Windsor Law's Peer Mentorship Program (PMP) is an excellent opportunity for incoming students to build connections and learn about the law school experience from those who have been there, done that! Ask questions, learn the insider tips, and get to know some of your upper-year peers before you even set foot on campus.
This program pairs 1L students with an upper-year mentor based on academic interests, shared experiences and personal preferences. Mentees and mentors will participate in structured, yet informal programming throughout the academic year and have the choice to begin chatting even before classes in September.
Here's what you need to know to get started:
What is the Peer Mentorship Program?
The Peer Mentorship Program (PMP) is a student-led, faculty-supervised program that pairs incoming 1L students with upper-year mentors for guidance, support, and community throughout the academic year.
Jessica Kabuli (she/her)
3L | Senior Peer Mentorship Program Coordinator
Jessica is a 3L and a summer law student at McMillan LLP. She’s been leading the Peer Mentorship Program since last year, where she focuses on building a supportive and inclusive environment for incoming students. She also served as President of the Corporate Law Club and remains actively involved in initiatives that enhance student life both academically and socially. Prior to law school, Jessica earned her degree from the Schulich School of Business and worked at EY as an auditor. Outside of her legal pursuits, Jessica is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys exploring the different parts of Windsor.
Tallis Dalrymple (she/her)
2L | Peer Mentorship Program Coordinator
Tallis is a 2L and a proud first-generation law student at Windsor Law. She joined the Peer Mentorship Program to help contribute to Windsor Law’s welcoming and supportive environment for new students as they begin 1L. Before starting law school, she completed her undergrad at the University of Guelph and worked with the Ministry of the Attorney General, where she supported court operations across Ontario. Outside of class, she is involved with Windsor’s Residence Life Staff team and the Windsor Review of Legal and Social Issues. In her free time, you’ll find her at the archery range, hosting board game nights, or out enjoying the best restaurants in Windsor!
I’m a first-year Windsor Law student. How do I get a mentor?
If you're a newly admitted first-year student in: Single JD, Dual JD, JD/MSW, or JD/MBA program, please fill out the Mentee Application Form.
I am an upper-year Windsor Law Student, and I would like to be a mentor for the 2024-2025 academic year. How can I join the program?
Thank you for volunteering your time and giving back! If you're in 2L or 3L, you can apply here: Mentor Application Form.
What is the time commitment of the Peer Mentorship Program?
The Peer Mentorship program recognizes that no mentee-mentor pair is alike. The program's purpose is to foster strong relationships between Windsor law students and ease the transition into first year for new students. As a result, there is no strict time requirement. Some pairs like to meet once a week for coffee, others operate on a contact-with-questions basis. The mentor aims to assist the mentee with any questions or concerns they have, whether in person, or on the phone/email/video call, at a mutually convenient time. Mentors are expected to check in with their mentees at least twice a month.
What is the role of a mentor?
A mentor helps a first-year student transition into law school by offering academic, social, and emotional support. As a mentor, your responsibility is to keep in touch with your mentee to ensure that they are coping well under the stress and pressure of law school.
A mentor is not required to provide their mentees with their notes from previously taken courses (CANs - Condensed Annotated Notes), or to act as a tutor, psychiatrist, or parent. A mentor is there to provide support to a mentee and guide them to the correct resources when the mentee faces an issue.
If you are unclear about your role while engaging in your mentorship duties, please contact the PMP Student Coordinators at lawpeermentor@uwindsor.ca.
All mentors attend a required orientation session in person in September.
What is the role of a mentee?
The role of a mentee is to learn from your mentor’s law school experience and take initiative in building the relationship. Your mentor has kindly volunteered their time to guide you and give you tips about law school. As a mentee, please be respectful towards your mentor as they are managing many other commitments, including their own academics.
If you ever need someone to talk to and your mentor is not available, please connect with the PMP Student Coordinators at lawpeermentor@uwindsor.ca.
How are mentees/mentors assigned?
