Overview of Program

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences PEERS program consists of a five-module curriculum, which is outlined below. The organizational structure of Grad School PEERS consists of a graduate student wellness advisor (WA) and a licensed social worker who co-lead bi-monthly modules for a group of first-year students. Graduate students have the opportunity to serve as a WA after completing the first year of PEERS. PhD WAs are assigned to co-lead modules for first year PhD students, and masters students are assigned to co-lead modules for first year masters students. Each WA and social worker pair is assigned a group of about 12-15 first-year students, and this group assignment remains the same for the whole academic year. Wellness advisors and social workers that co-lead modules are encouraged to meet prior to each module to discuss how to most effectively lead the session together. PEERS is currently being offered to all first-year MSBS, MSBDS, MSGC, and PhD students as well as PREP students at ISMMS. In addition to the outlined curriculum, PEERS also supports “drop-in” hours supported by a social worker and student WA, and hosts an end-of-year community event for all first-year graduate students.

Organizational Structure

Graduate School PEERS Curriculum

Module 1 – Intro to PEERS: On Connecting with Our Mission and Each Other

Module 2 – Navigating Transitions: Making the Most of Change

Module 3 – Toxic Academia: Dispelling a Culture of Exceptionalism

Module 4 – Theory in Practice: Tackling Cognitive Distortions

Module 5 – Signature Strengths: Knowing Our Strengths and Owning Our Narratives