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Mentoring Corner

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The Biology department recognizes that quality mentoring is critical to the development of young scientists, the vibrancy of our community and a key element to doing science at the highest level. We consider mentoring integral to successful learning and discovery from the undergraduate to most senior faculty level. Quality mentoring is a core value of the department and one that is taken seriously at all levels.

Collegial contact guidelines for professional interactions:

  • Short Form
  • Extended Form

    • Resources for Mentors:

  • “Ten simple rules for developing a mentor-mentee expectations document,” PLOS Computational Biology
  • Lab Contract Template
  • Online Resources for Effective Communication In Mentoring Relationships
  • Draft Policy for Evaluating Mentoring at Promotion
  • BBSP Mentor Training Workshops
  • IDP Example
  • Center for Faculty Excellence – workshops and one-on-one consultations
  • Safe Zone Training
  • Mental Health First Aid Training
  • Mentoring During COVID-19

    • Resources for Mentees:

  • Aligning Expectations:
      • The Biology Graduate Student Association (BGSA) put together this list of questions to explore with your advisor (or potential advisor) to make sure that you are both aligned on a number of potentially important issues.
      • The BBSP has also produced a related document that focuses on what students should expect from their mentors and vice versa.
  • Individual Development Plans
      • Individual development plans (IDP) can provide a useful and strategic framework across diverse aspects of your graduate career, and allows you to look back at past progress if implemented and reviewed on a yearly basis.
      • IDP Example
  • If you need support in a mentored relationship or in your workplace, there are a number of avenues for help. Consider the following options: