned up to 3 mentees at a time. Meetings will be 1 hour/mentee, on a weekly basis. Mentors are required to participate in small mentor meetings, up to 1.5 hours bi-weekly and be engaged participants in discussions and events 

Start Date: July 2025 (Exact date TBD)  

Responsibilities/Duties: 

• 1) Mentorship  
  • Build positive rapport with mentees  
  • Assess skills that require improvement  
  • Identify strategies for change  
  • Coach, guide and model effective problem solving and academic study skills  
  • Engage participants in a planning process for attending events that are available on campus and that help to build skills and new understandings  
• 2) Diversity and Inclusivity 
  • Create a welcoming and inclusive space for mentees from a variety of backgrounds and experiences 
  • Listen and support mentee experiences in a non-judgmental way  
  • Recognize and help mentees to identify potential signs of personal distress  
  • Encourage self-reflection and open-mindedness  
  • Assist mentees in forming community connections  
  • Appropriately offer resources and referrals  
• 3) Administration  
  • Attend all required training and meetings as communicated by program coordinators 
  • Complete weekly mentoring logs and a final program survey 
  • Proactively communicate potential problems, ongoing concerns and activities by submitting updates to the coordinators 
  • Work collaboratively with other members of the QSuccess Program  

Required Qualifications:  

• Have experience providing personal support and forming helping relationships (e.g., mentoring, tutoring, and coaching)  
• Demonstrate intercultural competence and a knowledge of equity, diversity and inclusion principles  
• Have an interest, passion and enthusiasm for helping peers  
• Have a good understanding of challenges facing first year students  
• Be able to set work priorities to meet deadlines and possess excellent organizational skills  
• Be an active listener and have excellent interpersonal skills  
• Demonstrate good judgement and creative conflict management/problem-solving skills  
• Be knowledgeable about the University, its administrative processes, and the various programs and support services/resources that are available to students  
• Be self-reflective, patient and empathetic  
• Be available for, attend, and actively participate in all QSuccess trainings, meetings, and sessions. Training will be offered remotely throughout the summer months  
• Act in accordance to a signed Queen’s University confidentiality agreement  

Eligibility: QSuccess Mentors must be full-time equivalent Queen’s undergraduate or graduate students with at least one year experience at Queen’s and submit a satisfactory Canadian Police Information Check (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Check. They will be responsible to maintain a clean CPIC and Vulnerable Sector Check for the duration of their role.  

Program Contact: Gabriela Ludusan, Peer Programs Coordinator, gabriela.ludusan@queensu.ca  

Mentors in the Upper Year Peer Mentor Program are trained to provide one-on-one academic and personal support for up to three (3) program participants who are in their 2nd year to PhD via weekly 1-hour meetings.  Transition doesn't stop after the first year, so the Peer Mentor Program is designed to match students in second year or above with upper-year peer mentors to build confidence, encourage healthy lifestyles, and contribute to a satisfying university experience. Mentorship is an ideal opportunity for students who are looking to find meaningful ways to engage with their peers in a structured setting and to give back to Queen’s.

Number of Positions: All successful candidates are accepted into the program

Time Commitment: September 2025-April 2026, 3 hours/week. Mentors will be assigned up to 3 mentees at a time. Meetings will be 1 hour/mentee, on a weekly basis. Mentors may be required to participate in small mentor meetings, up to 1.5 hours bi-weekly and be engaged participants in discussion boards and events.

Start Date: September 2025 

Responsibilities/Duties:

• 1) Mentorship  
  • Build positive rapport with mentees  
  • Assess skills that require improvement  
  • Identify strategies for change  
  • Coach, guide and model effective problem solving and academic study skills  
  • Engage participants in a planning process for attending events that are available on campus and that help to build skills and new understandings  
• 2) Diversity and Inclusivity 
  • Create a welcoming and inclusive space for mentees from a variety of backgrounds and experiences  
  • Listen and support mentee experiences in a non-judgmental way  
  • Recognize and help mentees to identify potential signs of personal distress  
  • Encourage self-reflection and open-mindedness  
  • Assist mentees in forming community connections  
  • Appropriately offer resources and referrals  
• 3) Administration  
  • Attend all required training and meetings as communicated by program coordinators 
  • Complete weekly mentoring logs and a final program survey 
  • Proactively communicate potential problems, ongoing concerns and activities by submitting updates to the coordinators 
  • Work collaboratively with other members of the UYPM Program  

Required Qualifications:

