Graduate Student Peer Mentoring Program

Supporting PhD journeys through peer connection.

The Peer Mentoring Program in Rice's George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing is designed to help PhD students build community, navigate the early stages of their doctoral journey, and develop the skills needed to succeed in graduate school. The program pairs 1st and 2nd year students with 3rd+ year peer mentors within their department, providing structured support and department-specific guidance throughout the academic year. Each department also has faculty mentor(s) who provide peer mentors with discipline-specific guidance and support.

Program Goals

The Peer Mentoring Program aims to help participants:

  • Build community among Engineering and Computing PhD students.
  • Increase student sense of belonging within their PhD program.
  • Become aware of the resources and practice the skills needed to thrive in graduate school.
  • Navigate the PhD program with support from peers and faculty mentors.

Program Structure

Mentees are matched with Peer Mentors within their departments. The Mentee/Mentor pairs are guided by Faculty Mentors.

Mentees

1st and 2nd year PhD students. Meet regularly with your peer mentor and expand your support network.

Peer Mentors

3rd+ year PhD students. Meet regularly with your mentee and share your experiences with them.

Faculty Mentors

Each department has volunteer faculty mentors who support the Peer Mentors.

Program timeline

From mentor matching through final evaluation, each stage supports a focused and successful mentoring experience.

  1. Mentor Matching

    Participants are paired to support shared goals, interests, and professional development.

  2. Program Kick-Off

    Students learn about the program’s purpose, expectations, and tools for expanding peer networks.

  3. Required Training

    Mentors and Mentees meet and co-establish mentoring expectations.

  4. Monthly Check-Ins

    Brief monthly surveys help the program monitor progress and provide timely support when needed.

  5. Evaluation Survey

    Participants reflect on the experience and share feedback to strengthen future program cycles.

Benefits

The Peer Mentoring Program supports Engineering and Computing PhD students by:

  • Offering flexibility for mentors and mentees to build meaningful relationships at their own pace.
  • Providing relatable and approachable mentors who understand the PhD experience firsthand.
  • Offering helpful, discipline-specific advice from mentors navigating similar challenges.
  • Helping students feel more supported, with high satisfaction reported in mentor relationships.
  • Growth in leadership and mentoring competencies among peer mentors.

Apply

The Center for Engineering Excellence invites Engineering and Computing Ph.D. students to apply for the Peer Mentoring Program. The application is open from August 1 to September 9, 2026. Not sure if you want to participate? Make sure to attend our kickoff event held Sept 2.

Do you have questions regarding the application? Email Cecilia Fernandez.