Mentor Program

Women in STEM Mentor Program
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The John Deere Women in STEM Peer Mentor Program is open to all women pursuing a STEM major or intending to pursue a STEM major. The Women in STEM Mentor Program matches first-year, second-year or first-year transfer women with upper-class women in small peer mentor groups.

Benefits

As a member of the John Deere Women in STEM Peer Mentor Program, you will be part of a supportive, interactive network of women; build strong friendships with other women STEM students; enjoy a welcoming, collaborative learning environment; learn about the challenges encountered by women in STEM fields; and gain important professional skills.

Eligibility

Students must have one of the following majors to be a mentor or mentee:

College of EMS majors:
Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Science + x, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, EMS Undecided, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, General Engineering Undecided, Industrial Engineering, Mathematics, Math Education, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Sustainability and Renewable Energy Systems

College of BILSA majors:
Agriculture Education, Animal Science, BILSA Undecided (STEM Major), Biology, Construction Management, Construction Safety Management, Dairy Science, Environmental Horticulture, Industrial Studies Undecided, Industrial Technology Management, Manufacturing Technology Management, Occupational Safety Management, Reclamation, Environment and Conservation, Soil and Crop Science, Technology Education

College of LAE majors:
Broad Field Science, Environmental Science and Conservation, Psychology, Forensic Investigation, teaching majors in STEM fields

Become a Mentee

To become a mentee, you must be pursuing or intending to pursue a STEM major from the list above and be a first-year or second-year student, or a first-year transfer student.

As a mentee you will have the opportunity to:

  • Attend a Meet and Greet to interview potential mentors.
  • Attend Women in STEM Peer Mentor Program events.
  • Participate in weekly meetings and activities scheduled by your mentor group.
  • Seek guidance and advice from your mentor regarding your educational success.
  • Be a part of a supportive, interactive network of women.
  • Network with STEM faculty and professionals.
  • Participate in career and professional development activities.
  • Learn about how to get involved on campus.
  • Learn from upper-class students who have been there.
  • Get support and advice about the challenges encountered by women in the STEM fields.

Sign-ups for fall are due by the third Sunday in September. If you missed the fall semester sign-up deadline, you can join anytime during the school year and will be assigned a mentor. Email wistempeermp@uwplatt.edu if you have questions.

Sign up to become a Mentee

Become a Mentor

To become a mentor, you must have declared a STEM major from the list above, have completed two years of college and at least one year at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville main campus. Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student at the UW-Platteville main campus. Those in good academic standing with a GPA of 2.5 or higher will have priority consideration.

As a mentor you will:

  • Work approximately 20-25 hours per semester (two hours per week on average).
  • Coordinate weekly, regular meetings with your mentor group or individual mentees.
  • Keep a log of all mentor group meetings, activities, planning, and communication.
  • Sign and uphold a participation agreement.
  • Attend large group Mentor Program events.
  • Attend the mandatory mentor training.
  • Attend the mandatory Mentor Program Meet and Greet.
  • Complete a survey at the end of each academic year.
  • Introduce your mentor group to the Plexus Women in STEM Center.
  • Provide suggestions and lead discussion about possible activities and events to attend.
  • Provide encouragement, guidance, and support to mentees.
  • Model successful academic strategies and appropriate, respectful behavior.
  • Assist mentees in career exploration and professional development.
  • Maintain consistent communication and be available to your mentees.
  • Attend a mentor check-in each semester.

Potential mentors should apply through Handshake and through a Qualtrics survey from the John Deere Women in Peer STEM Mentor Program. Both pieces of the application must be completed to be considered. Applications will be reviewed and selected throughout the summer. Priority will be given to applications received by the end of August. Applicants after August will be considered as alternates and notified when we know how many mentees are signed up for the program.

Apply to become a Mentor

Plexus Women in STEM Center

Mentor groups enjoy gathering in the Plexus Women in STEM Center, located in Room 250, Sesquicentennial Hall. The Plexus Women in STEM Center is a welcoming, inclusive space designed to foster a positive, collaborative learning environment. It has many great resources available for your use, including computers, a printer, and a lounge area. The center is open to all gender identities.