• Have experience providing personal support and forming helping relationships (e.g., mentoring, tutoring, and coaching)
• Demonstrate intercultural competence and a knowledge of equity, diversity and inclusion principles
• Have an interest, passion and enthusiasm for helping peers
• Have a good understanding of challenges facing first year students
• Be able to set work priorities to meet deadlines and possess excellent organizational skills
• Be an active listener and have excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate good judgement and creative conflict management/problem-solving skills
• Be knowledgeable about the University, its administrative processes, and the various programs and support services/resources that are available to students
• Be self-reflective, patient and empathetic
• Be available for, attend, and actively participate in all Q Success trainings, meetings, and sessions. Training will be offered remotely throughout the summer months
• Act in accordance to a signed Queen’s University confidentiality agreement

Eligibility: Mentors must be full-time equivalent Queen’s undergraduate or graduate students with at least one year experience at Queen’s and submit a satisfactory Canadian Police Information Check (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Check. They will be responsible to maintain a clean CPIC and Vulnerable Sector Check for the duration of their role.

Program Contact: Gabriela Ludusan, Peer Programs Coordinator, gabriela.ludusan@queensu.ca

Student Academic Success Services (SASS) offers academic support to students who wish to develop their skills in critical thinking, reading, learning, studying, writing, and self-management. We welcome Queen’s undergraduate and graduate students at all stages of program completion and all levels of ability.  

This position supports undergraduate student success by facilitating group outreach events (workshops) & providing individualized learning support by mentoring first-year students.  

We think we have one of the best volunteer teams in the university: we work closely with you to train and develop your ability to become a campus and community leader, and a budding expert in education with the skills to assist diverse students. Our volunteers are a valued part of Student Academic Success Services’ team and work – don’t miss the chance to join us! 

Number of Positions: TBD     

Time Commitment: 6-8 hours/month  

Start Date: September 2025 (training to take place over the summer) 

Responsibilities/Duties:

• General: 
  • Attend pre-service and on-going training opportunities, and continuously seek to improve skills and knowledge pertaining to the position  
  • Encourage positive progress towards academic success 
  • Frequently work with international students, English language learners, struggling students, and students in crisis 
  • Engage in problem-solving if/when difficulties arise 
• Fall Semester: 
  • Prepare and deliver workshops to undergraduate students with the aim of enhancing students’ academic success at the university level 
  • Facilitate small group academic skills coaching and drop-in sessions 
  • Plan and manage outreach events, social media and marketing campaigns, and write blog and other content for SASS’ website and social media feeds. 
• Winter Semester: 
  • Every year, SASS invites first-year students who are at risk academically to participate in the Bounce Back program. The program matches first-year students with upper year students who provide Mentoring, learning support, and referrals to key resources during regularly scheduled meetings. With this support, first-year students have the opportunity to develop attitudes and skills that will improve their learning and academic success at Queen’s. 
  • Mentors will meet weekly with up to 4 mentees each week throughout the winter term. There may be an opportunity to do some mentoring in the fall term. Mentors will assist program participants to identify the sources of previous academic difficulties; set goals; facilitate access to campus resources, services and programs; and build confidence in their strengths and abilities to achieve success at university. 
  • Conduct one-on-one meetings with first-year participants who opt-in to the program 
  • Attend weekly Mentor team meetings facilitated by Senior Mentors (1-hour in length)  
  • Maintain strong helping/coaching relationship with participants  
  • Complete administrative Tasks including on-going documentation of job-related activities (e.g., weekly coaching logs) as well as end of program assessment survey

Required Qualifications:  

• be a student in second year or upward from any program 
• have an interest, passion, and enthusiasm for helping peers and can display a good understanding of challenges facing first-year students 
• knowledge of or experience in presenting, teaching, or working with students 
• interest in or experience working with EAL (English as an Additional Language) and/or experience working in a leadership role among peers is considered an asset 

Program Contact: Mikayla Sebesta, m.sebesta@queensu.ca  

Student Academic Success Services (SASS) offers academic support to students who wish to develop their skills in critical thinking, reading, learning, studying, writing, and self-management. We welcome Queen’s undergraduate and graduate students at all stages of program completion and all levels of ability.

Number of Positions: TBD

Time Commitment: 2 hours/week

Start Date: September 2025 (training to take place over the summer)  

Responsibilities/Duties: 

• work one-on-one with first and second-year students to: 
• review student writing 
• offer advice on editing and proofreading skills 
• improve students’ confidence in writing 
• write better essays, projects, papers and lab reports 
• advise all students, but often work with international students, English language learners, 
• struggling students, and students in crisis.  

