The relationship with a mentor can make a significant contribution to a graduate student's experience and success during their graduate program. A shared understanding of what each person expects is critical to establishing effective mentor-mentee relationships. Challenges arise when mentors and mentees have misunderstandings about expectations in the relationship. Moreover, good communication is a key element of any relationship, and a mentoring relationship is no exception. In this session, graduate students will reflect upon and identify characteristics of effective communication and outline successful practices and approaches communicating and setting expectations. 

Facilitator:

Michelle Rodems, Ph.D., is director of professional development, retention, and success in the Graduate School. Michelle manages all interdisciplinary professional development for more than 4,000 University of Louisville graduate students, including coordinating PLAN professional development academies, workshops, learning communities, and reading groups, as well as conducting individual consultations. Michelle’s research and professional interests include teaching and learning in higher education, graduate student development and education, educational technology and social media, and professional development in higher education.