A Peer Mentor is another student who can serve as a resource, a helping hand, a sounding board, and a referral service.  The job of peer mentors is to provide support, encouragement, and information to students in their department who are just beginning the graduate program.  One of the great things about peer mentors is that they have had experience being in the program; they can give advice on coursework, research, degree milestones and timelines, professional protocol, etc.  The are also experts in the graduate student experience outside research and classes; ideally, they serve as both personal and professional support for the students they mentor.

Each Peer Mentoring Program is unique and tailored to the needs of each Department.  A good mentor is familiar with department rules and procedures, or can direct students to someone who can properly address their concerns.  Do not hesistate to contact the peer mentors in your department; they have been in your shoes and had the same questions when they began graduate school.  If you have any questions, or would like to know more about becoming a mentor, or if your department does not have a peer mentoring program, please contact the Peer Mentoring Committee advisor, Associate Dean Nancy P. Pope.

Read the Peer Mentoring Handbook