We are a peer mentorship program for undergraduate students in physics and astronomy who identify as being part of a marginalized identity in our fields of study. Our goal is to improve our sense of community, support, and belonging in the physics and astronomy department. We hope that Critical MASS provides a space for students to share difficulties, successes, hopes, and worries about their college experience.
Our mentoring "families" are structured so that each group includes a graduate student, 1-2 upper division undergraduates, and up to 3 lower division students. This approach allows each member to connect with peers, to be mentored by more senior students, and to mentor students at earlier stages of their academics. Such mentoring structures have been shown to be beneficial in learning and retention of students in STEM^1.
We're committed to making MIPA Critical MASS a helpful, inclusive, and positive experience for every participant. All participants and mentors therefore agree to the following:
Do not multitask and check your email/phone during a meeting. Please listen actively when someone else is sharing. Ask questions to better understand your fellow participants' contributions, but do not interrupt, be dismissive, or immediately offer unsolicited advice. Be mindful that everyone's undergraduate experience is unique, and respect that other participants' experiences may be different from your own. Listening is primary. Other participants may explicitly ask for suggestions or advice; in that case it is then appropriate to share ideas.
Will mentoring matches be made along similar research interests and/or identities?
We do our best to match students in similar fields, however the matches depend on the availability of our volunteer graduate mentors. Similarly, we do our best to match mentor/mentee groups based on identity, when requested by the student.
How can I give feedback on my mentoring experience?
Feedback surveys will be collected at the end of each quarter. Additionally, any pressing questions or concerns can be addressed to uclamipa@gmail.com.
Can I change mentoring groups if needed?
Yes - each quarterly survey will have an option to ask to be assigned to a new group in the next quarter. If you need a new mentor more urgently for any reason, please email uclamipa@gmail.com, and we will do our best to reassign you.
What is the time commitment for mentoring?
For graduate students: ~1-3 hours per month (optional 1-1 meetings with your upper div students and a mandatory full group meeting)
For upper division students: ~1-2 hours per month, (optional 1-1 meeting with your graduate mentor and a mandatory full group meeting)
For lower division students: ~1 hour per month (mandatory full group meeting)
*These hours are guidelines and flexible based on the particular needs of your mentoring group.