Adapted from guidelines originally developed by William Predebon, ME-EM
Faculty Mentoring is a process by which experienced senior faculty with highly accrued achievements counsel, guide, instruct and facilitate the intellectual and/or career development of generally new, less experienced faculty.
Mentor: Teacher or advisor; one who leads through guidance.
Qualities sought in the Mentor:
- Demonstrated success in professional activities essential for tenure and promotion of faculty including having secured and sustained substantial external research funding, publishing extensively in peer reviewed/archival journals, valuing teaching as well as earning recognition as a respected teacher, and serving in leadership roles in their local/national professional community.
- Mature professional and research career standing and readiness to nurture younger colleagues.
- Ability and desire to work with others with unselfish, caring and genuinely interest in the welfare of the faculty, department, and larger research community at Michigan Tech.
Expectations of a Mentor:
- Willingness to serve as a source of information both in the mentees field and within the university, as an advisor who provides multiple perspectives with guidance on better options, as an advocate, as a confidant and friend, as a sounding board, as a person who opens doors and facilitates connections, and as a sponsor and promoter to others in the community.
- Provide constructive feedback by reviewing their mentee’s draft proposals and papers. Mentors can also provide constructive feedback on instructional activities both inside and outside of the classroom. Perspectives and sponsorship in impactful/beneficial service is also encouraged.
While it is not required, it is valuable and encouraged to involve their mentee as a co-author in proposals or facilitate contact with others as appropriate. Mentors may also involve their mentee as a collaborator leading to co-authorship on journal papers.