Peer Mentoring Program
About CEED Peer Mentoring Program
The CEED Peer Mentoring Program creates small, supportive, peer-led groups that help first-year engineering students transition into Virginia Tech. Through guidance from an upper-class mentor and connection with fellow new students, mentees learn about academic success strategies, campus resources, and opportunities within the College of Engineering
Purpose
The program aims to:
First-year Mentees:
- Help first-year students learn from the experiences of a more advanced engineering student
- Build community among new students with shared majors, interests, and goals
- Introduce mentees to academic, professional, social, and wellness resources across the College of Engineering and Virginia Tech
Peer Mentors and Peer Leaders:
- Develop key leadership skills to enhance their success
- Build community among returning students across various departments in the college of engineering
- Expand their networks to enhance career and leadership opportunities
How the Program Works
Registration & Matching
- Registration opens May 4, 2026 for ~320 first-year COE students.
- Priority deadline: June 1, 2026; final deadline (if space remains): June 30, 2026.
- Students are placed into groups of up to 8 mentees with one upper-class peer mentor, matched by major, hobbies, and growth areas.
- In early August, mentors contact mentees via email and phone to welcome them and answer questions before move-in.
If you missed our webinar or would like to review the recording, you can view it here! (Recorded on 4/08/26)
Fall Semester Activities
1. Groups meet every two weeks, starting the week of September 7, 2026
- Mentee/peer mentor meetings serve as a safe, supportive space for questions, stories, and connections.
2. Meetings cover topics such as:
- VT 101 and navigating the first semester
- General Engineering course guidance
- Academic and wellness resources
- Professional development
- Design teams, undergraduate research, and major exploration
- Study Aboard
3. Out-of-the Box’ meetings – where mentees and peer mentors will attend or participate in a non-academic event/activity with a purpose for the group to distress and enjoy what the VT/Blacksburg community has to offer.
4. Additional exclusive programming includes:
- Engineering Expo prep
- Résumé reviews and elevator pitch practice
- Research exploration events
- Study Power Hours before major exams with tutors and snacks
Spring Semester Activities
1. Groups are encouraged to continue meetings as needed.
2. Monthly programming focuses on:
- Career fair preparation (many career fairs happen in the spring semester)
- Summer & Sophomore Engineering year prep & planning
- Networking/Mixer events with industry partners