Graduate Student Mentorship Award

The Graduate Student Mentorship Award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in mentoring graduate students. This award highlights the essential role that faculty play in guiding, supporting, and nurturing the academic and professional development of graduate students, helping them reach their fullest potential as researchers, engineers, and future leaders. One award may be given annually with a $1,000 stipend.

Eligibility

  • Open to full-time tenure and non-tenure track faculty members within the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering (SGCOE) who have shown a sustained commitment to the mentorship of graduate students.
  • The faculty member should foster an environment that supports the academic, research, and professional growth of students.
  • Previous recipients of this award are not eligible.

Criteria

Nominations can be self-nominations. The nomination package should be limited to ten pages (12-point font and 1-inch margins), including a two-page letter summarizing the faculty member’s mentorship contributions, and up to eight pages of other supporting information—including letters from students as well as supporting materials that corroborate the project(s) and relationship, abstracts, or announcements regarding publications or presentations—all submitted as a single PDF document. Evaluation will be based on the following criteria:

  1. Commitment to Mentorship: Demonstrated dedication to mentoring graduate students, including providing guidance in research, professional development, and academic success.
  2. Student Success and Achievement: Evidence of student success under the faculty member’s mentorship, such as completed theses, dissertations, publications, awards, or career progression post-graduation.
  3. Research Supervision and Support: The faculty member’s role in guiding graduate students through research projects, fostering independent research skills, and supporting student-led initiatives.
  4. Professional Development and Networking: Efforts to facilitate students’ professional growth, including opportunities for conference participation, networking, internships, or collaborative projects with industry.
  5. Involvement in Graduate Program Development: Contributions to the development and improvement of graduate programs, including curriculum development, advising practices, or enhancements to the student experience.