ABSTRACT
This chapter offers a glimpse of the developmental phases of mentoring relationships. It emphasizes the phases articulated by Kathy Kram in mentorship development. Many mentorships in academe adhere to a predictable series of phases highlighted by formation, active work, and termination. At the initiation stage, professors and prospective mentees actively engage in consideration of the potential match as synergistic exchanges and interpersonal attraction grow. Once formed, a mentorship enters the cultivation phase characterized by frequent interaction and delivery by the mentor of numerous career and psychosocial functions. Near the end of an academic program, or once the active phase has taken its course and the mentee finds less need for intensive assistance, the mentoring relationship often moves toward separation. The separation phase is characterized by distancing and psychological preparation for the final phase-termination and redefinition.
