Faculty Mentoring

The purpose of the College Mentoring Program is to help build cohesion among our junior faculty and to create a link between new faculty and respected, tenured faculty. It is anticipated that the mentored faculty will experience higher levels of job satisfaction, better teaching, greater scholarly productivity, and a stronger likelihood of remaining at the University of Southern Indiana than non-mentored faculty. Additionally, faculty mentors should gain considerable personal and professional satisfaction from involvement in such a program. The program’s success will depend on the new faculty members, their mentors and their department chairs all taking an active role in the mentoring process.

Goals of the Mentoring Program

For Mentees:

• Learn about USI and the community, allowing for a smoother adjustment to the new environment
• Increase productivity of junior faculty members to enhance potential for academic success
• Address questions, concerns and special needs in a confidential manner
• Gain insight about teaching, scholarship and career development from tenured faculty
• Network with other new faculty and develop a personal support system

For Mentors:

• Share knowledge and experience with junior faculty and gain professional satisfaction
• Assist junior faculty with adjusting to the campus and addressing their needs and concerns
• Promote collegiality through mentoring

Selection of Mentors:

The Dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education will establish Peer Groups of junior faculty (in years one through three) matched with a tenured faculty member from the college. If a junior faculty member has an assigned mentor from within their department, the junior faculty may request a mentor from outside the department. A mentor will not be involved in the evaluation of the mentee. Mentors will be selected by the Pott College Dean's Office. Faculty interested in participating as mentors should contact the Dean's Office.

Duration of Mentoring Process:

Each Peer Group will be paired with a mentor for one semester. It is expected that the group will meet 3-4 times throughout that semester. First year Peer Groups will engage heavily with the New Faculty Academy to drive conversation topics. Second and third year Peer Groups will meet to determine conversation topics as a group. If at any time during the mentoring process a mentor and/or mentee feel that the relationship is not productive, they should contact the dean so that a different mentor can be assigned (if warranted).

Responsibilities of Mentors Include:

• Initiating and maintaining contact with their mentees
• Devoting time to the mentoring relationship (3-4 meetings per semester)
• Providing support, guidance and constructive feedback to mentee with various questions, needs or concerns, especially in regard to teaching, scholarship and service
• Sharing their knowledge and experience to benefit their mentee and following the progress of their mentee
• Maintaining professionalism and confidentiality of the information shared by their mentee
• Examples of How Mentors Can Assist Mentees:
  • Discuss long- and short-term career goals and professional interests
  • Encourage mentee to attend programs offered by the University, including the New Faculty Academy and other professional development opportunities.
  • Share information about teaching logistics (classroom technology, Informational Technology, Copy Center, Rice Library, etc.)
  • Explore internal (FRCWA, SEERGA, PFFDA, RISC Grants, Faculty Summer Fellowships, etc.) and external funding opportunities
  • Discuss academic policies and guidelines and University governance structure and University committees
  • Discuss student issues such as advising, motivating students and academic dishonesty
  • Share experiences with time management
  • Discuss the preparation of annual reviews and promotion and tenure materials
  • Address any special needs or concerns

Responsibilities of Mentees Include:

• Devoting time to the mentoring relationship and interacting with mentor frequently
• Becoming familiar with the department, college and University criteria for tenure and promotion
• Striving for academic excellence
• Making use of opportunities provided by mentor
• Exchanging ideas and experiences with mentor
• Seeking advice and support when needed
• Maintaining professionalism and confidentiality in all meetings.