You will be reporting to the Outreach and Peer Programs Coordinator, Mikayla Sebesta. SASS is working hard to support students in a remote environment. If you are hired into our peer programs, we will work with you to gain experience in these roles whether they are delivered remotely or in person. 

Required Qualifications:  

• be a student in second year or upward from any program 
• have developed writing abilities in any subject: we’re just as keen on Engineering as we are on Economics, English or Environmental Science! 
• having interest in or experience working with EAL (English as an Additional Language) is also particularly welcome.  

Program Contact: Mikayla Sebesta, mms11@queensu.ca

The English Conversation Program at QUIC supports diverse groups of Queen’s University international students in their communicative competencies by providing opportunities to connect in a safe environment encouraging mutual learning and community building. 

Student volunteers meet international participants at the International Centre in Mitchell Hall to engage in language and cultural learning through English conversation in an upbeat, small group environment. May include some online meetings.  

Time Commitment: One term, 6-8 weekly meetings, 1 hour each. Some program meetings may run online via Zoom if needed.

Benefits to Volunteers: 

• Develop transferable skills such as proactive inclusive communication, active listening, feedback and encouragement, facilitation 
• Enhance own intercultural competency 
• Gain understanding of language use in relation to specific contexts 
• Opportunity to meet people from different places of the world and develop international connections  
• Positively contribute to Queen’s community by aiding the international student transition experience 

Responsibilities/Duties: 

• Support learners in their language skills acquisition 
• Build a respectful, trusting and inclusive rapport with sessions’ attendees 
• Attend program orientation, training sessions and program meetings 
• Engage in some planning of activities, contribute content ideas 
• Engage with the program team, work effectively with peers and supervisor 
• Participate in program feedback and surveys  
• Contribute to promotional materials, such as profiles, testimonials, or short videos 

Required Qualifications: 

• Students currently enrolled at Queen’s University 
• Fluent in English with excellent language proficiency, clear speech, and strong communication skills 
• Able to engage and encourage others while facilitating conversations 
• Curious, open-minded and with appreciation of diversity and respect towards cultural differences 
• Passion for intercultural learning and a desire to develop own intercultural competence 
• Wanting to support international students/participants who are experiencing new environment & culture 

Program Contact: QUIC@queensu.ca, from your @queensu account, with subject line ‘ECP Volunteering’

The World Link at the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) is an intercultural program that promotes learning, sharing, acceptance, and celebration of diverse cultures within the Queen’s community. The program delivers intercultural learning and exchange through social educational activities/social media. 

World Link volunteers work with program staff to assist in social events and cultural exchange sessions to engage students (esp. new international students) while sharing their own cultures and learning. Our goals are to support international students in their transition to Queen’s and to build community connections to contribute to the university experience and enable cultural learning for any participant. 

Time Commitment: September-December 2025; 1 hour/week on average. 

Benefits to Volunteers:

• Develop competencies in communication, teamwork, event planning, student engagement 
• Enhance own intercultural competency 
• Opportunity to meet new friends, develop international connections and build networks/community 
• Positively contribute to Queen’s community by aiding the international student transition experience 

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Contribute to activities/events organized for the program (online or in person) 
• Proactively host and engage event participants 
• Build a respectful, trusting and inclusive rapport with others 
• Attend all program meetings, training sessions; provide program feedback as required 
• Generate social events ideas, engage in event planning and delivery 
• Work proactively in a team to complete project tasks 
• Assist in events promotion in student networks 

Required Qualifications: 

• Students familiar with the University and campus life 
• Excellent communication, teamwork and time management skills; ability to engage others 
• Passion for intercultural learning and a desire to develop own intercultural competence 
• Understands some the challenges faced by international students experiencing a new environment  
• and culture 
• Media skills: Instagram, social media, photography, or writing for promotion & engagement 

Volunteers will be trained by International Training Coordinators to deliver a 90-minute “Intercultural Awareness” and/or “Considering Culture” session to participants.

