The group decides for itself when to meet and what format meetings will take. Meetings can be held in person or online, or using both options. Some groups like to meet in cafés, while others prefer to use rooms at their institutions. We are happy to help you book a room.

To help groups find the right approach, a mentoring expert will introduce a number of peer mentoring methodologies in an initial coaching session. Groups can then try out different techniques and choose the one that works best for them.

Peer mentoring groups are made up of tenure-track professors from different disciplines and institutions. Discussions focus on different aspects of being a tenure-track professor, for example dealing with new areas of responsibility and administrative hurdles, preparing for evaluation procedures, and the challenges of being a junior scholar and a professor at the same time. The diverse backgrounds of the group members enable them to think outside the box and also recognize how far certain difficulties relate to their own subject area, institution, or gender. This can be helpful in finding solutions.

There are currently seven peer mentoring groups. Our networking events offer you the chance to join an existing group or set up a new group. Additionally, you can contact our project coordinator and the contact persons at your own institutions at any time, who will all be happy to help you.

Peer mentoring fosters a sense of trust and fellowship. If at any stage you would like to change or leave your group, please inform the other group members of your decision, so that they can then look for a new member. Please contact us if you need further group coaching.

Once you have completed the tenure-track phase, you will have to leave your group. However, the contacts you make can benefit you throughout your career.