Mentee and Mentor applications are carefully reviewed by the PMP Coordinators. Pairings are based on your responses to the application forms. Our mentorship program aims to match students within the same program to ensure they receive the most relevant, tailored guidance from their mentors.
When will I be assigned a mentee/mentor?
Mentees and Mentors will be paired and notified in early August. This will ensure mentees can ask their mentors any questions they might have before the school year begins. Mentees who sign up throughout the year will still be paired on an ongoing basis.
How do I make sure I get a good match?
The best way to ensure a strong match is to be honest and specific when filling out your application form. Don’t skip questions and take the time to share what you’re looking for in a mentor or mentee.
Here are some tips:
- Share your interests, goals, and/or concerns, both academic and personal.
- Share your personality (Are you outgoing or introverted? Where are you from? Do you like casual chats or structured meetings?)
- Mention if you would feel more comfortable with someone with a shared identity or background (e.g., first-generation law student, mature student, racial/cultural identity, etc.)
- The more thoughtful and detailed your application is, the easier it is for our team to make a meaningful match.
How do I have a successful mentor/mentee pairing? How to make the most of your match?
- Start the conversation early, and reach out in August once you are paired!
- Attend the Peer Mentorship Program Orientation session in September and meet your mentor in person.
- Be open-minded, your mentor/mentee might have a different style, but they are here to support you.
- Respect boundaries, your mentor isn’t your tutor or therapist, but they are a valuable resource.
- Ask questions!! There are no dumb questions. Your mentor was a 1L too!
- Stay connected and check in with each other! Time flies by during the semester.
What if I don’t get along with my mentor/mentee?
Sometimes people just don’t click, and that is okay! If you are having trouble connecting with your mentor or mentee, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the PMP Student Coordinators at lawpeermentor@uwindsor.ca. We can help mediate, give advice, or even arrange a reassignment if needed.
What if my mentor/mentee becomes unresponsive?
Both parties should also make an effort to respond and stay in touch. If communication stops, try reaching out to reconnect: Say Hi!, ask a question, follow up about something in common, invite them to get coffee, go for a walk, or study together. Law school and personal life can get busy! If there is no response from your mentor/mentee after a few tries, please notify the PMP Coordinators so we can check in.
Can I request to change my mentor?
PMP coordinators will ensure you have a responsive mentor in case your mentor becomes unresponsive. If something isn’t working, contact us at lawpeermentor@uwindsor.ca.
Do I have to meet my mentor/mentee in person?
Not at all! While in-person connections can be valuable, many pairs connect virtually through Teams, phone, email, or text. What matters most is finding a communication style that fits both of your schedules. We also invite you to join us at our September opening event, where pairs will have the chance to meet in person for the first time, as well as at other events throughout the semester.
How long does the mentorship last?
The Peer Mentorship Program runs for the full academic year (September–April), though many matches continue to stay in touch informally beyond that. There’s no formal requirement after the year ends, but you’re welcome to keep the connection going!!
Can I join the PMP later in the year?
Yes! Mentees and mentors are paired on a rolling basis as long as space is available. While it’s best to apply early (before late July), we do accept and match new mentees throughout the academic year.
“My peer mentor contributed to my success in 1L by providing me with valuable guidance and advice on how to approach the beginning of law school. She was a friendly face for me on campus who always made me feel welcome and answered every question I had about classes, clubs, and the OCI process. We shared a common interest in criminal law, and it was helpful to hear what contributed to her success as she was finishing up 3L. I hope to be just as great of a mentor as she was to the incoming 1L’s this year!” – Hannah Ramer, 2L Single JD’27 Student
“The PMP program at Windsor Law allowed me to connect with others in my program and learn how to navigate 1L as a JD/MSW student. Since I had such a great experience with my mentor in 1L, I was eager to become a mentor in my upper years. Being a mentor allowed me to connect with a new student and provide them with the advice and insight my mentor provided me with, which felt like a truly full-circle moment”. - Alana Wilson, Recent JD/MSW’ 25 Graduate