Peer Navigator Program

As an incoming WSE master’s student, you can join the WSE Master’s Peer Navigator Program and connect with current students in your department who are here to help you transition to graduate school and to life in Baltimore.

The program provides each new student with access to a group of Peer Navigators—experienced WSE master’s students—who can share guidance, resources, and encouragement as you begin your graduate journey.

Each department has a dedicated Microsoft Teams channel where you can meet your Navigators, view their short profiles and photos, and reach out directly to ask questions or seek advice. You can connect with the entire group or contact individual Navigators you feel a connection with.

The role of peer navigators is to provide support, encouragement, and information. Peer navigators serve as graduate student life guides on work-life balance, adjusting to life in Baltimore, advisor/advisee relationships, and more!

• Familiarize yourself with campus and local resources that are useful in the transition to graduate school.  You will be a resource to your mentees prior to and upon their arrival to campus.  i.e. Off campus housing resources, getting connected to on campus health care, local amenities such as grocery stores, hair salons/barbers, restaurants, outdoor opportunities, time management, etc.
• Introduce yourself and offer connection as soon as mentees are added to the teams channel. Student affairs staff will keep in contact with your navigator group to ensure that you are aware when students are added.
• Attend Peer Navigator planned events offered during your mentees first semester with JHU. Student Affairs will plan 2 events in the first semester of the mentees’ program to offer opportunities to engage with your mentees and with other navigators. If you are unable to attend the events due to an academic or work related conflict you will need to inform the peer navigator advisor (Assistant Dean for Engineering Student Affairs), Student Affairs will be able to provide a small budget per mentee/navigator to supplement the cost of engagement.
  • i.e. Coffee hour, lunch, or visit to local attractions, neighborhoods, etc.
• Have fun! Mentorship is an exciting opportunity to share the knowledge and experience that you have gained in your time as a graduate student.  Enjoy the community and relationship building aspect of the program.