Your graduate or postdoctoral experience is stronger when you know what you need from a mentoring relationship and can communicate it effectively.

This training series equips graduate students, professional students, and postdoctoral scholars with practical tools to build an Individual Development Plan (IDP), align expectations with mentors, and advocate for the mentoring relationship that best supports their academic and professional goals.

The skills developed throughout the series also benefit participants who supervise or mentor others. Learning to set clear expectations, communicate effectively, and foster independence can strengthen any mentoring or collaborative relationship. Ultimately, the series is designed to help participants become more independent, self-directed scholars who make the most of every mentoring experience.

Five sessions will be offered this fall, with additional offerings and new topics planned for the spring semester. Participants are welcome to join at any point in the series. All graduate students, professional students, and postdoctoral scholars are invited to participate. Sessions 1–4 will be held virtually, and Session 5 will take place in person as part of an end-of-semester celebration.

SESSION 1: Maintaining Effective Communication

September 16, 2026 | Noon–1:30 p.m. | Virtual

Practice active listening and delivering constructive feedback to strengthen mentoring relationships.

SESSION 2: Individual Development Plan (IDP)

October 15, 2026 | 10–11 a.m. | Virtual

Learn how to use an IDP to set goals, track progress, and guide conversations about academic and professional growth.

SESSION 3: Aligning Expectations

October 28, 2026 | Noon–1:30 p.m. | Virtual

Learn practical tools for creating and revising shared mentoring agreements.

SESSION 4: Fostering Independence

November 16, 2026 | Noon–1:30 p.m. | Virtual

Explore strategies for fostering independence and supporting progress toward research and career goals.

SESSION 5: Seeking Professional Development

November 30, 2026 | Noon–1 p.m. | Student Union 262 A

Build skills for career planning, productive mentor conversations, and balancing academic and personal priorities.

MENTORING MERRIMENT

Celebrate the conclusion of the fall mentoring series with graduate students, professional students, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty.

Monday, November 30, 2026
11 a.m.–Noon
Student Union 262 B/C

Lunch will be provided.

Following the celebration, participants in the mentoring series are invited to attend Session 5: Seeking Professional Development from noon to 1 p.m. in Student Union 262 A.