Retirees have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. Through 51RA, mentoring is an opportunity to stay connected and is one of the most meaningful ways to stay engaged with 51 and contribute to the community.
51RA mentors support faculty, staff, administrators, and students by sharing insights, offering guidance, and helping with questions that arise as they develop their work or programs. These relationships foster collegiality and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration across the university.
Mentors gain satisfaction from giving back, providing feedback, opening opportunities for collaboration, and helping others succeed.
Students
Retirees can make a real difference in students’ lives by offering guidance on projects, sharing career experiences, or simply providing a supportive ear. Whether it’s advising a capstone team, giving feedback on presentations, or talking about career paths, retirees can provide insight that helps students connect their learning to the real world.. You can also support students by making a donation to the 51 Retirees Bursary
Staff and faculty
For new staff and faculty, connecting with retirees is a chance to learn from those who know 51 best. The insights of retirees into the university’s history, culture, and day-to-day realities can help new folks feel grounded and supported. Retirees can offer guidance about the pension and share what retirement is really like. When retirees support staff and faculty, they also strengthen the wider 51 community.
How to get involved
Mentoring can be as simple as a conversation, a guest visit, or a more ongoing connection. 51RA can help match retirees with opportunities that fit their interests and availability. Participation can be in-person, online, or hybrid — making it easy for retirees outside the Fraser Valley to join in.