NMC Mentor Responsibilities 

Remember, this mentoring program is a two-way relationship that thrives on mutual respect, communication, and growth. By adhering to these guidelines, both mentors and mentees can contribute to a positive and impactful mentoring experience. 

To help you implement these responsibilities in meeting with your mentee, we encourage you to review our advice to NMC mentors for their first meeting.

Build trust & respect 

• Create an open, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment for your mentee. 
• Respect their confidentiality and personal boundaries. 

Set clear expectations 

• Establish communication preferences and frequency from the start. 
• Clarify the goals and objectives of the mentoring relationship. 

Be a resource 

• Offer guidance on academic matters, career choices, and personal development. 
• Share your experiences, knowledge, and insights to benefit your mentee. 

Listen actively 

• Pay attention to your mentee's concerns, questions, and interests. 
• Encourage them to share their thoughts and actively engage in discussions. 

Provide constructive feedback 

• Offer feedback in a positive and constructive manner to help your mentee improve. 
• Focus on their strengths and areas for growth. 

Support diversity & inclusion 

• Celebrate and respect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of your mentee. 
• Offer guidance on navigating challenges they may face due to their background and identities. 

Encourage growth 

• Inspire your mentee to set and achieve academic, career, and personal goals. 
• Motivate them to step out of their comfort zone and explore new opportunities. 

Be reliable 

• Honor commitments and meeting schedules. 
• Respond to emails in a timely manner.

NMC Program Guidelines 

Adhering to the program guidelines will help to ensure you and your mentee have the best possible experience in the NMC. 

Commitment 

Both mentors and mentees commit to participating actively and with enthusiasm throughout the mentoring relationship. 

Respect diversity 

Respect each other's backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Embrace diversity and foster inclusivity. 

Feedback 

Provide constructive feedback to the NMC staff to continuously improve the mentoring experience. 

Communication 

Inform NMC staff if any issues or concerns arise during the mentoring relationship. 

Flexibility 

Be open to adjusting meeting schedules and formats to accommodate both mentor and mentee's commitments. 

More Mentor Resources 

View all mentor resources 

Review APS's mentor resource library for NMC mentors. 

Download the mentor guidelines document 

Save a summary of APS's mentor guidelines and advice. 

APS career resources 

APS provides guidance and information for physicists at every stage of their education and careers. 

Find more career resources