Teaching and Mentoring

Mentoring

Mentoring philosophy

Mentoring requires partnership between the mentor and mentee. An effective mentoring relationship requires clear expectations and effective communication. Mentoring should support development of academic, professional, and personal skills needed to achieve the short- and long-term goals of the mentee.

Expectations for graduate mentees

• Take responsibility for understanding course/credit requirements and deadlines related to your degree.

• With support, formulate research, professional development, and career goals with specific timelines to support your progress in the program.

• Communicate regularly about your progress and needs.

• Come prepared for meetings; be able to summarize recent progress, ask questions, and discuss next steps.

• Ask for help/attempt to resolve issues as they arise.

• Be open to constructive feedback.

• Seek out/take advantage of opportunities and resources for learning, networking, funding, and professional/personal development.

What graduate mentees can expect from me

• Establish regular meetings to discuss progress.

• Assistance in learning skills and subject area knowledge for research.

• Timely and constructive feedback.

• Facilitation of goal setting and follow through, including communication around mentee’s research, advising, and other needs related to success in the program and beyond.

• Support in navigating professional development, career exploration, job applications, speaking opportunities, and funding opportunities.

• Discussions around explicit and implicit expectations of academia.

• Conversations about your well-being, including discussing proactive steps to foster mental health and work-life balance.