Celebrating Graduate Student Mentorship

Since 2002, nonprofits, schools and universities across the country have recognized January as National Mentoring Month.  Now more than ever, graduate student mentorship is critical to the success of our students and our university. Graduate Studies will be sharing mentoring stories and resources on our social media channels throughout the month of January.  It's the perfect time to share your mentoring experiences and encourage others to become a mentor. Here are some ideas on how to get involved:

1. Read and share mentoring stories on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and join in the mentorship celebration by sharing your story with the hashtag #UCDavisMentors.

2. Nominate a faculty mentor for the Distinguished Graduate & Postdoctoral Mentorship Award. These awards are offered to recognize the vital role mentoring plays in the academic and professional development of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars at UC Davis. Learn more and nominate a mentor by visiting the Distinguished Graduate and Postdoctoral Mentorship Award webpage.

3. Explore mentoring resources. Graduate Studies hosts a wealth of tools, events, and guides for both faculty mentors and graduate student mentees. We'll also be announcing the launch of new UC Davis graduate mentoring programs over the course of January 2021.

Supporting Mentorship All Year Round

At UC Davis, we believe that mentorship is a priceless investment in student and institutional success, and Graduate Studies is committed to showcasing and promoting positive mentoring experiences. Faculty mentors guide graduate students on their academic and professional growth and support them in finding resources to meet their personal needs and goals. An investment in mentoring enhances graduate student retention and well-being, allowing graduate students to successfully navigate and thrive in graduate programs.

For more information on our mentoring resources and initiatives, visit our mentoring webpage or email Elizabeth Sturdy, Director of Mentoring and Advising.