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Advising & Mentoring

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Stanford News

Academic advising by Stanford faculty is a critical component of all graduate students’ education.

The nature of advising varies across disciplines and degrees as well as at different stages in a degree program. By university policy (see GAP 3.3 Academic Advising), faculty advisors are to:

  • serve as intellectual and professional mentors to their graduate students
  • provide knowledgeable support concerning the academic and non-academic policies that pertain to graduate students
  • help to prepare students to be competitive for employment
  • maintain a high level of professionalism in the relationship
  • establish and collaboratively maintain expectations of the adviser/advisee relationship, consistent with departmental standards

All faculty-student advising relationships are based on a common set of values, goals, and responsibilities, outlined below.

In these pages, you can find Advising Policies and Advising Practices & Resources.

Students and faculty may be interested in resources and opportunities to engage in more holistic personal and professional mentoring, listed in Mentoring Resources.


Shared Values, Shared Goals & Shared Responsibilities

Shared Values

  • Educational excellence
  • Academic and research integrity
  • Spirit of exploration and collaboration
  • Respect and care for others
  • Professionalism in all aspects of advising relationships

Shared Goals

  • Academic progress and graduation of student or appointment completion for postdoctoral scholar
  • Mastery of the subject material
  • Advancement of knowledge and skills
  • Professional development and personal growth
  • Career success and satisfaction

Shared Responsibilities

  • Uphold and abide by program, department, school, and university policies
  • Maintain a respectful and inclusive learning environment
  • Abide by highest professional standards
  • Foster a culture of open and honest communication and collaboration
  • Use Stanford resources appropriately