What is DIPS? 

The DIPS (Diversity in Psychology Support) program is an initiative founded and run by graduate students from the Psychology, Institute of Child Development, and Educational Psychology departments. 

Our project addresses a critical need for early-stage PhD student mentorship by pairing first- and second-year students in psychology, including those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, with experienced students within their program. We seek to match mentees and mentors who share personal and professional experiences, with priority given to first-year students.

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 relationships will last beyond the first year. These goals support our long-term objective of retention of students in graduate school, centering on the experiences of 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 connections 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. 

While this mentorship program is open to all incoming first- and second-year psychology PhD students, we especially hope that DIPS participation will benefit emerging scholars from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

How do I apply? 

Applications for the 2024–2025 academic year are now closed.

Mentor applications for the 2025–2026 academic year will open on August 11, 2025, and mentee applications will open on August 25, 2025. All applications will close on September 15, 2025.

Apply to be a mentor here! 

Apply to be a mentee here!