CTM: Maintaining Effective Communication
As a result of participating in this event, attendees will be able to:
- Communicate effectively across diverse dimensions including varied backgrounds, disciplines, ethnicities, positions of power, etc.
- Accept and use constructive feedback.
- Identify different communication styles/approaches.
- Use multiple strategies for improving communication (in person, at a distance, across multiple mentors, and within proper personal boundaries).
November 20, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Location: Zoom Online
Presented by:
Dr. Lori Dickes
She is currently serving as an Associate Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Political Science within the College Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences.
Educational/training background
Lori Dickes is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Political Science. Dr. Dickes is the Graduate Program Director, including the Policy Studies PhD program and the Master in Public Administration Program at Clemson University in the College Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences and College of Education. Lori has been at Clemson since 2005 and has worked in the Department of Applied Economics, the Strom Thurmond Institute, and has been the MPA Program Director since 2013. Currently and previously held positions include: Associate Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Park, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University; Assistant Director of the South Carolina Water Resources Center-Clemson University; Professor Associate and Outreach SC Economics Director of Economic Education- Lander University, Greenwood, SC. Dr. Dickes has taught economics and policy for over 20 years and is committed to improving students, and our communities, understanding of policy and economics and the role policy plays in our lives. Dr. Dickes is especially interested in policy innovation, policy transformation and policy design.
Event Description
Effective communication skills solidify the foundation of a strong graduate mentee and faculty mentor relationship. However, it may be challenging for graduate students and faculty advisors to navigate differences in communication styles, preferences, and expectations. Graduate mentees may also face uncertainty about how and when to raise concerns or share constructive feedback with their advisors. In this session, graduate students will reflect on their own communication strengths and identify areas for growth, practice strategies for expressing ideas and concerns clearly, and learn techniques for adapting to their mentor’s communication style. Participants will work together to explore ways of initiating constructive conversations and maintaining open dialogue that fosters trust and mutual understanding throughout their graduate experience.