NSF Mentoring Requirements for Proposals

Mentoring Plans (Chapter II.D.2.I(i))

• One page, Supplementary Document;
• Describes mentoring to be provided to all postdoctoral associates/scholars or graduate students supported by the project;
• Separate plans are NOT required for postdocs and/or graduate students, but plans may specify how different components will be enacted for the two types of researchers.
• Activity examples include, but are not limited to:
  • Career counseling
  • Proposal preparation
  • Publications and presentations
  • Guidance on improving teaching or mentoring
  • Effective collaboration in diverse teams
  • Training in responsible professional practices

Individual Development Plans (IDPs) (Chapter VII.B.7)

• Each postdoc and graduate student receiving substantial support (defined as 1 person-month per year or more*) from an NSF award must have an IDP;
• Maps the educational goals, career exploration, and professional development of an individual;
• Must be updated annually;
• Certification by PI required in annual and final progress reports

NSF will not provide a standard IDP template or form. Commonly applied instruments may be used.

* One person month is generally defined by NSF as any graduate student who is supported for more than:

i. about 1/2 semester at “full” support associated with approximately 20 hours/week commitment

ii. about 1 semester at “half” support associated with approximately 10 hours/week commitment