What is DIPS? 

The DIPS (Diversity in Psychology Support) program is a new initiative in 2022-2023 led by graduate students from the Psychology, Institute of Child Development, and Educational Psychology departments. 

Our project addresses a critical need for first-year PhD student mentorship by pairing first-year students in psychology, particularly those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, with experienced students within their program. We seek to pair mentees and mentors who have shared personal and professional experiences.

The goal is to increase a sense of belongingness and self-efficacy, and reduce imposter syndrome for incoming cohorts by pairing individuals with a more senior student who can provide support, answer questions, and encourage the mentee in their degree progress during the first year. Ideally, these mentorship relationships would last beyond the first year. These goals support our long-term objective of retention of students in graduate school, especially those from traditionally disinvested groups. 

These pairings are funded to meet in-person at least once per semester, and mentors will be available for at least a Zoom chat/call once per month. To facilitate better connection across the departments, we will hold a collective social gathering once a semester (e.g., meeting at a coffee shop/brewery) for all mentors and mentees. We will also have an online group forum (e.g., Slack) where mentors and mentees can chat and connect.