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NSF Mentoring Requirement for Postdocs: Suggested Language
Updated with input from the OPA Faculty Advisory Committee on 11.25.2008
| For the Faculty - Please Note: This is general language faculty may use to fulfill the NSF requirement for a mentor plan for postdocs (see Section II.C.2.d.i of http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf09_1/gpg_index.jsp). A more individualized, detailed plan may be necessary in the case of some situations. NC State University’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs offers some basic guidelines on how to structure an individual development plan at postdoctoral-experience.html. Ultimately, it is up to each individual PI as to the information that needs to be included for the NSF mentoring plan requirement. |
Mentoring Activities for the Postdoctoral Scholar
Mentoring is viewed as a critical component of the postdoctoral researcher’s success, both as a postdoctoral scholar and a future scientist. Given its importance, mentoring will be a formalized activity between the postdoctoral researcher and the principal investigator with the aid of an individual development plan. The principal investigator will schedule meetings on a regular basis to discuss the postdoctoral scholar’s individual development plan and to assist the postdoc in meeting his or her goals such as career development, obtaining additional research skills, number of publications, and other professional development objectives. In addition, the postdoctoral appointee will be encouraged to participate in the offerings of North Carolina State University’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, which includes career counseling, self-assessment activities, and free professional development seminars. |
