Building confidence in community at UBCO: Residence Academic Connections Program

Avery Cummins, upper-year learning partner, third year, Faculty of Arts

At UBC Okanagan, Residence Life recognizes that academic success goes beyond grades: it’s rooted in confidence, community and connection.

The Residence Academic Connections Program (RACP) brings that philosophy to life by connecting students in residence with each other through meaningful, individualized peer mentorship.

This program is designed to help students thrive inside and outside the classroom and reduce the stress and isolation that many first-year students face—in alignment with UBC’s broader vision of student wellbeing and community learning.

As the coordinator and builder of this program, I’ve had the privilege of shaping it from the ground up, witnessing connections coming to life and transforming a simple idea into a thriving network of mentorship within residence.

Inside the RACP Experience

Launched in September, the RACP pairs first-year or new-to-UBC residence students with upper-year learning partners who have lived the residence experience and can offer academic guidance, motivation and reassurance during the transition to university life.

Whether it’s navigating first midterms, developing study strategies or just having someone to talk to, these partnerships make academic success feel more personal and attainable.

“What makes this program truly special is its accessibility—it’s designed to be low-barrier and inclusive, making it easy for students to participate and benefit through developing a peer to peer network.”
— Steve Brodrick, Associate Director, Residence Life, UBC Okanagan

UBC Okanagan student resident visiting the RACP web page

A mentee’s perspective: Alexandra Perdikomatis

“They told us about [the RACP] at housing orientation, and I needed help” says Alexandra Perdikomatis, a first-year mentee from the Faculty of Arts, “so I registered myself.”

“I’m discovering new resources, and my [learning partner] is very helpful with this too. I was stressed about my course load, but with the support and resources provided by the university, I feel much better.”

RACP participants Nyonika Singh (left) and Aarav Mehendiratta (right)

By the numbers: RACP’s reach

So far this year, the program has seen 270 students participate—180 first-year and 90 upper-year partners, forming 135 unique mentorship matches.

Each connection is matched based on academic interests, goals and communication preferences, creating relationships that are both relevant and meaningful.

Harsh Patel, upper-year learning partner, third year, BSc (Biochemistry)

A meaningful experience for mentors

In addition to providing value and support for the first-year participants, the program also provides a worthwhile experience for mentors.

Harsh Patel

“Being a learning partner in the Residence Academic Connections Program has been one of the most meaningful parts of my UBCO experience,” shares Harsh Patel, a student in the Faculty of Science.

“I’ve had the chance to connect with first-year students in residence, support their academic transition and share strategies that helped me succeed,” he adds. “It’s incredibly rewarding to watch residents grow more confident in their studies and see our conversations spark genuine curiosity and motivation.”

Alice Xie

Alice Xie, an upper-year learning partner from the Faculty of Applied Science, says meeting with her mentee made her feel more connected to the residence community.

“Because I had been in their shoes once,” she says, “I was glad that I was able to mentor them with the experience I have now.”

RACP participants Kinjal Chandel (left) and Chirayu Ahuja (right)

Impact beyond academics: Holistic student growth

The impact goes far beyond academics. Mentees report feeling more confident and supported in their studies, while mentors gain leadership experience and a deeper sense of community.

Some pairs have continued meeting beyond the recommended timeline, forming genuine friendships that they expect to last longer-term.

“I’m excited about the program’s potential to foster lasting connections, strengthen our residence communities, and empower students to thrive academically and personally. The RACP is more than mentorship—it’s a catalyst for community, confidence and collaboration.” — Steve Brodrick, Associate Director, Residence Life, UBC Okanagan

The RACP journey: From vision to reality

What began as a vision to make academic support feel more personal has evolved into a genuine community of learners who uplift each other.

Creating the Residence Academic Connections Program has been about more than mentorship—it’s been about reshaping how we define student success. When we learn to lift each other up, we can build a culture of collaboration that lasts far beyond residence life.

Ultimately, my hope is that this mentorship cycle continues to grow—mentees today becoming mentors tomorrow—creating a ripple effect of shared learning and empowerment across residence communities.

Looking ahead, we aim to keep expanding the program’s reach, making peer academic support a natural and celebrated part of residence life at UBC Okanagan.

All photos courtesy Samaira Talwar