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Graduate Student Mentor Training

Entering Mentoring Training Program LogoEntering Mentoring Training (EMT)

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Group photo - Entering Mentoring Trainees

 

 

Entering Mentoring Training is a 10-week spring course based on the model: “Entering Mentoring: A Seminar to Train a New Generation of Scientists,” by J. Handlesman et al. 2009, developed at the University of Wisconsin.

The goals of the mentoring training are to guide mentors to…

  • Understand “scientific teaching” and apply it in mentoring,
  • Build relationships based on trust and respect with a mentee,
  • Work towards developing cultural awareness,
  • and, Build community with other mentors.

Encouraged for 2nd year and beyond graduate students who are mentoring undergraduates in research.

Those who complete the seminar course will receive a letter of completion. Graduate students are welcome to take the course for 1 unit, PTE numbers will be given out once participation is confirmed.

Dates: Winter Quarter 2026, Tuesdays, Jan 6-Mar 10, 4:00-5:30 PM, on campus (participants must be able to attend at least 9 of 10 sessions)

Application Timeline:

  • Application Deadline: Monday, December 8, 2025
  • Participation Confirmation: Monday, December 15, 2025
Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to apply?

  • You must have completed one full school year of graduate school.
  • You must be available to attend at least 9 out of the 10 scheduled sessions.

I am a Postdoc. Can I apply?

Please first review postdoc specific trainings. Postdocs can apply for the EMT course but graduate students are prioritized first in enrollment. See priorities list for how we choose our participants.

I am not in the Biosciences. Can I apply?

Yes. See priorities list below for how we select participants.

Does this course count for credit?

Yes, it counts for 1 credit on your transcript. We will issue you a PTE so that you may enroll.

Do I have to enroll officially in the class?

No, enrolling is optional. If you are interested in receiving course credit, we will issue you a PTE so that you may enroll.

What is the application and notification timeline?

The application for the Winter course goes live in September and confirmations for participation are sent out early to mid-December.

Who receives priority in being accepted into this course?

  1. First Priority will be given to bioscience graduate students who are currently mentoring undergraduate students.
  2. Second Priority will go to graduate students of any discipline who are closer to graduating.
  3. Third Priority will go to postdocs who are mentoring graduate and/or undergraduate students.

Do I receive a certificate of completion?

Everyone that takes part in the program and attends the required number of sessions will receive a letter of recognition that will list how many hours they completed and which modules they participated in.

Other Offerings

If you would like to explore other offerings for Graduate Students and Postdocs, we recommend exploring our offerings on the “Grad School Hacks” and the “Leadership Training” pages of our website.

Questions?

Please email the Winter 2025 instructor, Diana Azurdia at DAzurdia@mednet.ucla.edu.