Mentoring Opportunities
One of the most valuable learning opportunities at Case Western Reserve is the mentoring relationships that students develop on campus. Graduate students in particular benefit immensely from the mentor-mentee relationships that develop during their training.
The University Center for Innovation in Teaching and Education (UCITE) has created a mentor fellowship program for faculty which is designed to promote and recognize good mentoring practices. Participation in the second Mentor Fellows program will occur during the Spring semester.
What do Graduate Students Need to be Successful?
Surveys have shown that graduate students have very different needs than their undergraduate counterparts. Many rely on their faculty mentor to assist them with writing and presentation skills, broadening their professional network of contacts and instilling a set of sound research ethics. Mentors have a real opportunity to underscore the value of research and scholarly inquiry, as well as the importance of communication, teamwork, leadership, and character-building.
The Graduate Student Council believes mentoring is an important component of graduate life. Graduate students also play a huge role in how these relationships are improved and defined. Students assisted in the development of the Mentoring Handbook for Faculty followed by a companion Mentee Handbook for Students. The handbooks contain valuable information about the importance of the mentor-mentee relationship with special focus on developing a rapport with diverse groups of graduate students. From 2017 to 2019, the GSC Mentor-Mentee Committee crafted the Guidebook for Mentors and Mentees with input from faculty and staff. With its research-based approach, the Guidebook is a valuable resource that is applicable to both faculty and students, regardless of program of study.
The Graduate Student Council
The Graduate Student Council (GSC) works to attend to and advocate for issues that directly affect graduate students quality of life. Consider joining the executive board of GSC or becoming a GSC representative for your program. It is a wonderful opportunity to be more involved on campus and engaged in the collaborative nature of the diverse programs at CWRU.