Commitment. Passion. Empathy. These descriptors were just a few of the plaudits the winners of the 2024 Graduate Program Advising and Mentoring Award received in their nomination letters. 

“[This professor’s] mentorship is always the perfect balance of pushing you to your full capacity, while also supporting at a level that fosters independence, creativity and self-ownership.”

“[This professor] combines a deep sense of empathy with a steely commitment to student development.”

Every year, outstanding individuals are recognized for their dedication to guiding and mentoring graduate students. Their exceptional guidance and unwavering support have profoundly impacted the lives of those they have mentored. The winners of the 2023 Graduate Program Advising and Mentoring Award were commended for their unparalleled dedication and commitment to the growth and success of others.

“[This professor]’s exceptional mentorship has been instrumental in shaping the research direction, scholarly achievements, and career paths of numerous M.S. and Ph.D. students.”

Sentiments of gratitude for commitment and personalized attention to graduate students were among the testimonials spoken about this year’s winners of Graduate Program Advising and Mentoring Award winners.

“[This professor]’s passion for research really shines through with their hands-on involvement in student projects,” said one nomination letter.

“[This professor] has an impeccable ability to identify students’ strengths and set them up to succeed,” said another.

In graduate education, the faculty mentor plays the primary role in guiding a graduate student from recruitment through graduation—and often on to job placements—for several formative and demanding years. Faculty mentors also play an increasing role in responding to the mental health needs of graduate students, who face the stressors of the pandemic, ongoing racial injustice, climate change and political unrest. While this mentoring relationship is central for graduate students, it is one often fraught with challenges.

Supporting Graduate Student Success Through Mentorship 

Having a strong mentor can be a life-changing experience. Positive mentor-mentee relationships have shown to increase academic persistence, productivity and satisfaction in graduate student mentees. Additionally, mentorship can help increase overall graduate student well-being. Students with mentors report feeling less imposter syndrome, anxiety, and depression. 

Graduate studies is pleased to announce the 26 recipients of the Graduate Program Advising and Mentoring Awards. Graduate Studies recognizes the importance of mentorship and advising for graduate student success, and this award celebrates individuals who provide outstanding service in this area.

Graduate alumni and students connect and thrive through new mentorship program.

Graduate Studies and Graduate Council are pleased to present awards for outstanding mentoring of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. The Distinguished Mentoring Awards recognize the vital role mentoring plays in the academic and professional development of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars at UC Davis.

Graduate Studies at the University of California, Davis, has launched Graduate Mentoring Initiative (GMI), a new mentoring program designed at fostering an engaged culture of faculty-graduate student mentoring across all academic disciplines. 

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.