At the University of Pittsburgh, mentoring relationships are built on mutual respect, clear communication, and shared academic goals.
While mentoring can take many forms, the relationship between a graduate student and their primary advisor is especially central. This advising partnership carries significant academic, professional, and often personal weight—and like any long-term collaboration, it may encounter challenges.
This section is intended to support mentors—particularly advisors—in navigating difficult moments with clarity, empathy, and professionalism. While the broader mentoring community (e.g., committee members, peer mentors, and other supporters) plays an important role, advisors are typically the first point of contact.
Addressing issues early and thoughtfully can preserve trust and keep students on track toward success.
Steps toward Resolution
Step 1: Start with Direct Communication
If a student or faculty mentor feels the mentoring relationship is not working effectively:
- Initiate a respectful, honest conversation to share concerns and clarify expectations.
- Focus on shared goals and the student’s academic success.
Step 2: Seek Departmental Mediation
If direct dialogue doesn’t resolve the issue:
- Contact the program’s Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) or department chair.
- These individuals can serve as informal mediators and help identify constructive solutions.
- Focus on problem-solving, not assigning blame.
Step 3: Contact School-level Support
If departmental mediation is unsuccessful:
- Use school-level supports to help resolve the issue (see below for examples).
Step 4: Use Formal Grievance Procedures
If informal efforts fail:
- Consult the University’s Guidelines on Academic Integrity for formal grievance processes if applicable.
- These procedures protect the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.
Conflict Resolution Resources and Reporting Tools
Navigating mentoring relationships can be complex, and challenges may occasionally arise.
This section outlines supportive resources and pathways—such as graduate associate deans and ombudspersons—to help graduate students and mentors resolve conflicts constructively and maintain a healthy academic environment.
School Graduate Associate Deans (GADs): Graduate Associate Deans are typically senior faculty or administrators appointed to oversee graduate education within a specific school, college, or division. Their responsibilities often include academic oversight, policy implementation, strategic initiatives, and student support.
School Ombudspersons (ombuds): An ombudsperson assists Pitt graduate students and postdocs with resolving conflicts and issues that arise in the course of their education and training that they believe have not or cannot be addressed within their academic department. The ombudsperson can mediate conflicts and inform students about relevant policies and grievance procedures.
Pitt Concern Connection: Students and faculty can use the Pitt Concern Connection for many ethics and compliance topics, including Title IX, workplace discrimination, financial controls, and more. By asking questions and sharing concerns, you help to create a stronger, safer University community.