AstroPAL

WHAT IS ASTROPAL?
The Astronomy Peer Advising Leaders program (AstroPAL) provides guidance for incoming grad students from a team of student volunteers who have passed their 2nd year Qualifier Exam. The purpose is to pair first years with a mentor who can help them through some of the stresses or difficulties that come with being a new grad student. AstroPALs and mentees will meet privately about once a month in a casual setting to talk about how they're adjusting to the new surroundings, how they're handling the workload, etc. Think of it as a venting session with someone who's been there!

AstroPAL was founded in 2014 by Nicole Cabrera.

HOW DO I JOIN?
New students can join AstroPAL at any time during their first two years, and can stop receiving guidance once they feel comfortable in the program. Mentees will be assigned an AstroPAL based on preference and availability, and an AstroPAL Liason will always be in place to facilitate mentor reassignments or other issues if necessary.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER QUALS?
We believe in paying it forward. After passing the 2nd year Qualifier Exam, mentees will be eligible to serve as mentors to incoming students.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN ASTROPAL?
We want to make sure that every new student has the best mentoring experience possible. Although AstroPALs serve on a volunteer basis, they receive professional training at least once a year from GSU Student Affairs. AstroPALs will also meet regularly to discuss how they can better serve their mentees. The AstroPAL mentoring experience will help prepare those students for future advising roles in ways many research professors never experience.