Beyond graduate studies: Mentoring with Cura Personalis

Graduate research mentoring at Ateneo de Manila University is rooted in cura personalis—care for the whole person. More than meeting thesis or dissertation requirements, mentoring supports students’ personal, academic, and professional growth while fostering leadership and service aligned with Jesuit education.

A Framework for Success and Inclusion

The Graduate Research Mentoring Framework strengthens the support system for graduate students as they write, defend, and complete their research work. It also builds a strong mentoring culture that inspires curiosity, excellence, and lifelong learning.

Aligned with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), the framework affirms Ateneo’s commitment to inclusive and equitable graduate education. It ensures that all students—regardless of gender, sexuality, socio-economic background, religion, or ability—have the support they need to complete their programs successfully.

Key Features of the Mentoring Framework

Cura Personalis in Practice

Mentoring is holistic. Mentors provide academic guidance while also supporting students’ ethical, personal, and professional development.

Shared Responsibility

A strong mentoring relationship is built on open communication, respect, and clear expectations shared by both mentor and mentee.

Structured Support for Research Completion

Guidelines on proposal development, ethics clearance, manuscript preparation, defense, and publication help students progress confidently and efficiently.

Inclusive, Gender-Balanced, and Non-Discriminatory

The framework upholds Ateneo’s commitment to:

• gender balance in research opportunities

• non-discrimination across gender identity, sexuality, religion, and background

• safe and respectful mentor-mentee engagement

• equal access to graduate support services

Community and Collaboration

Mentoring enriches the broader academic community by promoting knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and a culture of excellence.

Mentor and Mentee Roles

Mentors go beyond advising,  modeling ethical leadership, imparting research skills, and accompanying students through their academic journey. On the one hand, mentees contribute actively by communicating openly, being prepared, and cultivating a respectful and productive partnership.

For more information, see Graduate Research Mentoring Framework at the OAVPGE site.