Graduate Peer Mentor Program
The Graduate Peer Mentor Program is a School of Graduate Studies initiative that strengthens graduate student experience through peer‑based mentoring, facilitation, and resource connection.
The Graduate Peer Mentor Program aims to support graduate student well-being and success, normalize challenges across the graduate journey, increase awareness and use of SGS supports, foster belonging and connection across graduate programs, develop graduate students as ethical, inclusive peer leaders, and create sustainable, student‑led support infrastructure. All graduate students are available to access peer mentoring services.
Physical (Knowledge) – Academic
Graduate Peer Mentors help students navigate graduate studies by sharing knowledge, connecting them with academic resources and supports, and helping them access information that contributes to their success throughout their program.
Mind (Wisdom) – Professional Development
The Graduate Peer Mentor Program provides opportunities for mentors, Outreach Graduate Assistants, and Oversight Graduate Assistants to develop leadership, communication, facilitation, outreach, and mentorship skills through training, professional development, and practical experience. Resources such as Grad Hacks further support skill development by sharing strategies for academic and professional success.
Emotional (Awareness) – Social, Health & Wellness
By offering peer-based support, the program helps normalize challenges commonly experienced during graduate studies. Through mentoring relationships, drop-in opportunities, and student-centered programming, participants can access guidance, encouragement, and a supportive network that promotes well-being and resilience.
Spirit (Understanding) – Community
At its core, the Graduate Peer Mentor Program fosters connection, belonging, and engagement across graduate programs and disciplines. Through mentorship, community-building events, orientation activities, welcome programs, writing groups, and end-of-term celebrations, the program helps create an inclusive and supportive graduate student community.
Through peer mentorship, leadership development, resource sharing, and community engagement, the Graduate Peer Mentor Program supports a balanced graduate student experience aligned with all four areas of the Graduate Student Medicine Wheel.