Graduate Peer Mentoring Program

The Graduate Peer Mentoring Program pairs established graduate students with peers who are new to graduate school. The role of a peer mentor is to provide support, guidance and connection. Peer mentors serve as graduate student life experts and they may have suggestions about work-life balance, adjusting to life in Boulder, advisor/advisee relationships, etc. Ideally, mentors serve as both personal and professional support for their mentees.

  • This program is offered through the Graduate School and is a supplement to existing departmental mentoring programs.
  • While participants may be paired based on similar interests, one aim of the program is to offer graduate students ways to meet and build community across disciplinary boundaries.
  • Participants are free to set their own meeting schedules, but we expect that you will meet at least once a month throughout the academic year.
  • All mentors will be asked to attend an orientation at the beginning of fall term where we will discuss mentoring skills, expectations and available campus resources.
  • There will be a mentor/mentee social event to kickoff the program, where matches can meet each other in-person over coffee.
  • Throughout the year, we will offer a variety of additional social events to foster connection with mentor/mentee matches (e.g. cookies decorating, ice cream social, coffee meet-ups, etc.)
  • We expect that each participant will make a good faith effort to communicate with their mentor/mentee.

Please Note: The graduate student peer mentoring program is not a substitute for clinical counseling, medical services, or academic advising. A full list of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder safety resources and services is available on the .

Why be a peer mentor?

Improve communication and interpersonal skills

Develop leadership and organizational qualities

Increase confidence and motivation

Enhance CV with valuable volunteer experience

Make new friends across disciplines and build your network

Serve as an ambassador and promote campus resources

Gain a sense of fulfilment and personal growth

Give back to the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder graduate community

Be a role model and provide support and guidance to a fellow student

Why be a peer mentee?

Gain practical advice, encouragement and support

Improve communication and networking skills

Learn from the experiences of others

Increase social and academic confidence

Develop strategies for dealing with academic and personal issues

Identify academic and personal goals and establish a sense of direction

Gain valuable insights into the next stage(s) of your career

Make new friends across disciplines

How to Get Involved

The application to participate in the Graduate Peer Mentoring Program for the 2024-2025 academic year will open in mid-April for mentors and mid-May for mentees.

Find a Training

There are multiple upcoming mentorship training opportunities, open to all graduate students. Find a full list .

More Information & Contact

For more information about the Graduate Peer Mentoring Program, contact the Graduate Program Manager, Hailey Herman, at Hailey.Herman@colorado.edu.