Choosing and Changing an Advisor

Choosing a Mentor

Choosing a mentor is one of the most important decisions a graduate student makes in his/her career.  The student/mentor relationship is one that affects the student long after graduation.  While mentors assist in shaping the student's educational experience they are also an important source of information for job searches, provide help with fellowship applications, and faculty or industry promotion.

To facilitate the decision making process, graduate students should take advantage of the Research Rotations and speak with as many faculty members as possible.  Topics for discussion might include philosophies of laboratory management, mutual expectations, research direction, as well as the availability of on-going financial support.

Upon admission, students interested in a specific area of research will be assigned to a temporary advisor in that research area.  If the student does not express a specific research interest, the Graduate Program Director or his/her designee will serve as the temporary advisor.

Students must make a formal decision about a permanent advisor prior to the end of the second semester and after completing two laboratory rotations.  Students should submit two choices to the Graduate Program Coordinator. The Graduate Program Director and Department Chair will make assignments based on this information.

Changing Mentors

The relationship that develops between graduate student and mentor is an important one that is integral to a Ph.D. student's degree program. Developing a positive student-mentor relationship requires significant effort on the part of both individuals.  Students should make every effort to identify a mentor during their Research Rotations, and make a careful decision to ensure a successful and long-lasting relationship.

If after serious consideration the student wishes to change mentors, he/she must notify the Graduate Program Director in writing, and state the reasons for the requested change. The Graduate Program Director will then meet with all the individuals involved in an effort to determine if a change is warranted. If the student proposes a new mentor, the Graduate Program Director will assess the proposed mentor's ability to appropriately support the student.  Formal approval for a change will be given by the Graduate Program Director and/or Department Chair.

Changes made within the first summer after a mentor is declared do not usually adversely affect the graduate student's educational program or time to graduate.

It should be noted that later changes of mentor may significantly lengthen the time it takes for a student to complete his/her Ph.D. degree requirements. If a mutually agreeable new mentor cannot be identified a student runs the risk of dismissal from the Graduate Program, since they cannot proceed without guidance.