July 23, 2019

Establishing positive relationships with faculty mentors can be a challenging aspect of the graduate student experience. However, by doing research up front, reflecting on one’s own needs, and focusing on preparation and professionalism, graduate students can foster healthy and mutually beneficial relationships with mentors.

Research
When identifying a mentor, focus on learning the organizational norms for mentor-mentee relationships, such as the level of formality, preferred methods of communication, and expectations for in-person meetings. In addition to information published online, graduate coordinators and graduate student peers can help to fill in some of the blanks.

Reflect
Next, think carefully about your own mentoring needs based on your knowledge of your field, your working style, and your educational and professional goals. Define your priorities – is it more important to have an advisor who is prominent in the field, even if it means they are busier and less accessible? Do you benefit from structure, or do you prefer more freedom and less oversight?

Prepare
When you meet with your mentor, be clear about the purpose of the meeting and send a reminder beforehand. Bring relevant materials, which may include your Individual Development Plan (IDP), your resume/CV, or your plan for a project or your coursework. Share your personal goals and your needs, define roles, and clarify both you and your mentor’s expectations for the relationship.

GradConnections Weekly is looking for fresh perspectives on the graduate student experience.
If you have advice, counsel, or tips for UW grad students, you’re invited to write a guest column for “Tips for Grads.”
If you’re interested, check out our infographic for details and email gspd@grad.wisc.edu to let us know.

Using Active Learning in Your STEM Course: Designing Writing Activities to Solve Teaching and Learning Challenges
Wednesday, July 24 | 9 - 11:30 am
6191 Helen C. White Hall

Using Active Learning in Your STEM Course: Responding to and Evaluating Student Writing Effectively and Efficiently
Wednesday, July 31 | 9 - 11 am
6191 Helen C. White Hall

Communication | Inquiry, Discovery, and Creation | Disciplinary Expertise and Interdisciplinary Connections 

A Writer's Retreat
Thursday, July 25 | 5 - 8 pm
6191 Helen C. White Hall

Learning and Integrating Common Features of Professional Research Writing
Tuesday, July 30 | 3:30 - 5 pm
6176 Helen C. White Hall

For dates and times of each class, and for more software classes, visit the STS website. 

MGN Native & Indigenous Graduate Student & Faculty Mixer
Wednesday, July 24 | 5 - 7 pm
Union South (Check TITU)

Multicultural Grad Orgs Game Night & Potluck
Monday, August 5 | 5 - 7 pm
Union South (Check TITU)

The Graduate School supports graduate student success through our efforts in admissions, academic services, funding, diversity and inclusion, program assessment, professional development, community building, and more. To highlight what we have been working on over the past year, we’d like to share the Graduate School Annual Report 2018-2019 with you. If you have questions, or are looking for opportunities to engage with the Graduate School, please email graduateschooldean@grad.wisc.edu

YOU@WISC. This portal has tools, information, and resources to help you be well. YOU@WISC covers a variety of mental health topics including stress management, self-care and social support, anger management, suicidal thoughts, and mindfulness. It also includes physical, personal, and academic wellness topics. All UW–Madison students can access this resource.

SilverCloud. Like YOU@WISC, this resource is entirely online. SilverCloud is a self-guided mental health resource that provides treatment options 24 hours a day, no referral from a mental health or medical provider needed. It includes evidence-based learning modules on anxiety, depression, body image, and stress, designed to help students manage day-to-day stresses and improve resilience.

24-hour Crisis Services. UHS provides a 24-hour mental health crisis help line. On-call crisis counselors can help address your most pressing concerns, address your safety, and help you connect with follow-up service needs. It’s available every day, including weekends, holidays, and semester breaks. If you are concerned for your own well-being or the well-being of someone you know, call the UHS crisis line at 608-265-5600. For situations that are immediately life-threatening, call 911.

For more mental health resources, visit the UHS website on mental health.

The Dean of Students Office provides resources to students struggling with a variety of issues, and can be your go-to spot for assistance as a graduate student. To contact the Dean of Students Office's Graduate Student Assistance Specialist Elaine Goetz-Berman directly, email egoetz2@wisc.edu.