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 the first session and five of the eight monthly sessions to obtain full graduate faculty status. 

• All sessions are offered in-person and faculty are required to attend in person unless they are fully remote. Hybrid sessions provide on online option for fully remote faculty. 
• All sessions will be facilitated by the School of Graduate Studies unless specified.

Introduction to Mentoring & Advising

• August 21, 2023,  2-4 p.m.
• August 22, 2023, 9-11 a.m. - hybrid option
• January 8, 2024, 1-3 p.m. - hybrid option

This 2 hour session is offered twice per year - once in the fall and once in the spring - and is required for all new graduate faculty to obtain full graduate faculty status. Topics covered during this session include:

• An overview of the importance of mentoring and advising in academic settings
• Understanding the roles and responsibilities of mentors and advisors
  • Exploring the benefits of effective mentoring and advising relationships - why does it matter?
  • Understanding ethical guidelines and professional standards in mentoring and advising.
  • Maintaining confidentiality and privacy in mentoring and advising relationships.
  • Balancing personal and professional boundaries.

Session 1: Aligning Expectations between Mentor & Mentee: How to Establish a Positive Mentoring & Advising Environment

• Creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for mentees and advisees.
• Developing effective communication skills for building trust and rapport.
• Setting boundaries and managing expectations for the mentoring and advising relationship.
• Recognizing common challenges in mentoring and advising relationships.

September 18, 2023, 9-10 a.m.

Register for September 18

September 21, 2023, 2-3 p.m. - hybrid option

REGISTER FOR September 21

Session 2: Effective Communication & Active Listening

October 24, 2023, 10-11 a.m.

October 25, 2023, 2-3 p.m. - hybrid option

• Enhancing communication skills for effective mentoring and advising.
• Active listening techniques and strategies for understanding mentees' and advisees' needs.
• Providing clear and concise guidance and support.

Session 3: Providing Effective Feedback

November 15, 2023, 1-2 p.m.

November 16, 2023 10-11 a.m. - hybrid option

Facilitator: Anna Kinney, UND Writing Center

• Promoting constructive feedback and maintaining a positive mentoring and advising experience.
• Providing clear and concise guidance and support in written and oral feedback.

Session 4: Fostering Independence: Goal Setting, Individual Development Planning, & Promoting Professional Development

December 4, 2023, 2-3 p.m.

December 5, 2023, 9-10 a.m. - hybrid option

• Assisting mentees and advisees in setting meaningful goals.
• Techniques for creating Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
• Monitoring progress and providing constructive feedback on goals.
• Understanding and supporting mentees' and advisees' academic and career aspirations.
• Navigating academic requirements, programs, and resources.
• Promoting professional development and networking opportunities. 

Session 5: Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility in Mentoring & Advising

January 22, 2024, 10-11 a.m.

January 23, 2024, 2-3 p.m. - hybrid option

Facilitators: Stacey Borboa-Peterson & Jeff Maliskey, Diversity and Inclusion

• Understanding the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in mentoring and advising.
• Strategies for providing culturally sensitive and inclusive support.
• Addressing bias and promoting equitable opportunities for mentees and advisees.
• Reasonable accommodations.

Session 6: Mentoring in a Digital World

February 21, 2024, 1-2 p.m.

February 22, 2024, 9-10 a.m. - hybrid option

• Maintaining connection virtually.
• The power of peer mentoring.
• Team building and collaborative activities.

Session 7: Mental Health & Wellness

March 19, 2024, 10-11 a.m.

March 20, 2024, 3-4 p.m. - hybrid option

Facilitator: Kayle Trottier, University Counseling Center

• How to appropriately support students' intellectual and personal growth.
• How to recognize signs of distress that may require outside support.
• Referrals for students to resources and services that can help.

Session 8: Managing Conflict

April 15, 2024, 10-11 a.m.

April 18, 2024, 1-2 p.m. - hybrid option

Facilitator: Emily Holth, Sustainable Solution Services

• Identifying conflict.
• Understanding different communication styles that result in miscommunication.
• Understanding mediation skills and de-escalation techniques.
• Identifying how much conflict is too much.