Mentors help shape the next generation of UC leaders

The University of Cincinnati Graduate College is recruiting graduate students to serve as mentors in the PeerLead Mentorship Initiative for the 2026–2027 academic year, a program that connects incoming graduate students with peers who understand the graduate school journey. More information is available about PeerLead on the Graduate College webpage.

Starting graduate school can be both exciting and challenging. Through PeerLead, new graduate students gain access to guidance and support from experienced graduate mentors who can help them navigate academic expectations, build community, and find resources across campus.

The initiative reflects the university’s commitment to student success and leadership development outlined in Next Lives Here, which emphasizes preparing students to lead and thrive in a rapidly changing world. By creating opportunities for graduate students to mentor and learn from one another, PeerLead helps foster the collaborative and supportive environment that defines the UC graduate experience.

Graduate students selected as mentors will complete professional mentorship training through the Warren Bennis Leadership Institute. The program includes 18–20 hours of training over the summer, combining live workshops and self-paced learning modules designed to build coaching, communication and leadership skills.

Participants who complete the program earn the Coach2Mentor micro-credential, recognizing foundational mentoring and coaching competencies that can support academic leadership, advising and professional development.

After completing the training, mentors will be matched with a first-year graduate student and meet at least once per month during the academic year.

The Graduate College will select 30 graduate students to serve as PeerLead mentors for the 2026–2027 cohort. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, with additional applicants placed on a waitlist once the cohort is filled.

Applications open March 30 and close April 27. Selected mentors will be notified on May 4, and training begins June 3.

By participating in PeerLead, graduate students not only support the success of new students but also strengthen their own leadership and mentoring skills—helping build a stronger graduate community across the university.

More information is available about PeerLead on the Graduate College webpage.

Featured top image of graduate students gathering to collaborate and share ideas during a peer work session. Photo/the UC Graduate College.