The original concept of GUIDE was born through the Peer Networking Program in 2005-2006. The Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) solicited interest and participation from current graduate students to serve as mentors for the entering class of new graduate student. These network groups provided support and community for both incoming and continuing graduate students.

During the summer of 2007, a series of focus groups was conducted to better gauge the needs of the students. After reviewing the results of the focus groups and establishing a Strategic Action Committee, the PNP was reborn as GUIDE, Graduates United in the Interests of Diversity and Excellence.

As part of this transition, a number of new measures were taken. The name GUIDE was carefully chosen to better represent the ideals the program. The Strategic Action Committee decided to continue serving as a steering committee, meeting once each quarter to provide necessary adjustments to the program. Through these meetings, GUIDE will be able to adjust its programming and other support services to meet the changing needs of its membership. Additionally, continuing graduate are now serving more effectively as Peer Advocates for incoming graduate students from the same department. Because GUIDE is fundamentally student-centric and student-driven, UCSD graduate students are sure to benefit from their participation.