To support the welcoming and inclusion of new graduate students in departments across campus, department-level initiatives are key.

To this end, The Graduate School is continually seeking senior (2nd year or greater) graduate students as mentors in their programs/departments.

List of current Mentors.

Program Description

  • The First Year Communities are meant to connect first-year graduate students and senior departmental peers in a stress-free, informal, and mutually supportive environment. ​
  • They create space for first-year graduate students to explore the many ins and outs of graduate student life in a small group setting, share their experiences, and seek input, advice, and support.

This fellowship entails an approximate time commitment of two hours per week to ensure connections are made with peers and time is set aside for event planning. First Year Community mentors participate in meetings throughout the semester with fellow mentors and the program coordinator. Online students are welcome to participate.

The mentor will:

  • Attend a brief orientation on the program early in the semester.
  • Organize and attend a Welcome/Q&A event for new students.
  • Organize and attend group meet-ups two times during the semester or more depending on everyone’s bandwidth and other factors. An example event is a study/homework group.​
  • Communicate basic information (such as "Hi, see you at the colloquium this afternoon!")or send quick "How are you doing?" emails.
  • Submit an end of semester report and survey response. 

Program Goals

  • Support students as they transition into graduate student life.​
  • Enable students to get answers, support, and guidance on topics that fall outside of the classroom yet are important to students’ quality of life and academic success.​
  • Connect incoming students to the experts on graduate student life: other graduate students!​
  • Building community among graduate students and within departments and programs.

Qualifications:

  • Be a graduate student in good academic and student conduct standing.
  • Commit to enrollment throughout the fall and spring semesters.
  • Be willing to learn and share information about the MSU community, student life, and campus resources.
  • Demonstrate good interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Have a genuine desire to help peers succeed.
  • Demonstrate leadership skills.
  • Be self-motivated with a positive attitude.
  • Practice and promote diversity and inclusion.

Benefits:

First Year Community mentors will build close relationships with new students and develop leadership skills. This position will enhance career opportunities through professional development, recognition, and via networking channels with campus leaders.

Mentors receive a fellowship stipend in the amount of $500 for the academic year to be distributed in two $250 installments at the end of fall and spring semester.

How to apply:

Applications are currently open for the 2025-2026 academic year: 2025-2026 Mentor Application link. The deadline is August 22nd.

Orientation will be Tuesday, August 26th at 11am or Wednesday, August 27th at 2pm. Location to be shared.