Overview

Why Every Institution Should Have a Mentoring Program

The purpose of this module is to provide a framework and resources for the development of a mentoring program within institutions of higher learning.

Mentoring is an investment in your faculty. Mentoring sends the message to new instructors that they are valued and that those within the institution are willing to help each new instructor succeed.

Mentoring embraces a philosophy about people and how important they are to educational institutions.
Mentoring has been known to invigorate senior faculty, to help junior professors learn the ropes, and to assist female and minority faculty members in understanding the organizational culture.

—from "Empowering the Faculty: Mentoring Redirected and Renewed" by Gaye Luna and Deborah Cullen

How to Use this Module
This module can be used to create a mentoring program that is identical to the El Paso Community College Faculty Mentoring Program or, more appropriately, elements from the EPCC program and others should be combined in a way that best addresses your own institutional needs.

The Teaching and Learning Community
This section explores several models for creating a mentoring program that is flexible enough to meet the needs of your institution's faculty.

Make New Faculty Feel Connected
Here you'll find practical suggestions on how to to make your faculty feel welcomed into the community

Technology
Technology can be used to expand your faculty's horizons. Consider adding web-based components to your mentoring program.

Common Pitfalls of Mentoring
All relationships encounter occasional bumps in the road—even healthy ones! Good mentor and protege communication can help smooth out those rough spots.

Conclusion
How do you know if your program is accomplishing its objectives?