Support Groups

Graduate Support facilitates Support Groups for students, including writers of theses or dissertations. Each group is peer-based, meaning that the group itself sets the schedule and the ground rules for participation. All groups are facilitated by a graduate consultant who guides discussion and offers structured feedback and accountability. Groups can be comprised of interdisciplinary participants or can be specific to programs or fellowships. The most effective groups consist of several participants and the facilitator. Each group will have goals specific to their participants. We encourage  groups to decide a meeting space, which can be online via Zoom or a physical meeting in the common room or conference room of Graduate Support.  Typically our groups meet once a week at times set by the participants.

We are also planning Support Open Forums for graduate students via Zoom on the First Friday of each Month.  To sign up for the Open Forums please register here: Open Forums for Spring 24

Types of Writing Groups

  • Check-in Group: Check-in writing groups are designed to create a mutually supportive peer-to-peer environment where students can share their progress, obstacles, and strategies for success while holding themselves accountable to one another. Check-in groups often meet once a week for between 30 minutes to one hour. Check-in groups provide support and guidance during a time that can be isolating and stressful.
  • Review Group: Review groups usually require more dedication and commitment due to the added responsibility of sharing individual work and providing feedback on others’ work. Review groups are effective in helping you maintain a writing schedule, motivate you to complete the thesis or dissertation, and hone your writing and feedback skills. The facilitator will help group members establish a review schedule, set up ground rules for feedback, and ensure all members’ goals and needs are met.
  • Cohort Program Group: Cohort programs are collaborations between Graduate Support and other organizations on campus.  They are designed to support applicants for specific scholarships, fellowships, and grants.  Currently we host a Fulbright Program over the Summer, a Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Program in late Summer through Fall, and can run other programs as necessary.
  • Special Interest Group:   These groups are built around student needs.  In the past, we have had a graduate teaching group, a women's support groups, as well as others. We are happy to provide a consultant to facilitate for your group's needs. Contact us via email to set up a group!

Getting Started

If you are interested in joining a support group, or if you or your student organization would like us to manage a group for you, please email us at ctlgs@unm.edu.