FemaleScienceProfessor's advisor treats all his former students with "the same benign neglect" but she has difficulty doing so. She writes that she has some former students she wants nothing more to do with — though wishes them well — and others whom she will continue to support, collaborate with, or stay in touch with. "I feel a bit guilty about this, but not enough to change how I do things," FemaleScienceProfessor writes, and then asks what responsibilities advisors have after a student graduates.
Chad Orzel at Uncertain Principles responds with a poll. So far, his readers are voting for "letter of recommendation" followed by "referrals of students or post-docs."