Advising: MS/PhD – Research Based Named Options

Research-based MS and PhD students are accepted into the graduate programs by a faculty member who agrees to become their advisor (and the chair or co-chair of their committee). Affiliate faculty in Kinesiology may also be advisors. The Graduate Program Manager and Director of Graduate Studies act as secondary advisors and also support the student and their progress toward their degree.

A Graduate Student Guide to Working with Faculty Advisors

Through this interactive, self-paced micro-course, graduate students learn about the characteristics of functional and dysfunctional relationships with faculty advisors, strategies for communicating effectively and aligning expectations, as well as program grievance processes and Hostile and Intimidating Behavior resources. Completion of the micro-course takes about 20 minutes and is optional but encouraged for all graduate students.

Mentoring Agreements

Clearly defined expectations for both the student and advisor are a crucial starting point for a strong relationship. Students and advisors in our department are strongly encouraged to maintain a practice of producing “Mentoring Agreements” (sometimes referred to as advising compacts or contracts) that clarify and formally document mutually agreed upon expectations for both the student and advisor. Creation of the mentoring agreement should occur at the onset of the mentoring relationship and should be updated at least annually.

Individual Development Plan

An Individual Development Plan (IDP) helps graduate students and postdoctoral researchers:

• assess current skills, interests, and strengths;
• make a plan for developing skills to meet academic and professional goals; and
• communicate with supervisors, advisors, and mentors about evolving goals and related skills.

The university recommends IDPs for all graduate students and is required by studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF).

The IDP is a document to be revisited again and again, to update and refine as goals change or come into focus, and to record progress and accomplishments.

Further information about IDPs can be found at: grad.wisc.edu/professional-development/individual-development-plan

Annual Review Process

All graduate students in the department are expected to complete an Annual Graduate Student Feedback Report with their advisor each spring. This report is a required part of the department’s assessment process and is used to:

• Document academic and professional progress

• Identify challenges or changes in goals

• Facilitate constructive conversations between students and mentors

Components of the Annual Progress Report include:

• Coursework, research, and academic milestones completed

• Areas of strength and areas of growth

• Goals for the upcoming academic year

Giving and Receiving Feedback

We recommend that students and advisors hold at least one dedicated feedback meeting per semester in addition to ongoing communication. During these meetings:

• Students can share what’s working well, request support, and give constructive feedback to advisors

• Advisors can assess progress toward goals, clarify expectations, and discuss strengths and areas for growth

To structure these conversations, students may be asked to:

• Update their IDP

• Reflect briefly on their own performance and development

• Identify specific areas they would like feedback on

Advisors may use this opportunity to:

• Review milestones

• Offer targeted mentorship

• Ensure alignment with program timelines

Summary of Advising Tools and Timeline

The timeline above is just an example and may vary based on individualized plans agreed upon by the student and advisor.

Mentoring Networks

In addition to a formal advisor, you are encouraged to develop a broad network of individuals who can provide academic and professional mentorship during and beyond your time as a graduate student. This mentoring network may include faculty, staff, peers, alumni, and professionals within or beyond UW–Madison.

Finding and Connecting with Mentors

Building your mentoring network takes initiative and curiosity. Here are some ways to connect with mentors in kinesiology and your area of interest:

• Attend departmental seminars, social events, and student-faculty mixers

• Take courses outside your advisor’s lab to meet other faculty

• Ask your advisor or peers for introductions to people doing work that interests you

• Join professional organizations and student groups

• Explore opportunities for collaborative projects or teaching experiences

Mentorship can look different for everyone—some mentors may guide your research, others may help you prepare for a career in academia, industry, or healthcare. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask questions; most faculty and professionals are happy to support your journey.

Changing Your Advisor

The advisor-student relationship is foundational to your success in graduate school and should be built on mutual respect, trust, and shared academic goals. However, we recognize that advising needs or research directions may change over time. As this relationship is based on mutual agreement, it may be ended by either the student or the advisor.

If you are considering a change in advisor, we recommend the following steps:

1. Reflect and Consult
   Begin by reflecting on the reasons for seeking a change—these may be academic (e.g., change in research interests), interpersonal, or logistical. Consider discussing your concerns with a committee member, the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), or the Graduate Program Manager.

2. Identify and Confirm a New Advisor
   Before ending your current advising relationship, speak with the faculty member you are interested in working with. A new advisor must agree to take on this role, including any associated mentoring, research, or funding responsibilities. You may also want to clarify expectations before confirming the new arrangement.

3. Complete the Advisor Change Process
   Once a new advisor has agreed to take you on, complete the Change of Graduate Advisor Form (available from Dr. Erin McGowan, Graduate Program Manager). This step ensures departmental records and systems are updated.

4. Maintain Continuous Advising
   Per Graduate School policy, every graduate student must have an official advisor on record. Failure to maintain an advisor may result in academic suspension. To avoid disruptions to your enrollment or funding, do not formally terminate your current advising relationship until a new advisor has been confirmed and documented.

If you have questions or concerns about this process, or need support navigating it, please reach out to the Graduate Program Manager or DGS for assistance.