Jump Start | Peer Programs

ABOUT JUMP START

Jump Start is a first-year transition program for new international and Aboriginal students. It begins with a two-week intensive immersion program in August that combines academic, social and logistical components designed to introduce new students to UBC and specifically, their faculties. It’s followed by a year-long transition program that provides ongoing support and coaching that is relevant to the specific courses students are taking.

Students participating in Jump Start are organised into Learning Communities with approximately 30 other students from the same faculty, who have at least one course in common. Under the guidance of two student leaders and a Faculty Fellow, it’s in these groups that students learn, play and grow together in Jump Start – both during the two-week immersion program and the year-long transition program.

Two-Week Immersion Program: held during the last two weeks of August, this phase of the program contains academic, social and logistical components designed to help new international and Aboriginal students get introduced to the university, their faculty and new friends. Programming during these two weeks include:

Daily tutorials with Learning Communities that address specific Faculty’s expectations as well as explore skills and tools that are critical for students’ success in their Faculty’s unique learning environment
Meet and attend lectures with their dedicated Faculty Fellow
Participate in an academic conference, where students present to their peers and Faculty
Explore Vancouver tours that familiarize students the city
Share IT: Jump Start’s signature evening social that explores themes like ‘home’, ‘love’ and ‘community’ by showcasing students visual, written, and/or multimedia presentations and performances
Essential logistics: students learn how to apply for BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP), open a bank account, set up a phone, and get orientated to campus
In addition to the above, the following is also offered to Aboriginal students:
Familiarization with the Longhouse as a resource for ongoing events, workshops, services, and support, as well as a space to study, eat, and bond with the community.
Visits to the Aboriginal Portal to learn more about UBC’s Aboriginal community.
Academic lectures, learning labs, lunches, and daily events at Longhouse
Cultural activities such as drum making and sessions with local elders

Year-Long Transition Program: All international and Aboriginal students entering their first year at UBC – regardless of whether they attended the two-week immersion program or not – are assigned to a Learning Community and are invited to participate in Jump Start’s year-long transition program at any point during their first school year. Some example events that take place during this portion of the program include:

Regular Learning Community meetings (weekly or bi-monthly) and monthly Learning Community socials
Specialized Academic Coaching: students are invited to make an appointment with Jump Start’s Learning Specialist to make and execute a learning plan
International Haunted House, hosted by Jump Start and the International Students Association
Thrive Wellness Free Pancake Breakfast
Exam Jam: Where classrooms around campus are openedand turns them into dedicated study spaces for all first year students to prepare for their final exams. Jump Start student leaders provide one-on-one coaching and hand out healthy snacks and encouragement.
Student Leadership Conference
In addition to the above, the following is also offered to Aboriginal students:
Monthly lunch and learns and special events at the First Nations Longhouse.

THE JUMP START TEAM:

UBC Jump Start is led by International Student Development in collaboration with the First Nations House of Learning and the Faculties of Arts, Applied Sciences, Land and Food Systems, Forestry, Science, the Sauder School of Business and the School of Kinesiology as well as Student Development and Services, the AMS, the International Students Association, and other UBC student and student-service groups.

The core Jump Start team consists of an Academic Director, Program Director, a Learning Specialist, two Program Coordinators and a Communications Coordinator. They work in partnership with twenty-eight Faculty Fellows (teaching staff and professors). Jump Start offers several leadership positions for UBC students that are suited to various levels of experience.

Student Coordinators (SCs) work closely with Jump Start staff full time (35 hours/week) from May-August and then for 7-10 hours per week from September-April. SCs plan and deliver Jump Start’s curricular, co-curricular, and social/cultural programming for both phases of the Jump Start program. These are high-level leadership positions that are suitable for students with extensive experience in event planning, peer mentoring/coaching, logistics management and professional communication. As an SC, students can expect to develop skills that will readily transfer to after-degree employment in a variety of sectors.

SC Recruitment takes place between the months of October-November for positions that start in May.

Student Leaders (SLs) work with the Jump Start team full time (35 hours/week) for the last three weeks of August and then for 5-7 hours per week from September-April. Working in pairs, SLs work lead a specific Learning Community throughout the year, made up of students from their Faculty. Through being an SL, students develop coaching and mentoring skills that position them take on more intensive leadership roles within Jump Start and across campus. There are two different SL positions:

Senior Student Leaders have intermediate coaching/mentoring and event planning experience,
Junior Student Leader who are developing leaders and committed to growing their skills

SL recruitment takes place between Nov-Jan (Seniors) and January-March (Juniors) for positions that start during the second week of August.

Volunteers work with the Jump Start team on a shift-by-shift basis during the last two weeks of August and then at various events throughout September-April. Volunteers gain experience and understanding about the planning and delivery of the program as well as opportunities to connect with and support peers. These positions are suitable for students who are interested in further developing as leaders or who are unable to commit to the required SL hours.

Volunteer recruitment takes place from May-July for positions that start during the third week of August. Volunteers are expected to attend a training session in either the first or second week of August.

QUESTIONS?

Visit our website > jumpstart.ubc.ca

Visit us on Facebook > facebook.com/Jump.Start.UBC