The purpose of this procedure is to describe the process for assigning mentors to all new full-time faculty members.
The academic administration of the University, as well as the administration of the college, believes that mentoring of new faculty members by more experienced faculty members increases the likelihood of a successful transition for the new faculty members, especially as it relates to teaching, research, scholarly activity, and outreach. Mentoring is required for new tenure-track and non-tenure-line faculty members.
No later than the conclusion of the third week of classes in each fall semester, new faculty members are to be matched with assigned mentors. Schools may manage the mentor assignment process as their own needs and guidelines dictate. Options include:
- Mentors assigned by department/program chairs
- Mentors assigned by school directors
- Mentors selected by new tenure-track faculty members (least preferred method)
Faculty mentors are expected to make themselves available to discuss important issues with their mentees. Likely topics include but are not limited to, teaching progress and methods, trajectories and expectations for research, types of scholarly activity, commitment of time to service activities, involvement in community outreach, and overall time management.
January 13, 2016
Revised March 2, 2016
Revised August 18, 2016
Revised November 26, 2003
Revised December 4, 2024