The Mentor Training and Development for Research Mentors program prepares faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students to effectively mentor undergraduate researchers. Offered through the University of Michigan Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), Center for Research, Scholarship, and Creative Inquiry, this training equips mentors with evidence-based tools to support meaningful undergraduate research experiences.
The program is modeled after the nationally recognized curriculum developed by the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and incorporates additional topics tailored to mentoring undergraduate researchers at the University of Michigan.
Through interactive workshops, UROP mentor-student case studies, and practical mentoring strategies, participants will develop skills to:
- Establish clear expectations and goals with mentees
- Foster inclusive and equitable research environments
- Support undergraduate researchers’ professional and academic development
- Navigate common mentoring challenges
- Provide constructive feedback and guidance
- Cultivate effective communication and mentoring relationships
Participants will learn practical strategies to support student success, foster inclusive research environments, and build effective mentoring relationships. Participants will leave with actionable strategies that strengthen mentoring relationships, improve research outcomes, and enhance the undergraduate research experience.
Participants will engage in workshops covering topics such as:
- Mentoring philosophy and expectations
- Communication and feedback strategies
- Inclusive mentoring practices
- Supporting students from diverse backgrounds
- Aligning expectations and goals in research relationships
- Promoting student ownership of research projects
- Professional development and career mentoring
The program combines nationally recognized CIMER materials with UROP case studies, and new modules designed specifically for mentoring undergraduate researchers at Michigan.
This program is designed for anyone mentoring undergraduate researchers, including:
- Faculty mentors
- Postdoctoral scholars
- Graduate student mentors
- Research staff and lab managers
Fall 2026 Schedule: The 6-session program (each ~90 minutes) is delivered across a semester. Sessions combine discussion, case studies, and applied activities. Registration will open in August.
