PeerLead Mentorship Initiative
A program designed to connect first-year UC graduate students with experienced graduate students who understand the journey. Apply to be a mentor or mentee today.
Embarking on your first year of graduate school can be challenging, especially without a strong support system. That's why the Graduate College launched the PeerLead Initiative—a program designed to connect first-year graduate students with experienced graduate students who understand the graduate school journey.
Through PeerLead, mentors receieve professional development and mentorship training while supporting new graduate students as they navigate the academic and professional landscape at UC.
Become a Mentee
Are you an incoming graduate student feeling a bit overwhelmed about starting graduate school? Looking for community support or unsure how to navigate the academic landscape?
The Graduate College wants to connect you with experienced graduate students through the PeerLead Mentorship Initiative. PeerLead mentors are trained to listen, guide and help mentees navigate the graduate experience.
We are recruiting 30 graduate students to become PeerLead mentees for the 2026–2027 academic year. Once the mentee limit is reached, additional applicants will be placed on a waitlist. Mentees will be selected for participation on a first-come, first-served basis. While we aim to create meaningful mentoring matches based on shared interests and experiences, matches are dependent on overall participation and availability, and we cannot guarantee pairing within a specific program, college or discipline.
Dates for applications to become a PeerLead Mentee will be announced soon.
Become a Mentor
We are seeking eager, committed and experienced graduate students to join the PeerLead Mentorship initiative as mentors. Applicants must be second-year master’s students or doctoral candidates beyond their third year. By becoming a mentor, you will play an important role in helping new students navigate graduate school while fostering a sense of belonging and community.
PeerLead mentors receive professional mentorship training through the Warren Bennis Leadership Institute and earn a Coach2Mentor micro-credential, strengthening their leadership, advising and coaching skills.
We are recruiting 30 graduate students to serve as PeerLead mentors for the 2026–2027 academic year. Once the mentor limit is reached, additional applicants will be placed on a waitlist. Mentors will be selected for training on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applications open: Monday, March 30, 2026
Application deadline: Monday, April 27, 2026
Acceptance notifications: Monday, May 4, 2026
Mentor training begins: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Mentoring matches will be announced no later than Friday, August 7, 2026.
The total estimated time commitment for mentors is 18–20 hours over the summer, plus meeting with your mentee at least once per month during the academic year.
Training includes:
- 7.5 hours of live workshops
- 10–14 hours of self-paced Canvas modules
Modules will open gradually throughout the summer as live trainings are completed. Mentors must complete all 10 modules and five live training sessions to receive the micro-credential and participate as a PeerLead mentor.
Mentors and mentees must also commit to meeting at least once per month, either in person or virtually.
Mentors attend one session from each module (in-person or online option available).
Module 0
Wednesday, June 3, 1–2:30 p.m., Clifton Court Hall 5280
Thursday, June 4, 3–4:30 p.m., online
Module 3
Wednesday, June 17, 1–2:30 p.m., Clifton Court Hall 5280
Thursday, June 18, 3–4:30 p.m., online
Module 7
Wednesday, July 1, 1–2:30 p.m., Clifton Court Hall 5280
Thursday, July 2, 3–4:30 p.m., online
Module 9
Wednesday, July 15, 1–2:30 p.m., Clifton Court Hall 5280
Thursday, July 16, 3–4:30 p.m., online
Module 10
Wednesday, July 29, 1–2:30 p.m., Clifton Court Hall 5280
Thursday, July 30, 3–4:30 p.m., online
PeerLead mentors who complete all training requirements earn the Coach2Mentor micro-credential, awarded by the Warren Bennis Leadership Institute.
This credential recognizes participants who have completed all training modules and live peer coaching sessions. Earners strengthen their effectiveness as mentors, advisors and leaders while building foundational and transformational coaching skills. Participants develop greater self-awareness and learn how to leverage their strengths and relationships to grow professionally.
Questions?
Please email the PeerLead team at gsdevelop@ucmail.uc.edu