Mentor Program

Women in STEM Mentor Program

The Women in STEM Peer Mentor Program is open to students pursuing a STEM major or intending to pursue a STEM major. The program matches first-year, second-year or first-year transfer students with an upper-class mentor in small peer mentor groups.

Benefits

Participating in the Women in STEM Peer Mentor Program offers a range of benefits that can greatly enhance your experience as a STEM student.

  • Supportive Network: Join a community of women in STEM for mutual support and encouragement.
  • Build Strong Friendships: Forge meaningful connections with fellow STEM students.
  • Enhanced College Experience: Guidance with the transition to college life including locating resources, mastering time management, participating in student organizations, and balancing personal and academic life.
  • Awareness of Challenges: Gain insights into the specific hurdles women and underrepresented minorities may face in STEM fields.
  • Professional Skill Development: Acquire essential skills through mentorship that will benefit your future STEM career.

Eligibility

Students must have one of the following majors to be a mentor or mentee:

College of EMS majors:
Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Science + x, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, EMS Undecided, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, General Engineering Undecided, Industrial Engineering, Mathematics, Math Education, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Sustainability and Renewable Energy Systems

College of BILSA majors:
Agriculture Education, Animal Science, BILSA Undecided (STEM Major), Biology, Construction Management, Construction Safety Management, Dairy Science, Environmental Horticulture, Industrial Studies Undecided, Industrial Technology Management, Manufacturing Technology Management, Occupational Safety Management, Reclamation, Environment and Conservation, Soil and Crop Science, Technology Education

College of LAE majors:
Broad Field Science, Environmental Science and Conservation, Psychology, Forensic Investigation, teaching majors in STEM fields

Become a Mentee

To become a mentee, you must be pursuing or intending to pursue a STEM major from the list above and be a first-year or second-year student, or a first-year transfer student.

As a mentee, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Attend a Meet and Greet to interview potential mentors.
  • Participate in Women in STEM Peer Mentor Program large group events.
  • Engage in weekly meetings and activities organized by your mentor group.
  • Seek guidance and advice from your mentor to enhance your educational journey.
  • Be a part of a supportive, interactive network of women.
  • Network with STEM faculty and professionals.
  • Take part in career and professional development activities.
  • Gain insights on how to get involved on campus.
  • Learn from experienced upper-class students who have navigated similar paths.

Sign-ups for fall are due by the third Sunday in September. If you missed the fall semester sign-up deadline, you can join anytime during the school year and will be assigned a mentor. Email wistempeermp@uwplatt.edu if you have questions.

Sign up to become a Mentee

Become a Mentor

To become a mentor, you must have declared a STEM major from the list above, have completed two years of college and at least one year at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville main campus. Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student at the UW-Platteville main campus. Those in good academic standing with a GPA of 2.5 or higher will have priority consideration. Complete applications are considered in order of applications submitted.

As a mentor you will:

  • Work approximately 20-25 hours per semester (two hours per week on average).
  • Coordinate weekly, regular meetings with your mentor group or individual mentees.
  • Keep a log of all mentor group meetings, activities, planning, and communication.
  • Sign and uphold a participation agreement.
  • Attend the mandatory mentor training.
  • Attend the mandatory Mentor Program Meet and Greet.
  • Attend large group Mentor Program events.
  • Complete a survey at the end of each academic year.
  • Introduce your mentor group to the Plexus Women in STEM Center.
  • Provide suggestions and lead discussion about possible activities and events to attend.
  • Provide encouragement, guidance, and support to mentees.
  • Model successful academic strategies and appropriate, respectful behavior.
  • Assist mentees in career exploration and professional development.
  • Maintain consistent communication and be available to your mentees.
  • Attend a mentor check-in each semester.

The application is a two-part process. Potential mentors should apply through Handshake and through the Qualtrics survey linked below. Both parts of the application must be completed to be considered. Applications will be reviewed and selected starting in August. Priority will be given to applications received by the end of August. Later applicants will be considered as alternates and notified when we know how many mentees are signed up for the program.

Apply to become a Mentor

Plexus Women in STEM Center

Mentor groups have the opportunity to gather in the Plexus Women in STEM Center, located in Room 250, Sesquicentennial Hall. This center provides an inviting and inclusive atmosphere, purposefully designed to nurture a constructive and cooperative learning setting. You'll find a range of valuable resources at your disposal, including dual monitor computers, a collaboration station, a kitchenette, and a closet of crafts and activities for mentor groups to use. The center welcomes individuals of all gender identities.