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About the MGA HDR peer mentor program

The MGA HDR Peer Mentor Program connects new Monash PhD and Masters by Research students with experienced PhD mentors to support and guide them during the critical early stages of their research journey. This program aims to help new students not only survive but thrive by providing practical advice, university navigation tips, and encouragement.

Being a mentor is a wonderful opportunity to enhance your leadership and communication skills, form new friendships, and give back to the graduate student community.

For mentees, it is a chance to build your student network and support system, increase self-confidence, develop communication skills, and learn useful tips to find your feet at the beginning of your graduate degree.

 


Update:

As of 2025, we've made the decision to discontinue the MGA Coursework Mentor Program. This mentor program was initially started because Monash faculties were not offering mentor surpport to new students. Over the years, faculties have been introducing similar programs and as a result, the need for the MGA program has decreased significantly. Therefore, we can no longer justify the resources required to run the program.

If you are a coursework student looking for a mentor or mentee, we encourage you to reach out to your faculty directly.

 

What’s special about our mentor program?

Unique: This is the only mentoring program at Monash for graduate students that runs across all faculties.

Flexible: The program is run both online and in person.

Personalised: Mentors and mentees will be grouped by the MGA’s mentor coordinator based on faculty/department/research topic. If this requirement cannot be met, the MGA mentor coordinator will reach out to the participant and potential mentor to assess suitability.

Structured: The program includes orientation sessions to kick off, dedicated touch points between mentor and mentees throughout the program and regular check-ins from the MGA’s mentor coordinator.

Engaged: Mentors will be well-prepared and trained for the program. Students can expect a high level of engagement and mentors can expect to receive excellent leadership skills development.

Guided: You will be in good hands. Mentors will be guided and nurtured by the MGA’s mentor coordinator throughout the program and all mentors are provided with a comprehensive mentor handbook, tailored specifically to HDRs students. 

Mentor program for HDR students

This program is designed specifically for graduate research students and aims to foster:

  • interdisciplinary knowledge-sharing;
  • expansion of HDR social circles;
  • peer guidance on HDR-related issues such as how to approach milestones, effective communication with supervisors and useful tips for surviving your Masters by Research or PhD.

Key information:

Rolling intake: Mentor-mentee pairs are matched on a rolling basis throughout the year rather than a fixed program start date.

Commitment: Each mentoring relationships runs for 12 weeks, with meetings every two weeks for 45-60 minutes, online or in-person.

Social mentor option: In cases where a faculty-specific mentor is unavailable, mentees may be paired with a social mentor from another faculty. Social mentors provide guidance on campus life, university programs, and support services, helping mentees settle in even without detailed faculty knowledge.

Mentoring agreement: Participants in this program are required to follow the guidelines outlined in the MGA Mentoring Agreement.

🌱 Get an HDR mentor

If you are a new student who would like to join the program as a mentee, you must register through the mentee registration form. You must be a new Monash HDR student within your first 6 months of candidature and have not yet completed confirmation.

Graduate students based overseas or off-campus are encouraged to apply, as the program is available online.

Apply via the online registration form below. An MGA staff member will contact you once a suitable mentor match is found.

GET AN HDR MENTOR

 

🌳 Become an HDR mentor

Students who would like to join the program as a mentor must register through the mentor registration form. You must be a currently enrolled Monash PhD student who have passed your first milestone (post-confirmation) and can commit to supporting mentees.

Apply via the online registration form below. Once you've submitted your application, you will be contacted for a brief phone or Zoom discussion.

BECOME AN HDR MENTOR

 


Questions?

For questions or more information, please contact the MGA Mentor Program Coordinator Lisa Falla (lisa.falla@monash.edu).

Testimonials from the MGA HDR Peer Mentor Program

 

I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a HDR PhD mentor in the MGA 12 week mentoring program. It was very rewarding to be able to teach early PhD students all the things I wish I knew when I started my PhD. It also allowed me to practice my leadership/mentoring skills and reflect on the things that have worked in my PhD, as well as build a lovely relationship with my mentees.

— HDR mentor

The program helped to develop my leadership skills. Additionally, my network has grown. The biggest benefit of the program was to hear the feedback from my mentees. They were always grateful for my work which was a really good feeling. Once when we caught up with one of my mentees, the mentee introduced me to her colleague. She was so proud and told to the colleague: “She is my mentor”. The colleague asked back: “Wow you have a mentor?” It was really heart warming, I felt super proud.

— HDR mentor

This program offered inspiration to follow my dream to successfully complete my PhD. I also benefited from the organisational tips, suggestions to develop successful relationships with supervisors, and the support, kindness and empathy offered by my mentor. I have created some new friends through the process! Thank you for this opportunity.

— HDR mentee

The MGA team

Got a question or request about anything at all? Get in contact with one of our staff members – we’d love to hear from you. Alternatively, drop by the MGA office at Clayton or Caulfield so we can help!

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Work for the MGA

The MGA employs Monash graduate students to fill the receptionist roles at the Clayton and Caulfield offices. When a vacancy arises we advertise the position through our email newsletter and on our website.

The Monash Graduate Association (MGA) is the representative body for all graduate research and coursework students enrolled at Monash University. So, what sets us apart from the University services? The MGA is an independent, not-for-profit association governed by graduate students, for graduate students. Our primary aim is to be there for you! If you can’t find what you are looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

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