Diverse Graduate Student Network Mentoring Program

Diverse Graduate Student Mentorship Guidelines:

Be present! Show up.

For the DGS mentorship program to be successful we ask that both the Mentor and Mentee commit to showing up for the monthly group meetings (1 hour) and individual meetings (1 hour) at least once a month, for a total time commitment of 2 hours/month at minimum.

The goal of this program is to develop relationships. That said it is important for both mentor and mentee to show up and be intentional about getting to know one another.

If you are unable to attend the set group meetings that is fine, please just communicate that with your mentor/mentee.

 

“Vegas” rule

What’s said here stays here. That means that whatever your mentor/mentee shares with you must remain confidential. Remember you are not their supervisor or boss in this moment, you are their mentor/colleague. Strong relationships are built on trust! We want each of you to feel supported throughout this program.

One exception to this rule: if your mentor/mentee shares something with you that may put them in danger, or is currently endangering them, and/or may create serious harm, you must report it. We are all mandatory reporters in this program! As stated by the Equal Opportunity Report and Response team, you are obligated by policy to share knowledge, notice, and/or reports of harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation with a Title IX Coordinator here at UW.

Resources for reporting may be found here: http://www.uwyo.edu/reportit/

Be respectful. Be flexible.

We all have busy schedules and we understand that it can be hard to spend adequate time together.

Be respectful of one another’s schedules and be willing to work with each other. If something comes up and you are unable to attend, be sure to let your mentor/mentee know and commit to trying to reschedule for another time.

In addition, be sure to respect one another’s boundaries. If you both agree that you want to meet more than 2 hours/month, be sure to agree on how much time that is. Don’t intrude upon one another. Be respectful of schedules and boundaries.

For instance, don’t be constantly texting them or emailing them to meet up. Be respectful of their home lives, family commitments, and other things going on in their lives.

Be committed to listening and learning from one another:

Not everyone who is participating in this DGS Mentoring program is of an underrepresented background. That said, be mindful of those around you and your role. Are you acting as an ally? Are you both allies? Are you both of underrepresented backgrounds etc?

And ultimately, Are you committed to listening and learning from your mentor/mentee?

This program is designed to support graduate students through mentorship; however, it is also designed with a focus on eliminating barriers specific to underrepresented populations here at UW. Keep this in mind as you participate in this program, and have a willing and open mind, learning from other people’s experiences.

Have fun!

This program should not be burdensome, but rather a time to talk, unwind, network, etc.

Remember you have each other’s back! This is a collaboration between mentor and mentee to enhance your experience at the University of Wyoming. Enjoy the time together! This program is more than just getting to know one another, it is a time to also expand your network, learn how to navigate the University, engage in professional development, have support throughout graduate school, etc.

Other resources:

Equal Opportunity Report and Response Team

The Equal Opportunity Report and Response (EORR) team, states that you are obligated by policy to share knowledge, notice, and/or reports of harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation with a Title IX Coordinator here at UW.

To make a report follow this link: http://www.uwyo.edu/reportit/

Or for additional assistance you may call 307-766-5200 or email report-it@uwyo.edu.

The Ombudsman Office

The Office of the Student Ombudsman is an independent problem-solving and first-stop resource. This office serves to assist in conflict resolution support and to assist all students (undergraduate, graduate, and professional students) in handling conflicts or complaint processes for any matter of University relations.

The Ombudsman Office provides informal, confidential, impartial, and independent assistance to students (individuals and/or groups) who are experiencing conflicts or who have complaints/ as well as for faculty and staff regarding student related issues.  

The Office of the Student Ombudsman neither supersede nor circumvent the official complaint or grievance processes, but our office serves to protect the interests, rights, and privileges of University of Wyoming undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at all levels of university operations and programs.

The office of the Ombudsman will always: 

      Remain impartial and neutral

      Remain confidential 

      Provide information about official complaint processes 

      Facilitate meaningful and civil dialogues between parties 

 
The office of the Ombudsman will not always: 

      Advocate for either party in the complaint 

      Declare a winner in any conflict 

      Provide legal advice

 
The Office will strive to empower our students to overcome disputes, conflicts, and barriers that stand in the way of reaching the full potential and goals. 

Our initiative is housed within the DEI unit and is a partnership among Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and ASUW

For more information please contact: Dilnoza F. Khasilova at dkhasilo@uwyo.edu