Number of Positions: 2-4 

Training Options:

• Winter Program: January-April, 2025 
• Summer Program: May-August, 2025 
• Fall Program: September-December, 2025 

Position Objectives: Volunteers will receive training in approaches to peer support so that they can function in a structured peer support role at the QUIC to International, Immigrant and Second-generation students. Participants will also be trained to deliver a 60-mintue "Intercultural Awareness" and/or "Considering Culture" session

Expected Time Commitment: 1.5 hours/week, 6-8 weeks/term 

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

• Be available to attend QUIC Intercultural Wellbeing Leaders training sessions and meetings
• Be available at least 120 minutes a week to act in a peer support role in person at the QUIC space
• Be willing to act in a peer support role which entails in-person, one-to=one meetings with students seeking peer support
• Deliver one “Considering Culture” session to peers per term either online or in-person
• Provide feedback to the program facilitator
• Engage with fellow Intercultural Wellbeing Leaders trainees

Volunteer Qualifications:  

• Currently enrolled at Queen’s University 
  • Undergraduate students who are in Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3 of their studies 
  • Master’s students who are in their first year 
  • PhD students who are in Year 1 through Year 3   
• Comfortable with communicating verbally in English 
• Strong communication skills, or willingness to develop 
• Curious, open-minded, and with appreciation of diversity 
• Have access to a personal communication device (tablet, computer, etc.) 
• Have access to dependable internet connection 

Benefits to Volunteers:  

• Increased understanding of Intercultural Awareness theory and concepts 
• Develop competency to act in a peer support role
• Increased ability in public speaking through online and in-person workshops  
• Opportunity to connect with student peers on campus 
• The International Training Coordinator will act as personal reference upon request 

Program Contact: QUIC Intercultural Training Coordinator, Lee Richard, at lr77@queensu.ca

Given the positive connection between health and academic achievement, Health Promotion within Student Wellness Services (SWS) at Queen’s University aims to facilitate the adoption and maintenance of health enhancing behaviours among students. Health Promotion is searching for Peer Health Educators (PHE’s) to coordinate, plan, and facilitate a variety of health promotion initiatives and health education campaigns which are implemented online and on campus. The program is comprised of topic teams ranging from: healthy eating and cooking, sexual health, substance use, physical activity (running), financial wellness, rest & relaxation, and mental health. PHE’s also help connect students with appropriate resources and supports on campus. 

Number of Positions: TBD 

Time Commitment: 2 hours/week, 1 academic year contract, with possibility of extension 

Start Date: Training in summer, start in-person in September 2025

Responsibilities/Duties: 

• General: 
  • Providing accurate and current health information to students using a variety of strategies 
  • Assisting in the design and development of health promotion materials 
  • Conveying credible information to students about health resources & supports on campus 
  • Trainings & Meetings: 
  • Complete pre-training online modules before training sessions in September 
  • Attend and actively participate in group training sessions (Two to three days in September and a half-day in January) 
  • Participate in bi-weekly team meetings 
  • Attend additional professional development opportunities as requested 
• Topic Teams: 
  • Participate in regular topic team meetings and events 
  • Help plan, design, and deliver relevant outreach for designated health topic area including developing social media content 
  • Communicate progress on tasks with team members and team leader 
  • Participate in and support collaborations with other topic teams 
• Campus Outreach: 
  • Participate in organized campus-wide outreach and promotional events—either online or in-person 
  • Campus outreach involves signing up for shifts in advance, as well as picking up last minute shift requests 
  • Peers are required to actively prepare outreach, which could include facilitating workshops and booths (based on incoming requests & availability) 
• Other Tasks: 
  • Create and maintain an inclusive environment for all PHEs 
  • Track all shifts and hours 
  • Complete evaluation forms related to topic team, workshops and outreach events 
  • Complete mid-year peer to peer evaluations & on-going skills assessment 
  • Discuss problem/concerns with Team Leaders and Coordinator as they arise 

Required Qualifications: 

• Interest in healthy lifestyle practices 
• Confident in ability to present relevant health information to a group of students 
• Able to approach and speak to students about relevant health issues 
• Comfortable working independently and in groups 
• Willing to work in a collaborative environment 

Program Contact: Erin Burns, eeb3@queensu.ca

Given the positive connection between health and academic achievement, Health Promotion within Student Wellness Services (SWS) at Queen’s University aims to facilitate the adoption and maintenance of health enhancing behaviours among students. To achieve this, we need an exceptional team of volunteers.  Your role as a Peer Wellness Coach  (PWC) will be to meet one-on-one with students to help them set specific goals around sleeping well and/or moving more. You will be responsible for empowering students to achieve their goals by helping them identifying barriers and developing strategies to overcome in order to maintain motivation.  You will provide students with credible information about health resources and supports on campus to support a healthy campus community.  

