Peer mentor group: students sitting outdoor at a table.

Community Advocates Peer Mentor Groups

Starting your graduate journey is both exciting and challenging. Do you ever wonder if what you're experiencing is “normal” stress? Or if you have what it takes to succeed? If you’ve been asking yourself these questions, we’re here to help. 

Join a group of peers who are navigating similar challenges. Together, you can share experiences, find solutions and build meaningful connections. Each group is led by a team of peer mentors from the Community Advocates program — graduate students who’ve been exactly where you are and are ready to guide you through these early steps. 

Here’s what you’ll gain by joining one of our peer mentor groups: 

  • Insights on balancing coursework, research, and personal life 
  • A supportive network within the ASU graduate community 
  • Practical advice on managing stress and expectations 

Explore the options and get started by signing up for the group that fits you best.

2025-2026 groups


Group 1: Your Grad-ual Gateway

Experience with: people who were working before returning to academia. 

Tagline: From workplace to grad space

Type: Hybrid (mix of in-person and virtual)


Group 2: Cap, Gown, and Grit

Experience with: working professionals, parents, online students, and adults returning to higher education.

Tagline: Thriving in school, work, and life

Type: Virtual


Group 3: Operation: Graduate Ascent

Experience with: veteran and military community, with a focus on community engagement, resilience, leadership, and academic success. 

Tagline: Leading with service, rising with strength

Type: Virtual


Group 4: First to Rise

Experience with: first generation, international students, and under represented groups.

Tagline: Starting strong, climbing higher

Type: Virtual


Group 5: Open Arms Collective

Experience with: working professionals, parents, online students, adults returning to education, lavender communities, and recovering individuals

Tagline: Celebrating authenticity, building belonging

Type: Hybrid (mix of in-person and virtual)


Group 6: In Full Bloom

Experience with: supporting women in graduate school by fostering identity, belonging, leadership, reflection, and career growth through interactive activities and curated resources.

Tagline: Where brilliance meets belonging

Type: Hybrid (mix of in-person and virtual)


Group 7: Rainbow Grads

Experience with: lavender communities 

Tagline: Cultivating community and connection across the spectrum.

Type: Hybrid (mix of in-person and virtual)


Group 8: PhD Pathfinders

Experience with: students in the humanities/social sciences

Tagline: Helping new scholars navigate their journey

Type: Virtual


Group 9: For the Culture

Experience with: first-year graduate students from diverse cultures. For those who can do both in-person and virtual meeting. 

Tagline: Building lasting connections across different cultures

Type: Hybrid (mix of in-person and virtual)


Group 10: Neurodiversity Network

Experience with: neurodivergent first-year graduate students.

Tagline: Linking neurodivergent scholars for support and success.

Type: In-person


Group 11: Parenting while PhDing (and Mastering!)

Experience with: working professionals, parents, in-person and adults returning to higher education.

Tagline: Cultivating community and practicing balance for those who care for others. Because graduate school isn't all we do…

Type: Hybrid (mix of in-person and virtual)


Group 12: Home Away From Home

Experience with: New international students and out-of-state students who are transitioning to life at ASU.

Tagline: Your second home at ASU

Type: Hybrid (mix of in-person and virtual)

Get started

All students are welcome to sign up for any group listed above. Your peer mentors will reach out to welcome you soon after.