Mentorship Training and Resources

Strong mentorship has been linked to enhanced mentee productivity, self-efficacy, career satisfaction, and is an important predictor of the academic success of scientists in training.

Upcoming Trainings

Effective Research Mentoring – 3-part series

This three-part series uses materials from the Center for Improved Mentoring Experiences in Research to explore many different subjects around mentoring. We will suggest some tools and practices to help you and your students navigate the mentor relationship.

This workshop uses a case-based approach to discuss mentoring challenges among peers, share best mentoring practices, read relevant literature, review structured documents for mentoring success (e.g., compacts and individual development plans), and create a mentoring philosophy. Past participants said that they were likely to recommend the training and that they changed their mentoring as a result of the training.

Facilitated by Nika Stoop, Assistant Director, Center for Faculty Excellence and Anna Tuttle, Director, Undergraduate Research.

These sessions will be offered at the end of the spring semester, May 20, 21 and 22^nd both in-person and online. Graduate students, staff and faculty who work with early career researchers are welcome!

When registering, please indicate in the comments if you would like to join online.

• Part 1 - Discussing difference, Aligning expectations and Effective Communications
  • Tuesday, May 20 || 10:00 am – 12:00 pm || 324 Library Teaching Space || Register now
• Part 2 – Assessing Understanding, Fostering Independence and Promoting Professional Development
  • Wednesday, May 21 || 10:00 am – 12:00 pm || 324 Library Teaching Space || Register now
• Part 3 – Promoting Mentee Research Self-Efficacy, Fostering Wellbeing and Enhancing Work-Life Integration
  • Thursday, May 22 || 10:00 am – 12:00 pm || 324 Library Teaching Space || Register now

While it is helpful to attend all the session, it is not required. Completing each workshop in the series will earn 2 credits towards membership in the Center.

Looking for some ideas on how to best mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research? Our workshops use materials from the Center for Improved Mentoring Experiences in Research to explore many different subjects around mentoring. These sessions will be offered each spring semester.

Reach out to Nika Stoop, PhD (cfe@montana.edu)

Several departments have trained facilitators within their department. Check with your department head to see if you can join their trainings.

MSU Mentoring Resources

• Graduate School website
  • IDP for graduate students in STEM or Humanities and Social Sciences
• NIH Mentoring Resources
• The Science of Effective Mentorship in STEM
• NSF Mentoring Plan 101 (designed for postdocs but applicable to graduate students as well)
• Inclusive Meetings Guide (Harvard University)

You will need your NetID and password to access these resources.

• Montana State University Individual Development Plan template for faculty (Word template)
  • Goal setting exercise for starting a mentoring relationship
  • Potential first meeting agenda
• National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD)
  • Mentor Network Map
  • Cultivating Your Network of Mentors, Sponsors & Collaborators
• Tips for Effective Mentoring
• Example Undergrad mentorship agreement

Other MSU Resources

• The Graduate School
  • Mission:  The Graduate School enriches the graduate student experience by providing excellent service, timely oversight, and relentless advocacy for student success.
  • Contact: (406) 994-4145
• Campus Civil Rights
  • Campus Civil Rights support students, faculty and staff experiencing protected-class discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking.
  • Contact
    Location: Swingle 2nd Floor

    Tel: (406) 994-1568
    E-mail: civilrights@montana.edu

• Counseling and Psychological Services
• Contact: (406) 994-4531
• Location: Student Wellness Center

• DISC
• Mission: To bring together members of the Montana State University community and the community at large by increasing understanding and providing support for those who identify with the wide spectrum of diversity issues including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, gender, and ability.
• Contact: diversity@montana.edu or (406) 994-5801
• Location: 185 Strand Union 

• Division of Student Success
• Enhance the learning environment of the University; support students in the attainment of their educational objectives; foster in students a sense of responsibility, self-directedness, community, and a positive identity with Montana State University.
• Contact: studentsuccess@montana.edu or (406) 994-2828
• Location: 174 Student Union