Competencies
| Mentor competencies | Mentee competencies |
| Value mentee health (including health) and well-being; refer students to professionals when needed. | Communicate with someone (see Resources) if health issues are interfering with your work or your ability to meet expectations. |
| Respond in an understanding way and provide flexibility when trainees must attend to personal matters. Connect mentees with support resources if they are struggling. | Let your advisor know if personal issues are interfering with your ability to meet expectations. |
| Use the name and pronouns that a mentee tells you to use. | Communicate the name and pronouns that you would like to be called by and inform your mentor of changes. |
Suggestions/Resources
Refer to the Mentoring Resources page for supporting materials and training opportunities.
- GradSupport
- MIT Medical; MIT Mental Health
Potential pitfalls for mentors
- Falling prey to “-isms” when interacting with others, either publicly or privately (e.g., sexism, racism, trans/homophobia, ableism, etc.)
- Making assumptions about a student’s name or pronouns, e.g., based on paperwork or appearances.