Peer mentoring for graduate students

What is a Peer Mentorship program?

This program was created with the purpose of (1) facilitating an additional support-network for first-year PhD students; (2) create an extra avenue for advanced PhD students to practice and enhance their mentorship skills, and (3) increase the cross-cohort relationships between PhD students in the departments.

The goal is for mentors to help their mentees develop social capital within WashU (an environment that already offers the resources and support to develop technical and intellectual capital). Mentors are expected to give time, attention, insights, and advice to their mentees in a framework that works for both parts. Ideally, each pair will discuss the optimal frequency and form of communication (e.g., emails, text messages, calls) for them, along with the nature and number of times they plan to meet (either in person or virtually).   

How does it work?

Students in each department will plan their own peer mentorship program and events.  Students plan, advertise and implement the matching of peers as well as all events to support the program.   Students can request to be reimbursed for some expenses used toward facilitating these events.  To request reimbursement for an event, students must have prior approval.

Please contact Holly Stanwich at hstanwich@wustl.edu for more information.