Foundations of Graduate Mentoring

Attendance at both session dates is required to receive full credit for participation. Offered by the Center for Mentoring in partnership with the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate StudiesThis program introduces graduate faculty to the principles and best practices of mentoring graduate students, one-on–one and within mentoring programs or networks. Topics include: 1. Building student-centered mentoring relationships2. Establishing clear communication, expectations, and goals3. Fostering inclusivity and equity in mentoring4. Focusing on Individual Development Plans (IDP), often required by federal agencies (NSF, NIH)5. Practicing ongoing self-reflection to strengthen mentoring Format & Requirements1. Pre-work: online module + reflective paragraph2. Two one-hour sessions (Sept. 11 & 18)3. Capstone: One-page mentoring plan Connection to Mentoring AcademyThis course covers the first of four competencies of Mentoring Academy: Session One, specifically focusing on graduate mentoring. Completing Foundations of Graduate Mentoring may substitute for Session One in the Mentoring Academy series. By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Identify and describe the value of graduate mentoring. 2. Develop student-centered mentoring practices and relationships 3. Establish effective communication, shared goals, roles, and expectations between mentors and the mentored. 4. Identify the characteristics and value of inclusive mentoring and incorporate them into practice. 5. Use individual development plans as a tool for establishing student goals and progress towards those goals. 6. Initiate and sustain self-reflection to improve mentoring practices. 7. Identify university mentoring policies, procedures, research, and best practices at Pitt and other relevant institutions.