Peer Mentoring
Objectives and Goals of the Peer Mentoring Program
First-year graduate student have access to a variety people who can help the transition of starting school here at Washington University (the Director of Graduate Studies, professors, peers, administrators, etc.). The Peer Mentoring Committee serves as one of those avenues of support. It offers a visible, safe channel of communication for those new to the community—-who may not yet know of the assistance that already exists. It offers an obvious structure for those seeking information, combining the approachability inherent in talking with a fellow student with the understanding that any chat occurs with the highest degree of confidentiality possible. Thus, we serve as resource already available before new friendships and networks have had time to progress to the point that allows for ease of asking questions. Peer Mentors share mentoring strategies with and receive training from the larger Peer Mentoring program, which is facilitated by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Yearly Activities
At any point in the semester, Peer Mentors are available for one-on-one conversations with any first-year student. We also conduct or facilitate larger events.
The Real Skinny
This August event is open to all graduate students who would like to attend, whether to meet, give suggestions to, or answer questions of the incoming first-years. Such an event emphasizes that actual mentoring belongs to all current graduate students. In the past, Peer Mentors have regularly served as logistical support for this event—buying food, scheduling on the departmental calendar, and sending out invitations. We suggest that we formalize this nuts-and-bolts roll that the group already serves for the larger department.
Fall Event
Occurring usually in late September or early October, this gathering invites the first-year students out to meet with Peer Mentors (this event has occurred here in Dunker in the Coffee Room and at other locations such as Blueberry Hill or private residences). Having had time to develop new questions since the Real Skinny, this is a time to ask questions as well as socialize.
Spring Event or Support
Depending on the tenor and needs of the class, the Peer Mentors either host an additional event similar to the one which occurred in the fall or create some kind of “gift” to (such as a study/care package) to distribute to the class.
How to Join the Committee
At the start of the year, the previous Peer Mentoring Committee will send out an e-mail (or the appropriate departmental method of disbursing information) requesting new members prior to hosting the Real Skinny. Those interested in becoming a peer mentor for the remainder of this year are welcome to contact Tarah. Those who are interested in taking on a more formal role are welcome to join. Membership is open to any graduate student who has completed the first year of study.
Current Committee Members for Fall 2005 & Spring 2006:
Tarah Demant (fifth-year)
Emily Doyle (fifth-year)
Courtney Bates (fourth-year)
Carter Smith (third-year)