Participants gained tips and some philosophy in working with graduate students in a meaningful and collegial way to help them learn as they fulfill their assignments in teaching and research. The Graduate College Award for Outstanding Mentoring of Graduate Students recognizes exemplary efforts by the graduate faculty in advising and serving graduate students. This award was presented for the first time in 1996-1997. In the nomination materials, several characteristics appear repeatedly. This commitment manifests itself every day and in every facet of graduate training and professional socialization.
Good mentors recognize that different students have different needs and strengths.
In fact, the best mentors capitalize on such differences by tailoring training opportunities to the needs and aspirations of each student. Since students are continually developing throughout their graduate careers, effective mentoring also requires a process of continual reassessment and readjustment. Their doors are literally always open to their students, and they are available at nights, on weekends, and while on sabbatical. They encourage students to experiment and teach them not to fear mistakes. Indeed, the intellectual passion and enthusiasm that good mentors communicate to their students is contagious.