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 sessions are offered in a hybrid format. Faculty are encouraged to attend in person if possible.

Introduction to Mentoring & Advising

Fall: September 18, 2025, 12:00pm - 2:00pm | Register Here

Spring: TBD

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, 12:30pm - 1:30pm | Register Here

Spring: TBD

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.

Managing Conflict

Fall: November 20, 2025, 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Register Here

Spring: TBD

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

Fall: December 2, 2025, 12:30pm - 1:30pm | Register Here

Spring: TBD

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.