FAQs

Does being a #MentorFirst mean that you don’t care about research?

No! Pledging does not mean you do not care about research. In fact, it means you care about research so much that you realize that the best research is done when individuals are valued and supported in their professional development. It also means you care about research enough to care about cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders who will drive outstanding research in our field into the future.

What does it mean to be a #MentorFirst and how do I do that?

While the importance of mentoring is well-established and recommendations for best practices abound, if you are a faculty member in STEM, there is a good chance that you received little training in this area. However, that does not mean that you cannot be an outstanding mentor. On our home page, we share resources to grow your mentoring skills and outline several practices that can improve the culture and climate for the members of your research group.

What happens when I pledge #MentorFirst?

When you complete the online form, your name will be added to the public list of faculty who have pledged to be a #MentorFirst. You will also receive an emailed list of the commitments that you have agreed to and a logo that you can include on your lab website and in presentations to show that you are a #MentorFirst.

Why should I pledge #MentorFirst?

By pledging, you show current and future mentees that you prioritize THEM, more so than just their research productivity.  Mentees will help to hold you accountable and bring out the best in them.  Moreover, by pledging #MentorFirst, you publicly express a commitment to challenging questionable long-standing practices that pervade many fields of academia.

How else can I help this initiative and improve as a mentor?

Tell your friends and colleagues about #MentorFirst and encourage them to take the pledge.  You are also encouraged to build your own network of close colleagues to discuss best mentoring practices.

How are research advisors who take the #MentorFirst pledge held accountable?

By taking the pledge, you are inviting your lab members to hold you accountable through their feedback every year. We also count on colleagues to hold each other accountable by having open conversations. Over time, we are optimistic that negative cultures in academic research laboratories will dissolve and be replaced with inclusive environments where everyone has the support they need to be successful.