In our aim to support the wellbeing of all Queen’s students we encourage equity deserving students to apply to this position. PWC’s with diverse lived experiences are vital to supporting equity deserving students wellbeing and allows us to pair students with PWC’s with similar lived experience and a deeper understanding of what support is needed. Students who are 2SLGBTQ+, BIPoC, racialized, disabled, and other equity deserving identities are encouraged to apply. 

You will be reporting to professional staff within Health Promotion at Student Wellness Services. You will be part of a vibrant team with training and professional development opportunities to grow your knowledge, skills and experience. 

Time Commitment: 2-5 hours/week during the fall and winter academic terms (excluding exam periods) 

Start Date: Expected to complete online learning modules in late summer, in-person training in early September 2025 to start working 1-in-1 with clients near the start of the fall term 

Responsibilities/Duties:  

• Meet 1-on-1 with clients on weekly or bi-weekly basis. 
• Schedule and track client appointments. 
• Help promote the program through various outreach events and/or promotional campaigns.
• Seek out relevant resources and refer students to support when needed. 
• Other duties as required.   

Required Qualifications:   

• Current Queen’s student enrolled in a part-time or full-time undergraduate or graduate program 
• Diverse lived experience and understanding of experiences of equity deserving students   
• Interest in health and wellness
• Excellent listening and interpersonal skills
• Very good oral and written communication skills.   
• Works well independently and as part of a team.  
• Experience working with groups, departments and/or faculties on campus.   

Program Contact: pwc@queensu.ca

You will be part of a vibrant team of students and staff who desire to support the well-being of their peers and learn specific hands-on skills. You will have opportunities to learn about non-medical detox processes, physiology related to substance use, mental health, harm reduction, and public health practices. This is a unique volunteer position that provides a valuable hands-on learning experience. 

Volunteers refine communication skills, gain experience managing emergencies or challenging situations, and provide client-centered non-judgmental care. Many COR volunteers use this experience to support future career goals in the helping or health care field, including nursing, medicine, rehabilitation therapy, mental health and addictions, but all fields of study and career paths are welcomed and can bring unique skills which contribute to the goals of COR. We welcome all applicants. COR welcomes volunteers with diverse experiences and perspectives on substance use, valuing the insights and strengths this brings. Our harm reduction approach means abstinence is not expected, and personal use disclosure is never required.

You will be reporting to the Health Promotion Manager at Student Wellness Services and will also receive supervision and direction from the Student Team Leaders and the Addictions Support Care Workers staff team members.  

Time Commitment: All volunteers are expected to commit to 8 COR shifts (4 in COR and 4 on-call shifts). Shifts are 5 hours in length (9pm–2am or 2am-7am).  Volunteers are required to be available for at least one COR shift during high peak times (i.e., Orientation Week, Homecoming, and St. Patrick’s Day) and assist with 5-10 hours of outreach between August to March. 

Responsibilities/Duties: 

• Provide a confidential, and non-judgmental environment for intoxicated students
• Demonstrate respect for choices across te full spectrum of substance use health
• Under the direction of a trained professional Addictions Support Worker, assess and monitor intoxicated individuals
• Complete documentation and records as required during COR operations
• Implement infection control practices, including cleaning COR spaces and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Participate in sub-team initiatives and communicate progress on tasks with team leader.  Sub-teams include: logistics, presentations, outreach and communications (i.e., social media, posters and/or blogs)
• Complete additional professional development throughout the year
• Model respectful behavious towards their community
• Check Queen’s email/Slack regularly to respond to scheduling polls on time 

Required Qualifications:

• Current Queen’s student, who plans to return to Queen’s in the fall, in any field of study. 
• Current Emergency First Aid and CPR certification (level “A, B or C”) or a willingness to get certified prior to the start of the next academic year. 
• Able to complete virtual and in-person COR volunteer training. 
• Able to uphold the 3 pillars of COR – confidential, non-judgmental, and voluntary at all times. 
• Able to communicate respectfully with individuals who are intoxicated. 
• Excellent oral communication skills. 
• Possess the ability to maintain client and statistical data and records. 
• Able to work well independently and as part of a collaborative team 
• Able to meet deadlines and uphold commitments. 
• Knowledge of health communication and harm reduction  
• Experience with persons in crisis situations is an asset, but not required.  
• Experience with first aid/emergency response is an asset, but not required.

Program Contact: bewell@queensu.ca