Graduate Peer Mentorship Program

Peer mentorship offers a low-pressure space for learning from each other, giving & receiving support, and feeling more at home – whether that’s at UBC, in grad school, or in the research environment.

Graduate studies can be demanding, highly individualized, and frequently self-directed, leading graduate students to feel isolated. We know it can be difficult to connect with peers and find a sense of belonging in the Faculty of Medicine, in part because our students work and learn across multiple sites. Peer mentorship offers a low-pressure space for learning from each other, giving & receiving support, and feeling more at home – whether that’s at UBC, in grad school, or in the research environment.

This program pairs 1st year graduate students with those in their 2nd year or higher in mentor-mentee dyads based on shared goals, research interests, and academic background. Dyads will discuss topics such as: 

• Navigating your relationship with your supervisor 
• Research topics, methods or disciplines 
• Balancing academic and personal life 
• Developing academic coping strategies 
• Navigating resources and psychosocial supports at UBC 

Joining this program is an opportunity to forge long-lasting connections and grow your professional network.

Time commitment

Pairs are encouraged to meet monthly or as needed. Mentors and mentees generally commit 5-10 hours throughout the academic year in addition to social events and workshops offered through the mentorship program. Mentors will receive information and training to prepare for their role.

Benefits for mentors 

• Develop effective communication and empathic listening skills
• Strengthen your sense of community engagement and connectedness
• Share your experience and help peers shape their future 

Benefits for mentees 

• Enhance your self-confidence and learn how to navigate challenges
• Strengthen your sense of community engagement and connectedness
• Gain access to knowledge and benefit from your mentor’s practical insights 

Testimonials

• “Last year I applied as a mentee and it was the best thing I could have done as someone who had just entered graduate school and was new to UBC. My mentor helped so much in navigating the system and I would like to give back [by enrolling to be a mentor this year].”
• “It was a wonderful experience that gave me additional insight into lab culture from someone outside of my own lab.”
• “Thanks so much for running this amazing peer mentorship program! It was immensely useful to both myself and my mentee. Overall it is a great initiative with a lot of value. I hope that it continues to grow!”

Sign up 

Applications currently closed for the 2024 – 2025 school year.

Apply as a mentor here: for those who have been in a Faculty of Medicine graduate program for >1yr.

Apply as a mentee here: for those who are beginning a Faculty of Medicine graduate program in September 2024, or began their program less than 12 months ago.

Questions? 

Contact the Wellbeing Support Coordinator.