Expectations of Students/Mentees
Effective mentoring at the University of Pittsburgh is a collaborative process between graduate students, staff and faculty. To make the most of this partnership, graduate students are encouraged to take an active role in their academic journey.
The following practices and tips are designed to help students become active mentees.
Commit to academic excellence by dedicating the necessary time and effort to meet the expectations of your program.
- Example: If your department expects students to complete coursework within the first two years, plan your schedule accordingly and seek help early if you fall behind.
Familiarize yourself with university and departmental policies by reviewing school bulletins, program handbooks, and other official resources.
- Example: Before registering for your second-year courses, consult your program’s handbook to ensure you’re meeting prerequisites for your comprehensive exam.
Respect the time and responsibilities of faculty and staff, recognizing that they balance multiple roles and commitments.
- Example: If you need a letter of recommendation, give your mentor at least 3–4 weeks’ notice and provide relevant materials in advance.
Take initiative in seeking answers to questions, exploring opportunities, and planning your academic and professional development.
- Example: If you're interested in a summer internship, reach out to your mentor and career services by early spring to discuss options and deadlines.
Maintain regular communication with your mentor, including after coursework is completed, and be proactive in scheduling meetings.
- Example: Set up a recurring monthly check-in with your mentor to discuss research progress and upcoming milestones.
Speak up about uncertainties related to program requirements, progress benchmarks, or performance expectations so your mentor can help you navigate them.
- Example: If you're unsure whether your current research direction aligns with dissertation expectations, bring it up in your next meeting to clarify and adjust your goals.
Graduate Student Mentoring Checklist (for Mentees)
This checklist is designed to help graduate students at the University of Pittsburgh build strong, productive relationships with their mentors. It incorporates best practices from Pitt’s Center for Mentoring Mentee Best Practices Workshop.
Before You Begin
- Reflect on your goals, concerns, and what excites you about graduate school.
- Understand the roles of mentors vs. advisors—mentors may support your broader development.
- Identify what you need in a mentoring relationship (e.g., communication style, availability, feedback).
Initiating the Relationship
- Schedule an initial meeting to discuss goals, expectations, communication preferences, and meeting frequency.
- Share your academic background, interests, and career aspirations.
- Ask about your mentor’s background, career path, and motivations.
- Clarify how your mentor can support your academic, professional, and personal development.
Being an Effective Mentee
- Be coachable and open to feedback—even when it’s challenging.
- Take initiative: prepare for meetings, follow up, and track your progress.
- Communicate clearly and respectfully—don’t expect your mentor to read your mind.
- Cultivate the relationship: check in regularly and express appreciation.
- Be proactive in setting agendas and documenting key takeaways from meetings.
Professional Development
- Discuss your Individual Development Plan (IDP) and update it regularly.
- Seek guidance on networking, publishing, teaching, and career exploration.
- Ask for feedback on presentations, writing, and job materials (CV, cover letters, etc.).
- Explore mentoring opportunities for yourself—peer mentoring builds leadership skills.
Navigating Challenges
- Recognize signs of misalignment (e.g., mismatched goals, communication breakdowns).
- Address issues early through honest, respectful dialogue.
- Seek support from other mentors, peers, or administrators (e.g., DGS, ombuds) as needed.
- If needed, develop a plan to transition to a new mentor—do so thoughtfully and professionally.
Expanding Your Mentoring Network
- Build a mentoring team: include faculty, staff, peers, and professionals from various fields.
- Use Pitt Commons, LinkedIn, and professional organizations to find mentors regionally and nationally.
- Attend seminars, workshops, and networking events to meet potential mentors. Be sure to follow up after connecting initially.
What You Gain
- Confidence in your academic and career path.
- A sense of belonging in your field.
- Access to networks and opportunities.
- Increased productivity and satisfaction.
The University Center for Teaching and Learning (UCTL) offers mentoring mentee best practices workshops to support students as they begin working with mentors.