Welcome to the Graduate Student Mentoring and Advising Portal at the University of Pittsburgh. This site supports faculty and graduate students by providing guidance, resources, and best practices for effective mentoring relationships.
Defining Mentoring
Mentoring is a vital part of graduate education, offering guidance, support, and connection throughout a student’s academic and professional journey. This section introduces the key roles and concepts that shape effective mentoring relationships, helping students and mentors build strong, collaborative partnerships grounded in trust, respect, and shared growth.
Key Roles in Mentoring
Graduate mentoring involves multiple roles, each contributing uniquely to a student’s academic journey.
Mentor
A mentor is a trusted faculty member or professional who supports a student’s academic, professional, and personal development. Mentors provide guidance, share knowledge, model professionalism, and help mentees navigate challenges and opportunities throughout their graduate journey.
Mentee
A mentee is a graduate student who engages in a mentoring relationship to seek guidance, feedback, and support. Mentees are encouraged to take initiative, reflect on their goals, and actively participate in shaping their academic and professional journey.
Graduate Student Mentoring Page Directory
Mentoring
- Principles of Effective Mentoring
- Mentoring Best Practices
- Mentor Expectations
- Mentee Expectations
- Conflict Resolution
Individual Development Plans (IDPs)
Resources
- Campus Resources
- Mentoring Awards
- Other Resources
- Letters of Recommendation