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New Horizon Graduate Scholars Peer Mentoring

The New Horizon Graduate Scholars Peer Mentoring Program assists incoming first-year graduate students with their graduate college transition.

New Horizon Graduate Scholars at a pot luck dinner event.
New Horizon Graduate Scholars at a pot luck dinner event.
New Horizon Graduate Scholars at a pot luck dinner event.
New Horizon Graduate Scholars at a pot luck dinner event.
New Horizon Graduate Scholars at a pot luck dinner event.

Positive Experiences Outside the Classroom

The New Horizon Peer Mentoring program provides positive academic, professional, and social environments outside of the classroom. Peer Mentors are selected and trained to offer advice and guidance to incoming students while providing their own student perspective on the College of Engineering experience. 

Becoming a peer mentor

The peer mentor position offers exceptional students the opportunity to be both leaders on campus and mentors to new students in the College of Engineering’s Graduate School. Mentors are committed to helping their students adjust to life at Virginia Tech.

In addition to attending monthly professional workshops, mentors coordinate social activities with their mentees. The time spent mentoring and preparing for activities varies but usually averages around two to three hours per month.

If you are interested in making a positive impact on first-year students and helping others to avoid some of the mistakes you made during your first year at Virginia Tech, please read the “Responsibilities,” “Benefits,” and “Application Requirements” sections below:

  • Serve as an energetic and enthusiastic volunteer to help first-year graduate students succeed at Virginia Tech and the College of Engineering
  • Provide assistance and support for first-year graduate students with a focus on a smooth transition, acclimation, and a sense of belonging
  • Help first-year graduate students feel comfortable by being aware of and responsive to their needs and concerns
  • Serve as a resource and positive role model for students new to the College
  • Work as a team with fellow peer mentors
  • Participate in monthly professional/academic development workshops
  • Attend monthly peer mentor meetings with the NHGS advisor    

Peer mentors have the opportunity to:

  • Build close relationships with new students
  • Develop interpersonal skills and learn about personal and professional leadership
  • Become recognized as a student leader
  • Maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA throughout the academic year.
  • Attend NHGS Peer Mentor training in Spring, 2022.
  • Available to serve as a mentor for the Summer and Fall, 2022.
  • Attend New Horizon Graduate Scholars orientation on August 15 (time TBD).
  • Contact peer mentee 2 times over the summer, via email or phone, to answer questions.
  • Meet with peer mentee(s) at least three times per semester for Fall, 2022 semester.
  • If possible, attend New Horizon Graduate Scholars monthly social events.
  • Serve as a positive representative of Virginia Tech's College of Engineering Graduate School.
  • Applications Currently Open until 10 February
  • Interviews for first time applicants: 13 - 17 February 
    Offers extended by 18 February
  • Training consists of two mandatory and in person sessions on 23 February (Thursday), 5:15pm - 6:30pm
  • Ready to contact mentee(s) on 17 April (or as soon as the mentees’ offer is accepted)

Application link: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AULpJZt3IO

For more information, please contact: Dr. Kaiya Jennings at kaiyaj@vt.edu.