Advising

Students form a life-long relationship with their advisor. Students can expect more from their advisor than they would expect from a course instructor. Below are some basic expectations that will help students understand the types of guidance an advisor generally provides.

Graduate students can expect an advisor to:

• Provide constructive feedback on work done in a timely and responsible manner
• Establish clear expectations and protocols
• Discuss expectations with their student
• Adequately support their graduate student’s career goals and their job search
• Develop and foster healthy research practices
• Introduce and promote the adherence of polices that govern ethical standards of practice in their field
• Be familiar with and adhere to Michigan Tech policies and procedures
• Meet with their graduate student regularly and assess their progress to date
• Ensure their graduate student meets deadlines and makes continuous good progress toward their degree completion
• Make arrangements to be accessible or have alternate work arrangements during extended leaves
• Help to identify appropriate courses and projects that can be used to satisfy degree requirements
• Support their graduate student in developing healthy time-management practices.
  • For GRAs or GTAs/GTIs, advise how they can balance their employment commitment and fulfill their academic requirements
• Help identify, promote and prepare their graduate student to participate in events such as presentations, program seminars and defenses for their professional development
• Treat all members of their research group, and the University community, with respect
• Avoid personal or professional relationships that might result in a conflict of interest
• Set criteria for credit in publications
• Commit the time and energy required for their graduate student’s success

Faculty have higher expectations of graduate students than for undergraduates. The list below covers basic expectations, but it doesn't cover everything. Students are encouraged to discuss specific expectations with their advisor on a regular basis.

Faculty advisors can expect graduate students to: 

• Perform work in a timely and responsible manner
• Obtain training in research methods and standards for responsible conduct
• Enroll in appropriate courses and get involved in projects that can be used to satisfy degree requirements
• With advisor assistance, set up goals and establish timelines for their research project
• Responsibly share research resources such as staff and equipment
• Learn and improve from advisor's honest evaluation of their progress
• Follow proper research protocols as demonstrated
• Share appropriate credit in publications
• Provide a reasonable amount of time for faculty feedback on their work
• Discuss a dissertation or thesis committee and topic with their advisor early in their career
• Meet with their advisor regularly to seek feedback
• Attend seminars for their professional development
• Participate in the preparation of publications or presentations
• Establish career goals and initiate their job search
• Seek their advisor's advice and letters of reference to assist them with their job search
• Maintain good research records - each field is different, but this generally involves a complete set of lab notes
• Uphold safe study and research environments
• Treat all members of their research group, and the University community, with respect
• Seek networking opportunities with other professionals
• Avoid personal or professional relationships that might result in a conflict of interest
• Study full-time when enrolled full-time.  
  • GRA or GTA positions provide part-time employment is provided by the University to allow students to pursue their education on a full-time basis.
• Be familiar with and adhere to Michigan Tech policies and procedures
• Meet deadlines and make continuous good progress toward completion of their degree

1. Meet with potential advisor(s) and their students to find a good fit for their professional interests. Advisor guidelines and requirements are available online.
2. Choose an advisor.
3. Complete the Advisor Recommendation form (using MS Word) with their advisor.
   1. Schedule a meeting, confirming the time, location, and modality with your advisor(s) to discuss the contents of the form. Be sure to have some thoughts prepared for the meeting.
   2. Complete the form based on the consensus of the discussions with advisor(s).
   3. Submit the form to their Graduate Program.

The advisor-student relationship is special and it can potentially be life-long. If the
relationship is not proceeding smoothly, we recommend that students consider the following
options:

• First try to resolve issues by speaking with the advisor. Set aside a dedicated time to discuss the incompatibility in a professional manner. Although these conversations can be difficult, they are an important part of professional development, and students are generally their own best advocate. Graduate School staff are available to discuss strategies for these conversations.
• The graduate program director is responsible for all of the graduate students in the program, and should be contacted for addressing all programmatic issues, including any advisory-related issues.
• The department chair or college dean is responsible for all programs in the department or college, and is another resource for students.
• Committee members are invested in student success, and can also provide guidance and support.
• The Graduate School staff is committed to student success and can provide information about policies in the Graduate School and the University and suggest potential ways to resolve conflicts.
• The Ombuds at Michigan Tech provides informal conflict mediation services, and is independent, neutral, and confidential.
• The Center for Mental Health and Well-being can provide a confidential outlet for discussing conflicts and help students manage stress or anxiety associated with advisor-related issues.