Fellows Mentoring Program
Florida State University is initiating a supplementary mentoring program to enhance the educational experience and career preparation of graduate degree fellowship holders. This program is intended to expand the range of advice available to fellows and to facilitate their early engagement with issues of academic and professional success. The Graduate Fellows Mentoring Program is open to all FSU students who currently hold Auzenne, College Teaching, Gubernatorial, McKnight, Presidential, University or Wilson fellowships. Students indicate their interest in the program by completing a Mentoring Participation Request form.
Who are the mentors?
The Mentoring Program will usually propose one advanced graduate student and one
faculty or professional staff member as mentors for each participating fellow. These
proposed mentors are chosen from a pool developed by the Office of Graduate Studies
working in conjunction with graduate program directors across campus. Mentors are from
different degree programs than the mentees, and are proposed taking account of research
or professional interests. Proposed mentors may reflect demographic considerations or
other factors, when the fellow requests this.
What is mentoring?
It is voluntary, involving only students and mentors who choose to take part. It
is a team effort, helping fellows to reach beyond their supervisory committees to others
who may have useful insights to share with them (although the various members of the
team may not know each other, nor interact). Mentors can often offer a semi-detached
perspective on research and/or teaching activities, career development and balancing
home with school. Mentoring does not replace the University's first line teaching and
career planning services. It is oriented to different issues than the usual focus of
the student's supervisory committee, which remains the primary source of advice. It is
not a substitute for professional counseling.
How do mentees and mentors interact?
"Mentoring Pairs" agree to meet at least three times each semester; at least once
each term to discuss a pre-set agenda. Mentors also may observe their mentees performing
professionally (e.g. practice talks), or the mentoring pair may attend campus events
together. In situations where the mentor practices a profession that the mentee intends
to practice (often teaching and research), the mentor will try to provide the mentee
with insights into his or her own work life.
How long does the mentoring relationship last?
As a voluntary relationship, mentoring lasts as long as the two participants want
it to last. In most cases the pair will interact for at least a year, but they may
choose to continue the relationship for the length of degree studies or beyond.
How do participants become involved?
Graduate fellows seeking mentors should complete the Mentoring
Participation Request form. Faculty, A&P staff, alumni and senior graduate
students interested in serving as mentors should complete a Fellows
Mentoring Pool Questionnaire.
How do I get further information?
Additional information about the Fellows Mentoring Program,
Fellows Mentoring Pool Questionnaire (for potential mentors) and
Mentoring Participation Request forms (for fellows seeking
mentors) are available on the FSU University Fellows Blackboard site. Inquiries may be
directed to Bruce Stiftel, Office of Graduate
Studies, Campus Mail Code 1410.
