Networking Mentor Circles Program

Background and Purpose

The SEAS Networking Mentor Circles Program was developed through SEAS Leads 1.0 (2014-2015), when participants, known as Team Gator, researched mentoring circle models at other institutions, conducted focus groups within SEAS staff, and outlined the framework for a Mentoring Circle Program (MCP) at SEAS. The program was piloted as part of SEAS Leads 2.0 (2016-2017), with members of Team Gator serving as facilitators for SEAS Leads participants. As a result of this successful pilot, the SEAS Networking Mentor Circles Program has become an annual offering at SEAS.

Through facilitated, peer-to-peer mentorship circles, the program builds developmental networks that connect SEAS staff across roles and career stages, creating a collaborative space to share experiences, navigate challenges, and support ongoing learning and professional growth. 

Format and Logistics

The mentoring circle brings together a small group of SEAS staff colleagues who meet regularly throughout the academic year. Research conducted by Team Gator found that traditional one-on-one mentoring relationships can be limited by mismatched goals, interests, or personalities. By participating in a mentoring circle, participants can mitigate these challenges by creating a shared, collaborative environment where peer mentoring occurs naturally among all participants. 

The SEAS Networking Mentor Circles include four to eight participants (learning partners) and two facilitators (who are also learning partners). This year's mentoring circles will meet once per month from February to July, for a total of six meetings. Each meeting will be approximately 60 minutes and will roughly follow this format: 25 minutes focused on a specific topic or activity, 25 minutes of open discussion, and 10 minutes of recap and planning for the next meeting. Typically, the topic of the first meeting will be determined by the circle's facilitators and subsequent meeting topics are determined by all participants in the circle. 

Expectations for Learning Partners

Mentoring circles are most successful when there is active participation from all circle participants. As a learning partner, participants are expected to take responsibility for setting goals, preparing for group discussions, making suggestions, posing questions, providing feedback to others, and sharing ideas and experiences within their circle. In addition, participants are expected to make attendance at all circle meetings a priority. 

Role of Facilitators

In addition to acting as learning partners, facilitators support the circle’s discussions and activities, encouraging all participants to share their experiences and perspectives as appropriate. Facilitators are responsible for clarifying expectations, fostering group conversations, and encouraging productive discussion. Additionally, facilitators typically support scheduling and other meeting logistics for the group. 

Confidentiality and Trust

Circle members will determine the level of confidentiality that should be adhered to regarding circle discussions and activities, including how they will establish trust, and norms and standards for the group. It is important for mentor circles to create a climate of trust to support productive conversations.

Application and Selection Processes

If you are interested in participating in the program, please complete this short survey by January 26, 2026. Please note that your supervisor should be supportive of your participation in the program. Additionally, if you have participated in previous years as a learning partner, we encourage you to participate again this year as a facilitator. 

All survey responses will be reviewed and participants will be grouped into circles based on learning goals and topics of interest. Those not selected for this year will be given priority status for next year. If you have any questions, please contact Rowen Gray at rgray@seas.harvard.edu. 

Testimonials from Past Participants

“The SEAS Networking Mentor Circles Program was a great way to feel more connected with my colleagues at SEAS and meet people I don't typically interact with in the course of my work. The group was excellent at helping to problem solve and answer questions.”

“This program not only helps you get to learn the tactics that others use to thrive here at SEAS, but also it helps teach you about what truly is important to you and your own personal ambitions.”“I really enjoyed this experience! I felt like I broadened my support network at SEAS and received helpful feedback on career challenges and opportunities from both the mentors and colleagues in the cohort.“

“This was a great way to connect with a new set of colleagues outside of your own team which is a great asset as we return to more days in the office. I now have new colleagues I can ask questions from, say hi in the hallways or at SEAS events and that I consider trusted individuals based on our conversations throughout the program. I believe that both mentors and mentees gain this benefit from the program.”