New structure!
Participants are matched in cohort groups of two to three mentors and two to five mentees. We connect each team virtually over Discord in an ongoing chat group to build relationships together.
This structure will help you feel more connected and still have the opportunity to work 1:1 with any mentor or mentee in your cohort!
How to sign up
If you are an interested UW-Madison student, please fill out the form below. It will let you choose whether you are signing up to be a mentor or a mentee:
LGBTQ+ Peer Mentor Program sign-up form
Questions? Please contact the program coordinators below.
Overview
The LGBTQ+ Peer Mentor Program provides a space for students to connect with knowledgeable peers about gender identity, sexual orientation, coming out, and life at UW-Madison.
Training
When mentees sign up for the program, they receive confirmation by email that their application has been received, along with materials to get acquainted with the program, its goals, and our expectations. There is no formal mentee training. Mentees are invited to social events throughout the year, and are welcome to meet with Campus Center staff at any time.
When mentors sign up for the program, they receive a resource packet with information on mentoring 101, communication styles, using personal stories for social change, LGBTQ+ language and terms, campus resources, and relationships and violence, along with access to our digital resource database.
They can then plan for a voice/video call or in-person 1:1 for mentor orientation, after which they can be paired a mentee based on their interests and experiences.
FAQ
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
How soon will I be paired with a mentor/mentee cohort?
Our aim is to pair new participants with a mentor/mentee cohort as quickly as possible, although the exact timing may vary. On average, participants are introduced to their mentor/mentee cohort within a week of signing up for the program.
If you need immediate or emergency assistance, contact us directly or go to Support.
Who is qualified to be a mentor?
Potentially any UW-Madison student! No formal mentorship or leadership training required. This program focuses on the experience and voice you already bring by virtue of being yourself.
How often should mentors and mentees meet?
The mentorship program is designed for maximum flexibility: once a mentors and mentees are paired, they decide based on their needs how to communicate, how often and where to meet, and other such factors. Some pairs are Discord chat friends only, others meet for lunch or go to events together. It’s up to you!
How long does a mentoring cohort last?
It’s up to the individual participants and their needs. Some mentors and mentees work together for several years, some for just a few weeks.
Your formal commitment to the group ends at the end of each academic year, when you will be invited to either continue or be matched with another mentor/mentee cohort.
What if things aren't working out with a mentor/mentee?
No worries, it happens. If for any reason participants need a change, they can contact the coordinators by email and request to be paired with a different cohort or to leave the program, simple as that.
Participant thoughts
I’m still in contact with my mentor! It made a big difference to me to be connected.
Mentor thoughts
I enjoyed getting to know my mentee and watching them prosper here at UW!
Docs & resources
- Peer Mentor Handbook 2019-2020
This PDF is a resource for mentors on supportive listening, identity, crisis response, and more.
- Mentor resources Google Drive
This Google Drive folder has folders by topic as resources for mentors and support people.
LGBTQ+ Peer Mentor Program coordinators
Arya C.
Credentials: Student Support
Address:
Arya (he/him) is an undergraduate student majoring in Data Science, pursuing certificates in Technical Communication and Computer Science. He also works as the Program Assistant for StartUp Learning Community. He loves singing and gardening, and likes to cook occasionally. He is a restless creature, and is always on the move. Despite his background as a tech kid, he aspires to find himself in the mental health space. He enjoys passing the time by looking at pictures of little animal babies.
