In spring and fall 2021, Trinity College will launch a pilot PhD Student Peer Mentoring Fellows Program, to support an interdisciplinary cohort of advanced doctoral students in exploring best practices in peer mentoring and small group facilitation. Through their participation in this cohort, and through creating “spin-off” groups in Fall 2021, the fellows will demonstrate leadership in building a strong culture of inclusive peer mentoring, well-being and resilience across disciplines in Trinity College.
What is peer mentoring? Traditionally, “mentoring,” both within in beyond the academy, has assumed a 1:1 model, where a more senior, experienced person guides and initiates a younger person into their discipline or profession. While this type of advising remains critical to doctoral student success (such as PhD program faculty advisors), this program seeks to introduce students to a broader, more contemporary understanding of mentoring, which acknowledges the significant influence of both “horizontal” (peer) mentoring, as well as the potential for mentoring within small groups. For the purposes of this program, “peer mentoring” refers to the practices students take to support one another’s professional growth and personal development, regardless of career aspiration.
We seek applications from Trinity College doctoral students (any discipline), currently in the second year of their program or beyond. Up to twelve fellowships will be awarded. Working closely with Dr. Maria Wisdom, Director of Interdisciplinary Advising and Engagement, Peer Mentoring Lab Fellows will:
- Participate in peer mentor training (sequential sessions, up to 8 hours) in May 2021
- Commit to leading their own interdisciplinary peer mentoring group (up to 8 doctoral students; at least 4 convenings) in Fall 2021;
- Continue to check in monthly with Dr. Wisdom and the fellows cohort throughout Fall 2021
- Write a brief final report of their activities in December 2021
- Receive an honorarium of $700 (fellows must reside in NC or one of 10 approved jurisdictions)
Through participation in this pilot program, Peer Mentoring Fellows will hone skills highly valued across multiple professional realms, such as active listening, group facilitation, basic coaching techniques, and supporting a range of diverse learners and learning goals. Fellows will also cultivate a deeper awareness of their current roles as mentees, to support them in key advising relationships (such as with PhD program advisors), and to help strengthen their ability to mentor others effectively in turn.
To apply:
The application portal opens on Friday, February 19. Please submit the following by Friday, February 26:
- Personal statement (1-2 pages), explaining your interest in the program, and how it will contribute to your larger personal and/or professional goals. Please also discuss any previous significant experiences with advising, teaching, coaching, or mentoring others.
- CV
- Signed permission form from DGS or dissertation advisor (download Word template)
- Contact information for two professional references (who can speak for mentoring potential)
The application process may include a brief phone or zoom screening interview. Finalists will be selected by a committee including both Trinity College faculty and administrators. Questions? Please contact Maria Wisdom at maria.wisdom@duke.edu.
