Setting formal expectations for lab members

Are your lab members aware when they do not meet expectations?

Out the outset, students should know what is expected of them. This enables their success as well as gives them a way to avoid a shortcoming. It also makes things easier on you when you’re dealing with underperforming students.

It’s standard to have a page with information about information for prospective students (here is mine). In addition, how about we specify the expectations of current students and make these well known? I have yet to do this, but a great model of expectations is on the site of Melissa Wilson Sayres of ASU. What’s particularly great about hers: she starts with what her lab members should expect from her, before she explains what she requires from them.

It’s not adequate to say that you’re dedicated to your students and that you give them 120%. Students should get a specific understanding of what, when, how much, and how you will support them, and in return, you may levy similar expectations on your students.

Do you have, or know of, a set of expectations that you provide or make publicly available? Would you like to share a link or text in the comments? The kinds of expectations can vary widely with institution type, the type of work done in the lab, and and also there are different categories of lab membership.