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 two of the three monthly topic sessions 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.

Introduction to Mentoring & Advising

Fall

September 18, 2025, 12 - 2 p.m.

Spring

Spring: February 4, 2026, 12 - 2 p.m.

This 2 hour session 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
• Establishing a positive mentoring and advising environment
  • Exploring the benefits of effective mentoring and advising relationships - why it matters.
  • Creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for mentees and advisees.
  • Enhancing communication skills for effective mentoring and advising.
  • Understanding ethical guidelines and professional standards in mentoring and advising.
  • Maintaining confidentiality and privacy in mentoring and advising relationships.
  • Balancing personal and professional boundaries.
  • Fostering independence by collaborating on goal setting and promoting professional development.
• An overview of School of Graduate Studies’ forms, deadlines, and funding opportunities.

Providing Effective Feedback

Fall

October 21, 2025, 12:30- 1:30 p.m. 

Spring

February 23, 2026, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m .  

REGISTER

Facilitator: Anne Marques Catarin, 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.

Managing Conflict

Fall

November 20, 2025, 2 - 3 p.m. 

Spring

March 30, 2026, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.   

REGISTER

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.

Mental Health & Wellness

December 2, 2025, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Facilitator: Kaylee 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.