students sitting in fall leavesThe Biochemistry Peer Mentoring Program seeks to partner juniors and seniors with first and second year students to strengthen community among current undergraduates and smooth the transition for new students.

Mentees receive practical advice on classes, careers and life outside of class, while mentors practice leadership skills, reinforce their own subject knowledge and enjoy the satisfaction of helping fellow students.

The department will also host social events throughout the semester for students involved in the mentoring program.

Apply to be a Mentor       Apply to be a Mentee

For Mentors: 
• Help a fellow BCHM student
• Impart advice o Academics (i.e. classes, minors, certificates)
        o Research (i.e. lab requirements, trainings, funding opportunities)
        o Career (i.e. internships, research, volunteering, student organizations)
        o Life on campus and outside of school
• Improve your communication and interpersonal skills
• Develop your leadership and organizational skills
• Gain a sense of fulfillment and personal growth
• Enhance your resume with valuable volunteer experience
• Reinforce your subject knowledge and study skills

For Mentees:

• Gain valuable academic and career advice and support from a fellow student
• Improve your communication and networking skills
• Broaden your academic/professional network
• Join a community and make new friends
• Learn how other students transitioned into the BCHM major and life at CU
• Gain additional insights and support beyond those of your faculty and classmates

Mentor-mentee pairings will typically be maintained throughout the academic year (fall and spring terms), with the exception of Spring 2020 which will last only one semester. Participants in the program will attend a 45-minute mentee/mentor expectations session and student mixer at the start of the semester, and are expected to hold face-to-face meetings at least once per semester. Monthly communications are encouraged, including by email, phone or in person. The estimated monthly time commitment for communication between mentors and mentees is 2 hours (roughly 30 minutes per week).

General guidance is provided below to participants on the expected level of commitment. However, we encourage mentors and mentees to be flexible and to share their ideas with each other and with the department. The Undergraduate Program Manager will also collect student feedback throughout each semester.
• Meet in-person at least once a semester to establish contact between mentors and mentees.
• Do not be afraid to reach out to your mentor with questions or concerns throughout the semester. However, please be considerate of your mentor’s time and commitments. Mentors are also taking classes.
• Communication is key. Answer your mentor/mentee emails or phone calls in a timely manner (1-2 days), even to notify them that you will get back to them at length.
• Behave respectfully. For instance, turn your cell phone off during in-person meetings; agree on a method of communication (email, phone, text); agree on mutually convenient meeting times and locations; be flexible should something arise and your mentor needs to cancel or postpone a meeting.
• Don’t hesitate to contact the undergraduate program manager at bchmundergrad@colorado.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

Mentor advice may vary greatly. Below are some general topics mentors and mentees may wish to discuss:
• Academic advice: Advise on class material and issues while upholding standards of academic integrity. Moreover, are there any certificates, minors or options you would recommend?
• Class advice: Advise on the classes students will take, including lessons you learned from having certain faculty for your class (things they prefer or expect of students).
• Research and Career advice: How have you found internships or research opportunities? Would you recommend a lab or a student group?
• The transition from high school/previous school to CU: Whether students have started as first-time freshman or are transferring from another college or university, there are certain things that will be unique or interesting about CU. What have you found that is different about CU, and what can you share about how you have adapted?
• Potential challenges: What did you find challenging as a Biochemistry student at CU? How did you overcome the challenges you have experienced?
• The importance of service: Why do you feel giving back or volunteering is important?
• Helpful advice you have received: Did certain advice help shape your academic career or life?