Graduate Student Peer Mentorship Program
The Grad Center provides a structure for graduate and law students to participate in a peer mentorship and support program. Connect with fellow graduate students in a low-key, non-judgmental format. What to expect with the Peer Mentorship Program:
- The Grad Center hosts one social event for mentors/mentees each semester to foster connection and serve as kick-off or check-in with graduate students.
- Mentors will work with their assigned mentee group to schedule meetings based on the group's availability. The goal of the program is that the peer mentorship groups meet once per month.
- Mentors and mentees will enrich their graduate student experience by connecting with other graduate students from across the University.
Peer Mentorship Program
The program is designed to provide support and encouragement as well as information about events and resources on campus - all while building connections among students.
•Build peer-to-peer graduate student relationships while sharing skills and experiences in order to learn from different perspectives.
•Develop a sense of trust and focus on academic achievement.
•Provide advice and guidance on networking opportunities.
•Allow mentees to learn from and collaborate with multiple mentors and peers.
•Improve communication and interpersonal skills.
•Develop leadership and organizational abilities.
•Increase confidence and motivation.
•Enhance CV with valuable volunteer experience.
•Make new friends across disciplines and build your network.
•Serve as an ambassador and promote campus resources.
•Gain a sense of fulfillment and personal growth.
•Give back to the Villanova University graduate community.
•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 personal, academic, and professional issues.
•Identify academic and personal goals and establish a sense of direction.
•Gain valuable insights into the next stage(s) of your career.
•Make new friends across colleges and disciplines.
- This program is offered through the Center for Graduate Research and Education (Grad Center) and is a supplement to existing departmental/college mentoring programs.
- While participants may be paired based on similar interests, one aim of the program is to offer graduate students ways to meet and build community across disciplinary boundaries and affinity groups.
- Participants are free to set their own meeting schedules, but we expect that you will try to meet at least once a month throughout the academic year.
- All mentors and mentees will attend an orientation event at the beginning of the fall term in which we will discuss mentorship training, expectations, and available campus resources.
- There will be a mentor/mentee social event to kick off the program, where matches can meet each other online or in-person.
- Throughout the year, we will offer a variety of social events to foster connection with mentor/mentee matches (e.g. Meet your Peer meet-up, pop up hour, ice cream social, coffee chats, etc.).
- We expect that each participant will make a good faith effort to communicate regularly with their mentor/mentee.
The form to join the Graduate Student Mentorship Program in 2024-2025 is now open! Please fill out this form to sign-up. Both mentors and mentees use the same form.
- Graduate Student Peer Mentorship Program Information Session: Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 12pm via zoom.
- Mentor Training Session: Wednesday, October 2nd at 4pm via zoom.
- Peer Mentorship Meet and Greet: Tuesday, October 22nd at 4pm in the Grad Center Lounge, Vasey G13.
Ms. Joyce Harden, Graduate Student Peer Mentorship Program Facilitator
Ms. Joyce Harden serves as the Assistant Director of Graduate Student Experience at the Center for Graduate Research and Education (Grad Center). In this role, she is the staff facilitator for the Graduate Student Peer Mentorship Program, helping to guide and support students as they navigate their academic and personal journeys in graduate school.
With a deep passion for student development, Ms. Joyce brings extensive experience in working with students in various capacities. She is not only a mentor but also a trusted confidante and sounding board, always ready to listen and offer guidance. Her commitment to student success is evident in her approachable and empathetic nature.
Ms. Joyce is uniquely positioned to understand the challenges faced by graduate students because she is also a student herself. Currently pursuing her master's degree at the Villanova School of Business, she has firsthand experience with balancing academics, personal life, and professional growth. This dual perspective allows her to connect with students on a more personal level, providing insight and encouragement through shared experiences.
Whether you're seeking advice on Villanova's resources, have questions about graduate school, or want to learn more about the Graduate Student Peer Mentorship Program, Ms. Joyce is here to help. She is available via email and always welcomes students to stop by her office at the Grad Center for a chat.
"About 2 months into the MBA program, I had a collision during a soccer game at the stadium. The collision re-triggered a long-term concussion that I had recently recovered from. Going back to square 1 in concussion protocol was very frustrating and mentally exhausting while working + going to school. The in-person peer mentorship meetings conducted by my peer mentor (who is a wonderful and compassionate person) provided emotional support during this challenging period for me. Everyone in the group listened without prejudice and were vulnerable in sharing challenges they themselves were dealing with at Villanova/in their personal lives. Hearing about challenges faced by others brought perspective into my life and served as a reminder that I am not the only individual facing a challenge, everyone faces their own hurdles in life. The peer mentorship program gave me the outlet I needed to express my feelings and thoughts in a safe environment without judgment, and uplifted my spirits which translated to better performance in the MBA classroom." - Peter T.