Launched in 2022 by the Office of the Provost - Graduate Studies in collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs, Graduate Global Ties (GGT) is a peer mentoring program for incoming international graduate and professional students.
GGT actively seeks to welcome new international graduate and professional students into Pitt’s campus community, support them as they adjust to Pittsburgh and their academic journey, and foster a sense of belonging, encouragement, and care.
Graduate Global Ties aims to provide holistic support through continuous learning and engagement with students. Throughout the academic year, program participants are invited to social, cultural, and educational programs that are meant to deepen their sense of belonging at Pitt and beyond.
Incoming Students
Incoming international graduate and professional students will have received an invitation by email from the Graduate Global Ties team. For the 2025-2026 academic year, applications to participate and be paired with a peer mentor are due July 25, 2025. If you have not received an invitation email and believe you are eligible, please contact the Graduate Studies team at GradGlobalTies@pitt.edu.
Become a Peer Mentor
GGT mentors are returning graduate and professional (domestic and international) students who are interested in serving the Pitt community. Mentors play an important role in supporting students by offering encouragement, helping students to make connections, and answering important questions. Each mentor is paired with at least one mentee for the academic year based on similar academic interests and backgrounds.
Mentor Requirements: GGT mentors should be a current enrolled graduate or professional student at the University of Pittsburgh. Peer mentors are expected to:
- Commit to the program for one academic year;
- Complete two hours of training over the summer (synchronous or asynchronous). The training will cover common challenges and needs faced by international students, University and community resources, intercultural communication, and cultural humility;
- Connect with mentees before the fall term begins and at least once a month during the academic year;
- Attend at least two social events sponsored by the GGT team during the academic year; and
- Maintain communication with the GGT coordinator.
The time commitment is approximately one to two hours a month during the academic year.
Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are due July 25, 2025.
Questions? Contact the Graduate Global Ties team at GradGlobalTies@pitt.edu.
Graduate Global Ties Team
Dr. Alydia Thomas
Dr. Alydia Thomas supports the recruitment, academic success, retention, and well-being of graduate students. Alydia currently serves as the director of the Graduate Global Ties peer mentoring program. In her career, Alydia has created several mentoring programs and other initiatives fostering belonging that benefit underrepresented students.
Carolina Garcia-Dominguez
Carolina Garcia-Dominguez is a second-year doctoral student in the Education Policy program at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education.
She is the Graduate Student Assistant on the Graduate Studies team in the Office of the Provost and serves as the main contact for the Graduate Global Ties program, where she supports both domestic and international graduate students at Pitt.
Carolina is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive graduate community and has served on the boards of several student organizations, including the Latin American Graduate Organization of Students (LAGOS), the International Students Peer Network (ISPN), and the Council of Graduate Students in Education (CGSE).
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Carolina brings her passion for global education to her work with graduate students. She enjoys swimming, discovering Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods, and making the most of the city’s snowy winters.
Contact Us
The Graduate Global Ties team can be reached at GradGlobalTies@pitt.edu.