Create in the classroom, lab, or studio supervisory relations with students that stimulate and encourage students to learn creatively and independently. Have a clear understanding with graduate students about their specific research responsibilities, including time lines for completion of research and the thesis or dissertation. Provide verbal or written comments and evaluation of students' work in a timely manner. Discuss laboratory, studio, or departmental authorship policy with graduate students in advance of entering into collaborative projects. Familiarize themselves with policies that affect their graduate students.
Graduate education is structured around the transmission of knowledge at the highest level.
In some academic units, the student's specific advisor may change during the course of the student's program. The role of advising may also change and become a mentoring relationship. The reward of finding a faculty mentor implies that the student has achieved a level of excellence and sophistication in the field, or exhibits sufficient promise to merit the more intensive interest, instruction, and counsel of faculty. Be aware of time constraints and other demands imposed on faculty members and program staff. Take the initiative in asking questions that promote understanding of the academic subjects and advance the field.