This template can be used by anyone who mentors graduate or undergraduate students engaged in research.
Why is a pre-semester check-in important?
- Helps you understand factors that can impact your mentee’s research in the coming months, such as their other obligations (coursework, job applications, etc.) and overall well-being.
- Allows you and your mentee to create a plan for what they need to do that semester, what can wait, and what to do if something unexpected derails the process.
- Supports conversation about evolving needs and expectations, particularly as mentees advance to new stages of their program.
- Provides an opportunity to ascertain how short-term goals fit into your mentee’s longer-term development as a researcher or non-research professional.
How to use the template
- The template will guide you and your mentee through four topic areas that are helpful to discuss: touching base on program and life events, creating a plan for the semester, creating or revisiting expectations for one another, and long-term goals.
- When you click the button, you’ll be prompted to make your own copy in Google Drive that you can fill out.
- Share it with your mentee in advance, inviting them to fill out/add to relevant sections.
- During the conversation, you can make further updates together and finalize the semester plan.
- As the semester progresses, refer back to the plan as needed.