The Graduate College at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign suggests the following guidelines for mentoring students in graduate programs. These guidelines lay out what is expected of faculty mentors and graduate students in order to create a positive and supportive environment conducive to academic success and career development. If you have any questions, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies.
Faculty mentoring guidelines
Positive and supportive environment
- Foster the overall wellbeing of students
- Provide students a safe, supportive environment
- Interact ethically and professionally with other members of the university community
- Be responsive and receptive to students’ requests for
academic feedback and professional advice
Academic success
- Guide students in developing academic and research skills
- Convey clear expectations for academic and research progress
- Provide timely, constructive feedback and periodic evaluations
- Evaluate students’ performance fairly and objectively
- Promote students’ timely academic and research progress
- Advise students on requirements for academic integrity, responsible conduct of research, and other relevant policies
Career development
- Foster the professional development of students to prepare for a wide range of future employment options
- Assist students in achieving their career goals
- Encourage engagement in professional communities and meetings to foster potential career opportunities
- Advise students regarding the ethics of their profession
Graduate student mentoring guidelines
Positive and supportive environment
- Interact ethically and professionally with other members of the university community
- Seek guidance when feedback is needed
- Communicate about needs and concerns regarding academic and professional progress
Academic success
- Be receptive to academic and research direction and feedback from advisers
- Take responsibility for knowing and fulfilling degree requirements
- Take responsibility for knowing and executing ethical and professional norms
- Understand and follow department, Graduate College, and university policies, including academic integrity, student conduct, and responsible conduct of research
Career development
- Identify professional development needs and pursue appropriate opportunities
- Take initiative for career exploration and the job search