Congratulations to Liza Abid and Vahideh Akbari for receiving the EDI CERMA-CRMR scholarship!
The joint EDI CERMA-CRMR committee would like to warmly congratulate Liza Abid and Vahideh Akbari, doctoral students in wood engineering and bio-based materials under the supervision of Véronic Landry, for receiving the EDI CERMA-CRMR scholarship and their remarkable work on the project « Mentoring for Better Integration».
This project is based on the implementation of a mentoring program that promotes mutual support, the sharing of experiences, and strengthening bonds within the university community. It actively contributes to creating a more inclusive, compassionate, and supportive learning environment, particularly for newly arrived students or those from diverse backgrounds.
Detailed Project:« Mentoring for Better Integration »
The tangible results of their initiative are reflected in several key actions:
- Student Mentoring over Two Sessions
Over two consecutive sessions, Liza and Vahideh implemented a mentoring program that supported around ten students from diverse backgrounds. Through their commitment, they created a collaborative learning environment where the mentored students were actively involved in all stages of the project, from design to implementation.
This mentoring program promoted the development of both theoretical and practical skills while encouraging autonomy, critical thinking, self-confidence, and initiative. The inclusive approach adopted by Liza and Vahideh, marked by regular exchanges and personalized support, contributed to enriching the academic and professional journeys of the participants, while strengthening their sense of belonging to the community. - Creation of a Resource Document for International Students
Based on a survey conducted among international students, Liza and Vahideh developed a reference document full of useful information to help them integrate. This guide covers essential topics such as academic integration, administrative procedures, available campus resources, and practical advice to better adapt to university life and a new cultural and social environment. Please refer to the document here. - Organization of a Thematic Conference
Titled « Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: EDI at the Heart of Our Collective Actions! » this conference aimed to highlight initiatives led by the EDI committee, showcase student projects, and raise awareness about the challenges faced by international students. The event also served as a platform to share diverse perspectives and encourage dialogue about equity, diversity, and inclusion in academia. You can watch the recording here. - Highlighting the Mentoring Program
During this conference, the « Mentoring for Better Integration » project was presented in detail. This showcase emphasized the importance of peer mentoring as a tool for inclusion and inspired other initiatives within the university community.
Thank You for Your Commitment!
A huge thank you to Liza and Vahideh for their dedication, leadership, and exemplary commitment to a more equitable and inclusive university community. Their project fully embodies the values we wish to promote and serves as an inspiration for our entire network. Bravo and thank you both!
Want to make a difference too? The committee is looking for new, motivated individuals to continue this wonderful initiative. Whether you want to get actively involved or simply learn more, feel free to reach out to us to be part of the adventure!