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What does TGS recommend for Duke graduate student mentees?
The recommendations below for graduate student mentees are drawn from the Core Expectations for Graduate Education at Duke. We also support each recommendation with links to curated and relevant resources.
Recommendation #1:
Work proactively to build relationships with multiple mentors.
As important as primary advisors and mentors are, it’s vital to have access to a wide network of less formal mentors (faculty, staff, peers) who can address different professional and support needs.
Resources
- Graduate Student Mentoring Map
- “A New Model of Mentoring,” Kerry Ann Rockquemore, Inside Higher Ed 2013
Recommendation #2:
Do your part to maintain professional and collegial relationships with mentors.
Work with mentors to develop clarity around learning goals and outcomes. Maintain regular contact with your primary mentor/advisor and be responsible with deadlines and follow-through.
Resources
- How to Mentor Anyone in Academia, Maria LaMonaca Wisdom, 2025 (although written primarily for mentors, each chapter includes a “takeaways for mentees” section
- A Field Guide to Graduate School, Jessica McCrory Calarco, 2020
- Mentoring compacts
Recommendation #3:
Actively solicit feedback on your work and progress.
If you find it difficult to receive challenging feedback, seek out resources or training in this area. Consider also providing honest but respectful feedback to mentors on the effectiveness of your working relationship.
Resources
- Thanks for the Feedback (book)
- Difficult Conversations (book)
Recommendation #4:
Work with your primary mentor/advisor to establish clear timelines for achieving milestones and requirements for degree completion.
If you find yourself likely to fall behind agreed-upon deadlines for whatever reason, discuss this with your mentor as soon as possible.
Recommendation #5:
Take ownership of your professional development, ideally for a range of career outcomes (including positions beyond academia).
Work with your primary mentor/advisor to create a personalized IDP to map out your development and pursue a broad array of non-research experiences. These might include internships, teaching, skill-building classes and workshops, volunteer work, and more.
Resources
- Imagine PhD
- Duke Options
- MyIDP
Recommendation #6:
Understand and respect your needs for both physical and mental health.
If health issues threaten to interfere with your research or progress to degree, communicate this to your primary advisor/mentor as soon as possible. Understand that your mentor’s role in addressing mental and emotional challenges is limited, and licensed mental health professionals may be a more appropriate resource in many situations.
Resources
- CAPS