I would love for my advisees to stay in touch with me. I like it when undergraduate students stay in touch as well. That is, among them, only those I worked with would, otherwise it wouldn't be that interesting, I guess.
If someone were to fall out of touch, but then get in touch again, I think I'd be happy to hear from them unless I really didn't like them for some reason, but it doesn't sound like that was an issue in any of these cases. And even in that case it wouldn't be a big deal negatively, I just wouldn't be that excited.
And yes, professionally it can be helpful unless the person relies on the advisor too much (e.g. continues to publish with them and nothing else). How helpful it would be toward tenure really depends on a bunch of specifics. Many places won't ask former advisors for a letter, but then again, some will. And of course there are other ways to be helpful.
I'd stay in touch. Of course, that still leaves the question of how and with what regularity. It could be done in some simple manner, like sending them an email about a relevant piece you have come across that you think they may find of interest. Or sending them a note about a recent publication or some other professional accomplishment (or even personal one if that was the sort of thing you ever discussed).
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Posted by Turquoise Stuff to academicsecret at 8/10/2006 04:49:17 AM
