Graduate Student Mentees

GradMENTEE is a structured, multi-semester training experience. GradMentees participate in 12 Shop Talks over 2–3 semesters, attending at least two sessions in each core competency:

• Relationship Management
• Communication & Feedback
• Research
• Ethics
• Independence
• Mentoring Forward

Across the program, students engage in live and recorded workshops, complete brief pre- and post-surveys, and attend three interactive workshops that foster peer mentoring, networking, and professional identity development. GradMentees conclude by writing a reflection essay on mentoring and an individual Development Plan.

To complete GradMENTEE, students must:

• Attend 12 Shop Talks over 2–3 semesters (e.g., fall and spring; fall, spring, and summer), with at least two sessions from each of the six GradMENTEE modules. 
  • For two Shop Talks (one per semester), students may instead watch a recording of a previous session.
  • If you cannot attend 12 Shop Talks, you may instead pursue a Completion Certificate, which requires 8 Shop Talks over the course of a year.
• Attend each Shop Talk from start to finish; incomplete Zoom attendance means the session will not count toward the certificate.
• Be open to new ideas about being mentees and future mentors. Step outside your comfort zone, and try new approaches as both mentee and mentor.
• Complete brief pre- and post-surveys.
• Attend and participate in three (3) one-hour interactive virtual Workshops: (1) Kick-off in late August/early September, (2) Mid-year meeting in January, and (3) end-of-training workshop and celebration (in person or virtual). 
  • These community meetings create opportunities for peer-to-peer mentoring, relationship building, networking, and shared learning that foster connection and professional identity development across graduate programs. Students discuss mentoring challenges, share experiences, and build supportive professional networks that extend beyond individual departments or research groups.
• Write and submit a reflection and Individual Development Plan within two weeks of completing all required Shop Talks, using the GradMENTEE Canvas site.

Students are encouraged—but not required—to attend additional Shop Talks from any module to further customize their experience. These elective Shop Talks allow GradMentees to tailor the program to their professional goals. For example:

• Students pursuing faculty careers may select additional Shop Talks on research writing, publishing, or the academic job search.
• Students interested in industry or entrepreneurship may select Shop Talks on innovation, networking, LinkedIn, or the Campus-to-Community Student Fund.
• Students interested in leadership may select Shop Talks focused on mentoring, communication, or collaboration.

Students who successfully complete GradMENTEE receive program swag and a certificate recognizing their development as effective mentees, emerging professionals, and future mentors. Showcase this certificate on your CV, résumé, and LinkedIn profile to highlight your mentoring training and professional growth.