Peer Mentoring

Peer Mentoring Placeholder Photo

Do you have a desire to help students that are new to Neuroscience and Cognitive Science? 

The NSCI/NSCS Programs sponsor the “Glia/Neuron” Undergraduate Peer Mentoring Program to provide new students with guidance and counsel. This highly successful program is designed to encourage student involvement in the undergraduate programs and increase retention rates. We know that the most important factor in retaining students their first year is making connections and staying engaged. 
Peer mentors (glia) share their experiences and knowledge of the programs and affiliations to help new students (neurons) find and/or discover their potential career path. New NSCI/NSCS students and current NSCI/NSCS to junior and senior mentors are matched based on student's backgrounds and interests. Mentors work with new students on a one-to-one basis to assist them with their academic and professional development. 
*We refer to our Mentors as ‘Glia’ and our Mentees as ‘Neurons’* 
The peer mentor program is a student-run program under the supervision of the NSCI/NSCS program coordinators. Our goal is to provide students with resources and a sense of community within the major that will last them until they graduate. NSCI/NSCS |Peer Mentor Coordinators| recruit and match upperclassmen to serve as peer mentors each fall. The coordinators find the best fit for each mentee by carefully matching their interests and goals to mentors that share similar aspirations. 
We seek students who are willing to volunteer as peer mentors to share their experience and wisdom as a NSCI/NSCS student and provide first- and second-year students with more resources and guidance than what is unavailable in a classroom setting.  

Request Your Peer Mentor

Serve as a Peer Mentor

Meet Your Peer Mentor Coordinators 

  • be a Junior or Senior NSCI/NSCS undergraduate at start of the fall term (with consideration given to some exceptional Sophomores) 
  • be completely through your second year of the program 
  • be in good academic standing 
  • be outgoing, involved in campus life and research active (or have a desire to be) 
  • be able to start mentoring in late summer before fall classes begin (not required, but highly encouraged!

  • You will need to complete the FERPA tutorial (required) and send the proof of completion to Maria Rodriguez. FERPA tutorial found here: |here|
  • You will be assigned 1-3 NSCI/NSCS students, depending on your major. Please make first contact by emailing the mentee and arranging to meet one-on-one.  You will get an email from a Peer Mentor Coordinator with the mentee’s information.  
  • Please share your email with your mentees, and if you are comfortable, you may also provide your phone number. 

  • You will positively impact new NSCI/NSCS students by sharing your invaluable student experiences 
  • You can build community by making connections with your peers and mentees 
  • Assist new students achieve their academic and professional goals by offering your insights 
  • You can add this leadership experience to your resume! 

Each year the Department of Neuroscience recognizes our best student mentors with the Outstanding Peer Mentor Award. Student mentees are asked to nominate their peer mentors by submitting a nomination form usually in the Spring Semester. This award will be given to mentors deserving of recognition of his/her contributions in assisting new students with academic and professional development. If you have any questions, contact the Program Coordinator, |Maria Rodriguez|.