Supervising Expectations

In order to ensure a positive experience for you and for our students, below are some best practices for student supervision: 

• If you are hosting a student at your organization, create a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages respect. It can be good practice to:
  • Use inclusive language.
  • Create and maintain an awareness of different cultures, identities and abilities.
  • Provide equity training to your staff on accessibility, racial equity, gender identity and expression. 
• Encourage students to ask questions and become familiar with your organization.
• Set priorities and deadlines with the student so that they are able to establish a work plan.
• Establish how frequently you will be checking in with the student.  
• Provide regular feedback on the student's performance and take the time to listen to the student.
• Communicate with the University staff or faculty member you may be working with regarding additional supervision expectations. 
• The University of Guelph utilizes the Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSAs) model for having performance conversations with student staff. It may be helpful to establish 2-5 KSAs that you anticipate the student may develop and frame your performance conversations around these.
• Engage your students in reflection to help facilitate deeper learning.