DGSMP Guidelines and Information

Be present! Show up.

This program is designed to support graduate students through mentorship, with a particular emphasis on eliminating barriers specific to underrepresented populations at UW. Keep this in mind as you engage in the program, and approach it with an open mind, ready to learn from the experiences of others.  

Enjoy the time together! This program goes beyond just getting to know one another; it is an opportunity to expand your network, gain insights into navigating the University, engage in professional development, receive support throughout graduate school, and enhance your overall experience at the University of Wyoming.  

Respect each other’s schedules and boundaries. If you can't make it to a scheduled meeting, communicate with your mentor/mentee and aim to find an alternative time. Additionally, be mindful not to intrude on each other's personal commitments.

Purpose:  

DGS Mentorship Program strives to create a setting where diverse graduate students feel supported, encouraged, connected, and empowered by faculty/staff here at the University of Wyoming. This program will allow students to learn and grow from their respective mentors so that they may thrive during their time at UW. 

Commitment:  

There are two meetings (one hour each) each month, consisting of:  

• One coordinated group meeting for all participants to converse and connect  
• One individual one-on-one meeting between mentor and mentee 

This program is completely voluntary, so please do your best to foster positive, open, and direct communication!

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

Who can join:  

All degree seeking graduate students, faculty or staff interested in forming mentor partnerships that support eliminating barriers specific to underrepresented graduate students 

  *   This program is specifically recommended for all URDM graduate students, including those with URDM GA positions and their supervisors. 

"Vegas" Rule:

What’s said here stays here. Anything shared between you and your mentor/mentee should stay between you two. During this time, you're not their supervisor; you're their mentor/colleague. Trust is the foundation of strong relationships, and we want each of you to feel fully supported in this program. 
 
One exception to this rule: if your mentor/mentee discloses something that might jeopardize their safety, is currently endangering them, and/or may create serious harm, you must report it. All participants in this program are mandatory reporters. 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: https://www.uwyo.edu/reportit/