We talked about how a formal system might get set up. Some suggested that because each department is so different, each department should come up with their own approach to setting up a mentoring system. It was suggested that one basic system should be developed for the college, and then departments could make minor modifications to meet their needs. Informal mentoring worked best. There has to be a chemistry between the two for it to work.
Personal relationship enhances the mentoring relationship.
Graduate students may rely on someone other than advisor as their mentor. Public school faculty served as mentors for student teachers. A mentor is important in higher education to help get through the system. Availability of e-mail has helped sustain the mentoring relationship. Establish a reward system that recognizes the many hours it takes to mentor graduate students.