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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Ridgeback Mentorship Program

Four students sitting at a table working together.What is the Ridgeback Mentorship program?

The Ridgeback Mentorship program is a peer-mentoring initiative that matches upper-year student mentors with first-year student mentees in their second semester. The aim is to help students achieve greater academic success by establishing meaningful relationships with peers. 

This initiative is geared toward first-year students, however, any student who thinks they could benefit from individualized peer support is welcome to sign up! 

How can my Ridgeback Mentor support me?

Where the Peer Leader program focuses more broadly on transitional support for incoming students in the fall semester, the Ridgeback Mentorship program is much more individualized. Mentors and mentees will meet one-to-one over the course of the winter semester to participate in goal-setting activities and develop a personal plan for success.  

The Ridgebacks Mentoring program will: 

  • Contribute to a safe and inclusive campus culture by demonstrating a commitment to equity in all forms.

  • Create greater access to relevant campus services and resources.

  • Motivate students towards engagement and greater academic success.

  • Support students in improving their overall student experience.

Apply to be a mentee: 

If you're interested in working one-on-one with a Ridgeback Mentor through the program, apply to be a mentee by Sunday, January 15.  

You'll then be matched with an upper-year mentor for the winter semester, which runs between January and April 2023.

Complete your application today: 

mentee application form

 If you have any questions about the Ridgeback Mentoring program, contact ridgebacksmentoring@ontariotechu.ca.