LGBTQ+ Peer Mentoring Program

Mission

Mason’sLGBTQ+Mentoring Program promotesthe personalandacademic success, health, and well-beingof its queer, trans, non-binary, LGBTQ+, and/or questioning student participants.

If you are interested in becoming a Peer Mentor for Spring 2023, let us know! Peer Mentor Interest Form

If you are interested in being paired with a Peer Mentor in Spring 2023, let us know here: Mentee Interest Form

Read on for more information about the program and please direct any questions you might have to the LGBTQ+ Resources Center at lgbtq@gmu.edu!

Peer Mentors have 

  • Completed at least one semester at the university by the start of the Spring 2023 semester 
  • Been involved in student leadership, community, or mentoring previously 
  • Interest in supporting the growth of LGBTQ+ community at Mason 
  • Current undergraduate or graduate student status at Mason 
  • 2.5 GPA or higher 

 Peer Mentors will 

  • Serve as a Peer Mentor to up to three mentees during the Spring 2023 semester 
  • Develop mutual expectations for communication and engagement with each mentee  
  • Participate in Spring 2023 LGBTQ+ Resources Center Student Leader Training 
  • Receive a $250 scholarship for Soring 2023 
  • Attend Spring 2023 Welcome & Closing events for the LGBTQ+ Peer Mentoring Program 
  • Plan, attend, and promote monthly LGBTQ+ Peer Mentoring Program events 
  • Collaborate with the LGBTQ+ Resources Center professional staff to make referrals and navigate any crisis situations 

Peer Mentor Learning Outcomes 

  • Express how personal and social identities show up in varying contexts 
  • Understand identity development theories for LGBTQ+ individuals 
  • Identify best practices for supporting LGBTQ+ peers 
  • Facilitate effective communication strategies to navigate a university setting in their mentees 
  • Co-create a support network of peers, faculty, and staff at Mason 

Mentees are 

  • New to LGBTQ+ communities at Mason in some way (could be first year, transfer, contemporary, and/or just starting to explore their own gender and sexual identities)! 
  • Looking for connection and community around LGBTQ+ identities and experiences 
  • Willing to communicate regularly with their Peer Mentors 
  • Excited to attend monthly Peer Mentoring Program events 
  • Current undergraduate or graduate students at Mason by Spring 2023 

Mentee Learning Outcomes  

  • Express how personal and social identities show up in varying contexts 
  • Locate community resources to support personal and academic well-being 
  • Articulate goals for their time at Mason and beyond 
  • Practice effective communication strategies to navigate a university setting 
  • Identify a support network of peers, faculty, and staff at Mason