UEPP Peer Mentors

Supportive and inclusive mentoring relationships in the Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy Department.

Mentor Sign Up
Mentee Sign Up

What Is UEPP Peer Mentoring?

The UEPP Peer Mentorship Program is a network of students in the Department of Urban and Environmental Planning & Policy who foster supportive and inclusive mentoring relationships with newer students interested in pursuing a UEPP degree. This program benefits both the mentor and mentee in ways intended to promote personal and professional development and deeper connection to the UEPP community. This program is designed to increase equitable access and true belonging to all; we especially encourage those of underrepresented backgrounds/identities to join in. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Any declared major in the department can sign up to be a mentor. If you take on this role, we will provide resources and support to facilitate your professional development and give you the resources to cultivate a positive growth experience for you and your mentee. 

As a Mentor you would get to provide guidance, encouragement and support to a less experienced student. You are further along in your educational journey than your mentee, and this is a chance to share what you’ve learned along the way!  Also, mentoring isn’t just for your mentee; research shows that mentors see their own growth in professional development, communication, and leadership skills. 

If you're considering any major offered in the UEPP Department and are currently taking a course towards that goal, you can sign up to be a mentee. 

You should sign up as a mentee if you want the perspective of someone who is a step or two ahead of you on the path to getting a UEPP degree. Your mentor is here to provide encouragement and advice, answer questions that you have, and direct you to people or resources that can help you. 

As a mentor in this program, we expect you to: 

  • Meet with your mentee up to one hour per month. This could be a weekly 15-minute conversation, or a monthly one-hour chat. We suggest shorter, more regular conversations at first, but as you develop rapport, a single, longer conversation might be more appropriate.
  • Get to know your mentee and accept them for who they are regardless of race, ethnicity, citizenship, religion, disability, LGBTQ+ identity, and many other identities and lived experiences.
  • Listen actively, ask questions, and show that you care about your mentee’s success.
  • Provide guidance, support, and encouragement. 

A mentor is not a tutor, a therapist, an academic advisor, or a counselor.  Mentors can touch on many topics but if the mentee has a serious need, you should be directing them to appropriate resources.  We’ll help you with that, and you can always turn to us if you, as a mentor, need advice.