INFORMATION FOR
LGBTEA+ Mentorship program (LGBTEA+) is a queer-centered approach for peer mentorship.
The goal of the program is to connect students who identify within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum with diverse WP faculty, staff, graduate alumni, and upper-class students. Within this program, each mentee will have multiple mentors that support the student's holistic development in terms of self-exploration (sexual orientation, gender identity, race/ethnicity), personal goals and professional interests.
The program offers social events and off-campus trips; Courageous Conversations on social justice and human rights concernsand end of semester celebrations. The program is made possible through funding from Campus Pride Mini Grant which supports Campus Pride's mission to build future leaders and create safer, more inclusive communities. The mini-grant proposal was submitted by Nathan Reilly '22, CDI Student Ambassador/Peer Health Advocate and Nuu Grenier '22, Graduate Assistant Center for Diversity & Inclusion/Women's Center.
LBGTea+ is a queer mentorship program for students who identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum and want to network with queer and ally mentors who are staff, faculty, or upper-class/graduate students. Mentees meet up with mentors one-on-one in a casual setting, such as over coffee or tea, where they ask for advice or have a general conversation with their mentor. Students will not be assigned one specific mentor; instead, they will be connected with mentors that support their personal, career, and self-exploration goals to receive advice and feedback. This reflects our students’ and mentors’ intersectional identities, as no two individuals' lived experiences will be the same.
To be a part of the program, mentees will be required to attend at least three individual meetings with three different mentors throughout a semester. This is the only minimum requirement for participation in the LGBTea+ Mentorship program. However, mentees are encouraged to meet with any mentor at any time for professional and academic advice. This allows mentees to get to know different mentors in the program but also encourages mentees to seek out and continue relationships with mentors.
Mentors believe it is important for queer students to see professionals just like them in the workforce, as it’s crucial for queer students to know they have a future.
All of our mentors attend leadership and sensitivity training for their mentorship position including the William Paterson University Safe Zone Program and the LGBTQ+ Career Readiness Series, where they then share strategies and tips in a personalized way to their mentees, further creating a supportive mentor-mentee relationship.
Complete the LGBTEA+ Application Form.
Check out Pioneer Life event calendar for upcoming interest meetings and activities!
For more information on how to sign-up to become a mentor or mentee please email: diversity-inclusion@wpunj.edu
