Graduate Research Mentoring Framework (OAVPGE Memo)

In order to provide support to our graduate students and their mentors, the Graduate Programs Committee has developed a Graduate Research Mentoring Framework. The framework’s main objective is to ensure graduate students’ success, particularly in writing, defending, and finishing their thesis, dissertation, and capstone project, including publication. This objective is aligned with SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring that access to education and involvement in it leads to realizing individuals' life objectives. 

The mentoring framework serves as a structure for organizing the guidance process of thesis, dissertation and capstone project advising to promote student achievement and foster the development of enduring learning abilities for both the mentor and mentee. 

To accomplish the objectives, the framework has established policies, principles, and guidelines designed to organize the advising process. This includes a structured feedback and evaluation system involving the student and the advisor. Two new tools were developed jointly with the SQMO: (1) Progress Report; and (2) TDCP Adviser Evaluation Form. These tools are aligned with the university’s Internal Quality Assurance framework and outcomes-based education (OBE).

The Graduate Research Mentoring Framework document has been converted into a Google Site (https://go.ateneo.edu/gradresearchmentoring) for your convenience.  The site features two separate pages for the mentor and mentee to reference. Both pages have the same set of contents. However, each page is written to adapt to the needs of specific end users. It also has an FAQ section to address common recurring questions.

I would like to invite those involved in graduate research to use this site, especially the new assessment tools. We will collect your feedback at the end of the second semester in order to improve these tools better. 

Finally, I would like to thank the following who provided valuable inputs in the Graduate Research Mentoring Framework:

• Graduate Programs Committee (SY 2021-2022 to SY 2022-2023)
• Ma. Assunta C. Cuyegkeng, PhD
• Cristina J. Montiel, PhD
• Marianne Rachel G. Perfecto, PhD
• Maria Mercedes T. Rodrigo, PhD
• Alma Maria O. Salvador, PhD
• Maria Luz C. Vilches, PhD
• LS Vice President's Council (SY 2022-2023)

To end, I would like to emphasize that the mentoring framework is anchored in our commitment to cura personalis. Hence, this goes beyond merely advising on the thesis, dissertation, and project. Ultimately, the framework provides the foundation for a beneficial mentoring relationship that fosters a passion for research and lifelong learning skills.