![\"Large](\"https:\/\/biology.mit.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/BioPals_KickOff-300x127.jpg\")
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The BioPals Program was recently created to increase connectedness among biology graduate students by matching incoming first-years with more senior graduate students (\u201cPals\u201d). First-years and their Pals will meet at least once a month, and have the opportunity to meet others who are a part of the program during larger events.<\/p>\n
For first-year students, BioPals is intended to expand your peer network. For older graduate students, it is an opportunity to welcome new students to the department and serve in a mentoring role. The BioPals Program is entirely organized and run by graduate students, with the enthusiastic endorsement of the graduate committee.<\/p>\n
We encourage participants to build multiple relationships during the program, and hope these relationships will extend beyond the first year. \t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
*Note: <\/b><\/i><\/b>Socials will be held virtually until further notice<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t The kickoff event is an important opportunity to meet the BioPals community and expand your peer network. The event includes structured activities to get participants into the spirit of asking questions, listening, being heard, and reflecting.\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t The following resources may also be helpful for those living and working at MIT:<\/p>\n \t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFall<\/b><\/div>\nEarly August:<\/em> Applications open
\nEarly August:<\/em> First-year and Pal matching starts and continues through the fall on rolling basis
\nMid-August:<\/em> Pre-semester summer social
\nEarly September:<\/em> Fall kickoff event!
\nMid-October:<\/em> Halloween movie night
\nMid-November:<\/em> Coffee break social
\nEarly December:<\/em> End-of-semester social<\/div>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\nSpring<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n\nLate December:<\/em> Applications open
\nEarly January\u2013February:<\/em> First-years and Pals are matched
\nLate January:<\/em> Spring kickoff event!<\/div>\nLate February<\/em>: Virtual Social
\nMid-March<\/em>: Coffee break social
\nLate April:<\/em> Virtual Social<\/div>\nMid-May: <\/em>End-of-Semester social<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\tWhat is the kickoff event?\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\tDo I have to participate the entire year?\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tNo. Students may participate in the program during Fall and\/or Spring semesters if they choose. However, we do ask that they commit to the program for an entire semester.\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWhat do Pals talk about?\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tThat is up to you! We ask that Pals create an atmosphere wherein:<\/p>\n\n
\n\t\t\t\tIs BioPals a peer support system?\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tNot quite. Pals are not trained in peer support. The peer support group within the Biology Graduate Program is the BioREFS<\/a>. Biology students are also welcome to reach out to members of the Biology Graduate Committee<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n\n
\n\t\t\t\tHow do I sign up?\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tApplications to sign-up for the program for the upcoming semester are opened a few weeks before the start of the semester. While the initial pairings are made in the lead-up to the kickoff events for each semester, applications remain open and are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the semester for first-year students and Pals to sign-up. First-years are also welcome to request additional Pals at any point during the semester by contacting biopals@mit.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n