The Office of Graduate and Professional Education's Graduate StUDent Connect Program is designed to help new graduate students successfully transition into graduate studies at UD, connect them with other graduate students at UD, and foster a greater sense of community among graduate students on campus. The Connect Program employs a "cluster model" which places students into small cluster groups led by a returning graduate student, called a Graduate Ambassador.
Graduate Ambassadors serve as a resource to support any needs and concerns that arise among the new students within their cluster during the transition period. Ambassadors also provide guidance to students in the cluster group as needed, as well as plan and take part in social networking activities for the group periodically throughout the semester, sponsored by the Graduate Office.
Graduate Ambassadors complete mentoring training that includes: serving as mentors and peer-advisors to new students; facilitating connections between new and returning graduate students; promoting university services and departmental activities; and reflecting on their experiences as mentors.
