Effective advising and mentoring are a cornerstone of successful graduate education. Advisers are responsible for supporting and overseeing students’ scholarly and professional development. Doing so requires careful listening in order to understand the student’s goals and provide useful and timely feedback and guidance for achieving those goals.
The best advising can also include mentoring, an active process by which faculty advisers establish and foster structured and trusting relationships with graduate students by offering guidance, support, and encouragement aimed at developing their competence and character. Mentors act as advocates and role models for their students and are committed to helping graduate students meet their personal and professional goals.
Review four ways to improve your relationship with your mentor on Graduate Connections.