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Mentoring

The Graduate School is committed to ensuring that students have a broad support network of mentors and professionals to assist with career development and advancement. Throughout the year, several interactive workshops will be conducted to assist graduate students at all levels with developing a mentoring network.

Mentoring Programming

Introduction to Mentoring Digital Badge

Earners are graduate students who participated in mentoring-focused workshops and activities. They are prepared to be active participants in mentoring relationships including understanding best practices for being a mentor and being mentored. Earners have tools and strategies for consistent and clear communication and can develop SMART goals that ensure mentoring relationships effectively support career development and advancement. This workshop is offered every fall or by request for departments or student organizations. Students can sign up in RamsConnect.

Graduate School Mentoring Program

A group of students standing on the stairs in front of VCU's ram horns.The Graduate School Mentoring Program (GSMP) is a program that pairs graduate students with undergraduate students who hope to attend graduate school. Through GSMP, undergraduates can develop a relationship with a graduate mentor in the discipline they hope to pursue to provide support and guidance on the graduate school process. The Graduate School works with campus partners to provide additional programming and support that includes writing graduate essays, researching graduate programs, applying for funding, adapting to new environments, and more. Students interested in being a mentor or mentee can apply in September for the year-long commitment.

Mentor requirements:

  • 3.3 grade point average
  • At least one year of graduate study completed
  • Ability to commit to one year of mentorship
  • Ability to attend Friday monthly GSMP meetings
  • Ability to commit to 4-6 hours of mentor activities per month

Mentee requirements:

  • 2.7 grade point average
  • At least one year of undergraduate study completed
  • Ability to commit to one year of mentorship
  • Ability to attend Friday monthly GSMP meetings
  • Ability to commit to 4-6 hours of mentor activities per month

If you have questions, you can contact gradprofdev@vcu.edu