Workshop Overview
Goals
The goal of this workshop series is to bring together geoscientists from across disciplines to strengthen their mentoring skills and foster the success of all students. Over three interactive, online sessions, participants will explore strategies for becoming effective mentors, support the growth of emerging geoscientists, and build a community of colleagues committed to excellence in mentoring.
Participants will:
- Reflect on the dynamics of mentor-mentee relationships
- Develop strategies to establish clear expectations and effective communication with mentees
- Support student growth and independence as geoscientists
- Collaborate with peers to explore and address common mentoring challenges
Sessions
Session I: Mentor and Mentee Relationships
Monday, February 23, 2026 — two-hour, virtual session
- Reflect on our own journeys as mentees
- Recognize how identity can shape mentor-mentee relationships
- Explore the impacts of mentoring
Session II: Expectations and Communication
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 — two-hour, virtual session
- Learn strategies to assess and enhance mentees' understanding of core concepts
- Establish clear expectations and maintain effective communication with mentees
- Discuss case studies to practice mentoring interactions and scenarios
Session III: Fostering Independence
Friday, February 27, 2026 — two-hour, virtual session
- Define mentee independence, build confidence, and foster agency
- Explore how to use Individual Development Plans and establish mentoring networks
Logistics
- Format: Online using Zoom software (the meeting link will be shared after the registration deadline)
- Dates: Three sessions — Monday, February 23; Wednesday, February 25; and Friday, February 27, 2026
- Time: 12:00-2:00 PM PT | 1:00-3:00 PM MT | 2:00-400 PM CT | 3:00-5:00 PM ET
- Registration deadline: February 1, 2026
Cost
NAGT Members: $120 — Join NAGT to take advantage of the member discount
Non-members: $175
Please note: Once you submit your registration and payment, arrangements will be made that have associated real costs even if you later withdraw from the workshop. Refunds will not be given except in cases of extreme personal hardship, at the discretion of the workshop leaders.
Expectations
By registering for and participating in the workshop, participants agree to do the following:
- Prepare in advance for the workshop via readings, writings, discussion, or other activities as requested by the workshop leaders.
- Participate fully in the entire workshop and attend all workshop sessions. Participants may be invited to make presentations or serve as discussion or working group leaders at the workshop.
- Review and follow NAGT's code of conduct, which applies in all venues, events, and on-line forums associated with NAGT. Please read the full NAGT Code of Conduct Policy and review the complete list of NAGT Policies.
Questions?
If you have questions about the workshop, please contact Stefany Sit (ssit@uic.edu) or Mitchell Bender-Awalt (mawalt@carleton.edu).