GPMP Program Description
The Graduate Peer Mentoring Program (GPMP) connects graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to a peer mentor who helps them access resources, find answers to questions, and navigate graduate student life. GPMP aims to foster communities of support for new and returning CSU graduate students by engaging their strengths and personal experiences.
The roles of “mentor” and “mentee” are not a reflection of student ability, skills, and/or potential. Roles are primarily assigned for training and tracking purposes. The program’s main goal is to provide graduate students with a peer-to-peer connection.
Applications to participate are open now and close April 13, 2025! Graduate students and postdocs are partnered with a peer based on their application preferences such as field of study and degree compatibility.
All participants are highly encouraged to attend the GPMP ‘Kickoff’ event on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. and additional GPMP community events/meet-up opportunities throughout the year.
Important information:
- An application is not a guarantee of participation in GPMP.
- Matches are not based on one specific criteria; it is common to be matched with someone in a completely different field or study/discipline. One goal of GPMP is to foster community across all university graduate programs.
- Mentor/Mentee matches prioritize the mentee’s application preferences.
- Your department might offer a separate mentoring program not associated with GPMP.
- GPMP is a voluntary program, but once matched, we require a full year of participation from you.
Mentee Information
Apply:
Eligibility:
- CSU graduate students enrolled in credit-bearing courses who are seeking a degree can apply (guests are not eligible at this time).
- Postdoctoral scholars are also welcome to apply.
Benefits of being a 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.
- Greater understanding of CSU resources and processes.
- Gain valuable insights into the next stage(s) of your career.
- Make new friends across multiple disciplines.
- Be entered to win prizes at GPMP events.
Mentee role responsibilities:
- Commit to the role for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters.
- Attend the kickoff event in the fall (food provided).
- Check-in or meet with your mentor at least twice a semester (self-scheduled).
- Communicate with and respond to your mentor.
- Attend GPMP events.
- Serve as a role model for other graduate students, academically and socially.
Mentor Role Information
Apply:
Eligibility:
- CSU graduate students enrolled in credit-bearing courses who are seeking a degree can apply (guests are not eligible at this time).
- Must have completed two semesters of graduate school at CSU.
- Must be in good academic standing (3.0 GPA or above).
- Postdoctoral scholars are also welcome to apply.
Benefits of being a mentor:
- Develop leadership and organizational skills.
- Improve communication and interpersonal skills.
- Increase confidence and motivation.
- Enhance resume with valuable volunteer experience.
- Make connections across disciplines and build your network.
- Greater understanding of CSU resources and processes.
- Serve as an ambassador and promote campus resources.
- Give back to the CSU graduate community.
- Be entered to win random prizes at GPMP events.
Mentor role requirements and responsibilities
- Commit to mentor role for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters.
- Mentors will be assigned up to two (2) mentees.
- Check in with your mentee(s) monthly and meet with them at least once per semester (self-scheduled, 15-60 minutes).
- Guide mentee(s) toward making positive choices around academic achievement, self-care, and professional development through personal example and empathy.
- Connect mentee(s) with campus resources and opportunities.
- Respond to your mentee(s) when they reach out.
- Document interaction with mentee(s) in the GPMP tracking system.
Once accepted, mentors are required to attend one of the following Mentor Orientation Sessions. Food and drinks will be provided.
- Monday, Aug. 18, 8:30 – 11:00 a.m., breakfast provided.
- Monday, Aug. 18, 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., lunch provided.
- Tuesday, Aug. 18, 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. – hybrid session (in-person recommended if you live nearby).
Questions?
If you’re interested in becoming a GPMP mentor or mentee, please fill out this interest form.
Contact [email protected]