Graduate Student Mentorship Network

Supporting Graduate Students' Academic and Professional Success

Group of students on hike
Mentorship
Students lined up at tables for resource fair
Connect to resources
Student at networking mixer
Personal and professional development
Three students sit together on a rock
Find Your Community
The UCR Graduate Student Mentorship Network (GSMN) is mentoring support housed in the UCR GradSuccess Office in the Graduate Division. GSMN offers mentorship best practices to graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty. Through year-round graduate student programming, the network can help students access support, advice, resources, and a community. Programs focus on professional development, scholarly communication, holistic wellness, and mental health.
The GSMN has four main goals:
  1. To increase graduate student retention, especially among the most vulnerable populations, by helping students understand the “hidden curriculum” of graduate studies and connecting graduate students to campus resources;
  2. Help first-year graduate students transition from undergraduate programs or careers into graduate study;
  3. Professionalize mentors and help them develop effective mentoring practices; and
  4. Create a network of mentors and foster a sense of community among graduate students.
In 2025, GSMN staff developed program materials and resources for the upcoming academic year. These include a department or college mentorship program toolkit, interdisciplinary peer mentor, postdoctoral, and faculty mentorship best practices training for active department or college mentorship programs, as well as year-round programming for graduate students focused on professional development, scholarly communication, holistic wellness, and mental health recognition.
Two female GSMP participants on hike
My peer mentor is amazing. She went out of her way to send us cool opportunities and useful workshops. She offered to be there to talk to whenever we needed it, whether it be about school or just life.
Anonymous Participant
My peer mentor was also in the same department as I was, so it was really helpful to talk to him about department-specific requirements, such as what to do for the first annual review meeting. He was very open to discussing specific topics and had a lot to say about getting a head start.
Anonymous Participant
Four male GSMP participants at dinner
GSMP participant standing in green field on hike
The Special Topic Peer Mentors were really great in helping with time management, organization, communication, and other helpful tips. My faculty mentor was really encouraging and helped me set goals for each quarter.
Anonymous Participant
I really enjoyed my time in the GSMP this year. I learned a lot about resources available and made many friends. I definitely want to continue to be a part of the program in the future.
Anonymous Participant
GSMP Group