What is Public Narrative

This chapter promotes the idea that retired academic staff members represent an excellent source of external mentors for postgraduate research students. PhD candidates, particularly those from international backgrounds, face an isolating experience at the outset of their studies. Having a mentor outside the formal supervisory arrangements could positively alter their trajectory. Retired academics have the flexibility to contribute to their institutions, assisting yet another PhD candidate achieve success. The mentor is outside the supervisory team and must respect boundaries around the supervisory team / research student relationship. Part of the chapter is a case study discussing the unexpected outcomes of the involvement of a retired academic staff member and an international postgraduate research student, of non-English speaking background, in a program to develop language skills at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Matching of the two participants meant that they had many interests in common and an effective working relationship developed quickly into a mentor/mentee dyad.