Critical Colleagues Grant development and writing support Research and Graduate Studies

Currently Critical Mentor : someone who works with you from grant conceptualization until you have developed a polished application. This person will provide careful feedback on all components of your application through its multiple iterations, up until the time it is submitted to Research & Graduate Studies two weeks prior to the Council deadline. Critical Advisor : someone who provides constructive feedback on the way in which you have organized, developed, and written your application, with a particular focus on its readability, clarity, organization, and justification. This individual will be less engaged in the conceptualization and writing of your application, and focus his or her attention more on after-the-fact critically constructive feedback.

Best Practices: Critical Advisors Commits the time needed to provide excellent feedback Listens actively Maintains strict confidentiality Asks open and honest questions Provides open and honest feedback/support (does not look like: “You’re doing great; keep at it”)

Best Practices – Critical Partners Understands that the role of the critical advisor is to challenge and encourage (check your ego at the door) Models an openness to critically constructive feedback (active listening)

Best Practices – The Relationship Establish ground rules at the beginning of the relationship Discuss and agree upon responsibilities and expectations of advisors and partners