The BioPals Program was recently created to increase connectedness among biology graduate students by matching incoming first-years with more senior graduate students (“Pals”). First-years and their Pals will meet at least once a month, and have the opportunity to meet others who are a part of the program during larger events.
For first-year students, BioPals is intended to expand your peer network. For older graduate students, it is an opportunity to welcome new students to the department and serve in a mentoring role. The BioPals Program is entirely organized and run by graduate students, with the enthusiastic endorsement of the graduate committee.
What will be expected of me if I participate in BioPals?
We expect that all participants:
- Meet with their Pal once a month for a conversation of substance
- Attend one to two large group gatherings with all BioPals participants per semester
- Fill out anonymous middle- and end-of-semester surveys about their experience in the BioPals project
We encourage participants to build multiple relationships during the program, and hope these relationships will extend beyond the first year.
Will I have the same Pal the entire time?
First-year students will automatically be matched with a new Pal each semester. However, they can remain with the same Pal for an entire academic year upon request.
What is the timeline?
*Note: Socials will be held virtually until further notice
Fall
Early August: Applications open
Early August: First-year and Pal matching starts and continues through the fall on rolling basis
Mid-August: Pre-semester summer social
Early September: Fall kickoff event!
Mid-October: Halloween movie night
Mid-November: Coffee break social
Early December: End-of-semester social
Spring
Late December: Applications open
Early January–February: First-years and Pals are matched
Late January: Spring kickoff event!
Late February: Virtual Social
Mid-March: Coffee break social
Late April: Virtual Social
Mid-May: End-of-Semester social
What is the kickoff event?
The kickoff event is an important opportunity to meet the BioPals community and expand your peer network. The event includes structured activities to get participants into the spirit of asking questions, listening, being heard, and reflecting.
Do I have to participate the entire year?
No. Students may participate in the program during Fall and/or Spring semesters if they choose. However, we do ask that they commit to the program for an entire semester.
What do Pals talk about?
That is up to you! We ask that Pals create an atmosphere wherein:
- First-year students can obtain information about the Biology Graduate Program pertinent to their first year and beyond — selecting courses, navigating the graduate course load and expectations, choosing a lab, building relationships in the department, etc.
- Pals can contextualize their own experiences while also acknowledging the multiplicity of experiences represented in the program.
Is BioPals a peer support system?
Not quite. Pals are not trained in peer support. The peer support group within the Biology Graduate Program is
the BioREFS. Biology students are also welcome to reach out to members of the
Biology Graduate Committee.
The following resources may also be helpful for those living and working at MIT:
How do I sign up?
Applications to sign-up for the program for the upcoming semester are opened a few weeks before the start of the semester. While the initial pairings are made in the lead-up to the kickoff events for each semester, applications remain open and are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the semester for first-year students and Pals to sign-up. First-years are also welcome to request additional Pals at any point during the semester by contacting
biopals@mit.edu.
Sign-up form for first-years
Sign-up form for Pals
Who can I contact with questions?
Please email
biopals@mit.edu with questions, comments, or concerns.
