GRAD Peer Supporters
Recognizing the unique pressures faced by graduate students, the Graduate Leadership Institute (GLI) (opens in new window) and Student Integrated Health and Wellbeing (SHaW) are launching an innovative pilot program designed to bolster mental health and create a supportive community for graduate students.
This initiative brings together the strengths of student leaders and well-being experts to create a new opportunity for mental health support and peer connection at TMU.
We’re looking for graduate students to volunteer as GRAD Peer Supporters! Selected graduate student champions will receive training in October and November, prior to the start of the Peer Support sessions.
Join us in shaping a supportive, inclusive, and empowered graduate community. Your journey to better well-being and leadership starts here! Please see program details below.
Sessions are eligible for the Future Smart (opens in new window) program.
- Leadership Development: Participants will enhance essential leadership skills, such as active listening and empathy.
- Experience and Growth: Graduate student champions will gain invaluable experience in group facilitation and mental health advocacy.
- Community and Connection: Increase your social network and foster a deeper sense of belonging within the graduate community.
- Well-Being Strategies: Learn effective techniques for managing stress and balancing your responsibilities.
- Supportive Network: Contribute to a more resilient and supportive graduate student community.
Our collaborative pilot program pairs GLI’s leadership expertise with SHaW’s wellness resources to offer a dynamic peer support experience. Graduate student champions will lead support groups that serve as safe havens for students to share experiences, build connections, and navigate academic and personal challenges. Unlike counseling or therapy, these groups focus on community-building and mutual support.
The pilot program will kick off in the 2024-25 academic year with two groups, each consisting of 4 graduate student champions leading monthly support sessions (November, January, February, March). These semi-structured meetings will cover various topics relevant to graduate life, including stress management and self-care. Participation in these sessions is not only a step toward personal growth but also earns Future Smart credit, with 1 credit awarded for attending at least 2 sessions. Additionally, student champions will receive a certificate of achievement upon completion.
Selected graduate student champions will be required to participate in 4 virtual training sessions on Oct 3rd, 17th, 31st and Nov 14th (from 2-4pm, 8 total training hours). For those champions unable to attend due to class, the sessions will be recorded so champions are required to watch recording afterwards and confirm completion. Training to include topics such as core values, story-telling, group facilitation skills and psychological safety.
Complete the (google form) Student Champion application form (external link) by Sept. 30, 2024 or (google form) sign up to participate (external link) in a graduate student run peer group!
- Sept 2024: GLI will recruit and select 8 graduate student champions. Deadline to apply Sep 30th.
- Oct - Nov 2024: SHaW will train the selected champions on Oct 3rd, 17th, 31st and Nov 14th (from 2-4pm)
- Nov 2024, Jan, Feb, Mar 2025: Peer support sessions
