Doctoral Peer Mentorship Program

About the program

The Doctoral Peer Mentorship Program, developed by Concordia’s School of Graduate Studies, supports new PhD students in building confidence, connection, and a strong start to their doctoral journey.

Through mentorship circles, one-on-one check-ins, and community events, experienced PhD mentors guide incoming students as they navigate expectations and find their place in the Concordia research community.

For mentees: build confidence and connection

Starting a PhD can feel both exciting and overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

As a mentee, you’ll connect with other new doctoral students and a senior PhD mentor who understands what the early stages are really like.

You’ll have the chance to:

Join a mentorship circle with peers from same discipline

Take part in regular group discussions and one-on-one check-ins and community events

Learn strategies for managing your time, communicating with your supervisor, and maintaining balance

Discover key campus resources and supports

Build lasting connections that make your PhD experience more rewarding

Stay informed and be among the first to join

For mentors: lead with purpose and make an impact

Are you a PhD student who has completed your comprehensive exams and wants to give back to the Concordia community?

Join us as a Doctoral Peer Mentor and help guide new doctoral students through their first year.

As a mentor, you will:

Lead mentorship circles and host discussions throughout the year
Offer one-on-one guidance and connect mentees with helpful resources
Receive training on inclusive mentorship and effective facilitation
Gain valuable experience that supports future roles in teaching, supervision or leadership

Mentorship is more than support — it’s an opportunity to shape the next generation of scholars while continuing to grow as a leader.

Applications for mentors are closed, but you can join the waitlist for the 2026 cohort.

For faculty and staff: encourage your students to get involved

Faculty and staff play a key role in helping graduate students build a sense of belonging and success at Concordia. You can help strengthen our doctoral community by encouraging your students to take part in this initiative.

If you work with new PhD students, invite them to join the program as mentees so they can connect with peers, learn from experienced mentors, and find the support they need early in their studies.

If you know experienced doctoral candidates who are community-minded and interested in leadership, encourage them to apply to become mentors. Their involvement helps create a more connected and supportive academic environment for all.