Whether you are brand new to graduate school or deep into dissertation writing, relationships with faculty mentors play a critical role in your student experience. It is common for students to seek advice in learning how to identify faculty mentors, get what they need from these relationships, and approach challenges or conflicts with faculty when they arise. UChicagoGRAD supports graduate students across campus in navigating these foundational relationships by working with students to develop communication, interpersonal, and self-advocacy skills that will set them up for success both in graduate school and beyond.

If you are experiencing specific challenges or conflicts with faculty mentors or you want to discuss general strategies for building effective mentoring relationships, you can request a mentorship advising appointment with Amanda Young, Associate Director of Graduate Student Affairs.

These appointments aim to provide students a space outside their academic program to discuss experiences with faculty mentors, raise questions about all aspects of the graduate school experience, develop strategies for handling difficult conversations and situations, and identify resources, policies, or other individuals on campus who can help. Ultimately, these one-on-one conversations aim to equip students with tools needed to build resilience and address challenges within a supportive environment focused on addressing each student’s individual situation.

There is more information about the types of issues and questions students bring to these meetings available on our website. To schedule an appointment or to ask questions, email Amanda at amanday@uchicago.edu.