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Selecting a Mentor

First-Year Program
The selection of a mentor to supervise dissertation research is a major function during the first year of graduate study. Mentor selection is intended to be an experience in decision-making in a supportive environment that begins a very important developmental relationship.

The process of choosing a mentor will be discussed at the beginning of the first semester, along with formal discussions of research interests and informal meetings between students and faculty. You make your program choice simultaneously with your mentor choice. You may choose to enter any Ph.D. program with which your mentor is affiliated.

Students are expected to choose a dissertation mentor by the end of the third rotation period, but not before. But, they may defer this decision to the end of the fourth rotation period (if necessary). Going beyond a fourth rotation is limited to special cases and requires prior approval. Faculty and students may not commit to a permanent mentorship agreement until after the third rotation.

Between mentor selection and the appointment of the dissertation committee, your advisor will work closely with the faculty mentor to ensure your progress in academic and research matters. Following each laboratory rotation, you will be evaluated by the rotation mentor until the dissertation committee assumes these responsibilities.

Should you need guidance or advice, please arrange an appointment with the PiBS Director.