Graduate Faculty Mentor Training
The School of Graduate Studies provides mentor training for new and existing graduate faculty who serve as mentors for graduate students.
New graduate faculty are required to attend all four sessions and submit a mentoring plan to obtain full graduate faculty status.
- All sessions are offered in the fall and spring semesters.
- All fall sessions are offered in a hybrid format and spring sessions are online only. Faculty are encouraged to attend in person when possible.
Foundations of Effective Mentoring & Advising
Fall
September 10, 2026, 1 - 3 p.m.
Spring
TBD
This 2 hour session facilitated by the Dean of Graduate Studies provides a foundation for the mentoring plan and remaining sessions. Topics covered during this session include:
- Overview of Graduate Education at UND
- Faculty Roles and Responsibilities
- Role of the School of Graduate Studies
- Graduate School Policies & Procedures
- Student Milestones
- Introduction to Mentoring & Advising
- Review of the Mentoring Plan Template
Providing Effective Feedback
Fall
October 13, 2026, 2- 3:30 p.m.
Spring
TBD
This 90-minute session facilitated by the Dean of Graduate Studies, focuses on providing effective communication and feedback
- Effective Communication
- Communication Styles
- Active Listening
- Characteristics of constructive and actionable feedback
- Creating a feedback culture that supports student success
- Providing clear, concise and effective written and oral feedback.
Managing Conflict
Fall
November 12, 2026, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Spring
TBD
This 90-minute session facilitated by Emily Holth with Sustainable Solution Services, focuses on aligning expectations and managing conflict.
- Importance of aligning expectations early in the relationship
- Developing and communicating mutual expectations
- Identifying common sources of conflict in mentoring relationships
- Understanding different communication styles that result in miscommunication
- Understanding mediation skills and de-escalation techniques
- Strategies for addressing performance concerns and difficult conversations
- Identifying when conflict requires intervention or referral
Promoting Student Success
Fall
December 9, 2026, 12:30 - 2 p.m.
Spring
TBD
This final session, facilitated by the Dean of Graduate Studies, brings together the content from the previous three sessions and focuses on how to promote student success.
- Fostering independence
- Mental health and wellness
- Creating an inclusive mentoring environment