Mentorship Program

In DUC’s mentorship program (Ubyssey article linked), disabled UBC students are paired with faculty, staff, or senior students based on shared areas of study, disability/health condition, shared identity and common interests. The mentorship will involve at least three meetings in the school year (September 2023 to April 2024) where you can discuss obstacles, ask/answer questions, require/provide professional development assistance, and build a strong connection. The dates, locations, and length of these meetings will be determined by the mentor-mentee pairs, and DUC will provide supplemental materials to support these interactions.

[Applications open in September 2023]

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Time Commitment

Participants commit to a minimum of 3 meetings during the school year, with specifics (time, location, format) decided by the mentor-mentee pairs.

Mentor

Mentors can be senior undergraduate students (year 3+), graduate students, professors/instructors, or UBC alumni who identify as having a disability or health condition. A criminal record check is required.

Mentee

Undergraduate students with a disability seeking mentorship.

Mentoring FAQs

■ Who is DUC?

The Disabilities United Collective (DUC) is an AMS resource group on campus providing emotional, physical, and academic support to disabled and neurodiverse students. DUC is funded by a portion of student fees and all fee-paying students are automatically considered members of DUC. DUC currently has 289 active members, with over 95% identifying as having some form of disability.

■ Who can be a mentor?

Identify as having a disability or health condition
Be a senior undergraduate student [year 3+] OR graduate student OR professor/ instructor OR UBC alumni
Complete a criminal record check (fees covered by DUC)

■ Who are your mentees?

Undergraduate students with a disability seeking mentorship.

■ How will the matches be made?

Matches are based on abilities and needs indicated on both mentor and mentee applications. Compatibility is determined by field of study, disability type, mentorship goals, and other intersectionalities. DUC try to meet as many of the mentors and mentees specificities as possible.

■ What is the time commitment?

DUC asks that mentors commit to a minimum of 3 meetings during the school year, with specifics (time, location, format, modes of communication) decided by the mentor-mentee pairs.

■ What is the timeline like?

Applications open in early September 2023. Matchmaking takes place by the end of September to early October. The official end date is April 2024, but it can end earlier at the discretion of the mentor pairs.

■ What is the mode of communication?

DUC communicates with participants via email. Mentor and mentee pairs have the freedom to choose their communication method and decide what information to disclose.

■ What will you be mentoring/receiving mentorship on?

Mentors provide guidance on topics preferred by the pairs.

In the past, some common topics included professional development, requesting accommodations, disclosing disabilities, and maintaining well-being and work/life balance.

■ Why be a mentor?

As a mentor, you can make a meaningful impact on disabled students' lives, empowering them to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Your expertise and guidance are invaluable in supporting their academic and personal journey.

■ Do mentors receive any support?

DUC provides mentors with a resource list and first meeting checklist before the mentorship starts and provides on-going support during the school year.

■ Are there opportunities to get involved in shorter terms and if you don’t identify as having a disability?

Yes！Please check out:

Q&A Panels