Peer Mentor Program

UW-Platteville Women in STEM Mentor Program participating in social

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

Benefits

Participating in the Women in STEM Peer Mentor Program offers a range of benefits that can greatly enhance your experience as a STEM student.

  • Supportive Network: Join a community of students in STEM for mutual support and encouragement.
  • Build Strong Friendships: Forge meaningful connections with fellow STEM students.
  • Enhanced College Experience: Guidance with the transition to college life including locating resources, mastering time management, participating in student organizations, and balancing personal and academic life.
  • Professional Skill Development: Acquire essential skills through mentorship that will benefit your future STEM career.

Eligibility

To be a peer mentor or mentee, students must have a declared STEM major or undecided STEM major. View list of eligible STEM majors.

Become a Mentee

To become a mentee, you must be pursuing or intending to pursue a STEM major that the Women in STEM office serves 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.
  • Participate in Women in STEM Peer Mentor Program large group events.
  • Engage in weekly meetings and activities organized by your mentor group.
  • Seek guidance and advice from your mentor to enhance your educational journey.
  • Be a part of a supportive, interactive network.
  • Network with STEM faculty and professionals.
  • Take part in career and professional development activities.
  • Gain insights on how to get involved on campus.
  • Learn from experienced upper-class students who have navigated similar paths.

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 Peer Mentee

Become a Mentor

To become a mentor, you must have declared a major that the Women in STEM office serves, have completed two years of college with at least one year at UW-Platteville, and enrolled as a full-time student. Those in good academic standing with a GPA of 2.5 or higher will have priority consideration. Complete applications are considered in the order submitted.

As a mentor you will:

  • Work approximately 20-25 hours per semester (two hours per week on average).
  • Coordinate weekly/bi-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 the mandatory mentor training.
  • Attend the mandatory Mentor Program Meet and Greet.
  • Attend large group Mentor Program events.
  • 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.

The application is a two-part process. Potential mentors should apply through Handshake and through the Qualtrics survey linked below. Both parts of the application must be completed to be considered. Applications will be reviewed and selected starting in August. Priority will be given to applications received by the end of August. Later applicants will be considered as alternates and notified when we know how many mentees are signed up for the program.

Apply to become a Peer Mentor

Plexus Women in STEM Center

Mentor groups have the opportunity to gather in the Plexus Women in STEM Center, located in Room 250, Sesquicentennial Hall. This center provides an inviting and inclusive atmosphere, purposefully designed to nurture a constructive and cooperative learning setting. You'll find a range of valuable resources at your disposal, including dual monitor computers, a collaboration station, a kitchenette, and a closet of crafts and activities for mentor groups to use.