The relationship you have with your advisor is probably different than the one you had during your time as an undergrad. Advisors guide you through your graduate experience, and they will likely be there to mentor you, keep you on track, push you toward your goals and develop your strengths. While advisors play a key role in supporting your success, relationships are a two way street. Here are some ways you can build a stronger relationship with your advisor…
Plan ahead
Before you start your program, make time to meet with some of your department’s faculty. Each advisor may have a different style of mentorship, so it can be helpful to informally interview with the professors to find someone that is a good fit for you. If advisors aren’t available to meet, ask around and try to reach out to some of their current advisees to see if they would be a good match for you.
Meet and greet
Once you’ve chosen your advisor, set up a meeting to discuss expectations. Be sure to cover the basics, like how often you plan to meet, how to solicit feedback and your preferred communication channels (e.g., email or phone). Depending on your program, you may also want to ask about expectations and requirements for teaching and research. You can use the Graduate School’s Advising Agreement to help structure your expectations and communications.
Use meeting agendas
After you and your advisor have agreed on a meeting schedule, work together to set agendas. Agendas are important tools that will guide your meetings and help you make the most of your time. Every meeting should have an agenda that both you and your advisor agree upon. Include any discussion items you’d like to go over, and make a plan for how you want to follow up in case you run out of time.
Keep records
Take notes during your meetings. This will help you remember what tasks you may need to follow up on. It’s also a good idea to send a follow-up email to verify next steps, edits and changes. This way, both you and your advisor can keep a running tab on what you’re currently working on and adjust if anything has changed since your last meeting.
Set a timeline
Work with your advisor to create a timeline for graduation. Determine when you’d like to graduate and work backwards to identify major milestones that you will need to meet in order to reach that goal. Your advisor can help you set realistic expectations around graduation and what it will take to get you there.
Use campus resources
If you’re having issues with your advisor or need help with conflict resolution, CU Boulder has resources that can help. Ombuds is a confidential resource that can provide direction, investigative services and mediation. Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution offers conflict coaching, mediation services dialogues and more.
The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) offers resources for individuals who have been subjected to discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct. For confidential support, reporting options and more, visit Don’t Ignore It.
Graduate students with employment grievances should consult with Faculty Affairs for guidance.
Content for this article was provided by Dr. Leslie Blood, Director of Graduate Community and Program Development