Faculty member and student

What does TGS recommend for DGSs, DGSAs, and Program Leadership?  

This page integrates recommendations drawn from the Core Expectations for Graduate Education at Duke. We also support each recommendation with links to curated and relevant resources.

 

Recommendation #1: 

Establish a clear, consistent definition of mentoring in alignment with the disciplinary norms and culture of the program. 

Also have clarity around expectations for both faculty mentors and graduate student mentees.  

Resources
  • Trinity College resources  

Recommendation #2

Regularly collect feedback from mentors and mentees to assess whether mentoring relationships within the program are mutually satisfying and productive.

Also gather feedback on ways the department/program may be better able to support a robust culture of mentoring. 

Resources
  • Trinity College resources

Recommendation #3: 

Have accessible channels in place for graduate students to provide feedback to program leadership.

This includes establishing protocols for how serious grievances will be handled including a chain of reporting which includes, as appropriate to the situation:  

Resources
  • Department leadership  
  • Duke Graduate School (Senior Associate Deans)  
  • Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards  
  • Office for Institutional Equity  
  • Duke Ombuds Office  

Recommendation #4: 

Have clear written expectations for program requirements and timelines for completion.

Have protocols in place to support students who may encounter challenges in completing program requirements in a timely manner.  

Recommendation #5:

Integrate professional development opportunities and skills-building into departmental culture and curriculum, as appropriate.

Support students in building diverse networks of professional and mentoring relationships, such as fostering connections with program alumni working within and beyond academia.   

Resources
  • Duke Graduate School Professional Development  
  • Duke Career Center  
  • Duke Alumni  

Recommendation #6:

Cultivate a climate in support of students’ wellness and mental health. 

Maintain and appropriately train staff (e.g., a DGSA) who can be available to point students toward resources, enable requests for leaves of absence, and follow-up with students individually. Encourage students to access Duke support services as needed. Equip mentors with the awareness and skills to initiate conversations with students who may be in distress, so they can make appropriate referrals to licensed mental health professionals.  

Resources
  • Duke Reach  
  • CAPS