Northern Arizona University

   

Formal mentoring can be valuable in improving new faculty socialization. Research indicates that mentoring programs are critical for faculty effectiveness (Bode, 1999). Boice (2000) found “[formal] mentoring … to be a powerful predictor of ‘good starts’ for new faculty” and to “generally predict political savvy, more advanced professional skills, higher levels of research productivity, and greater career advancement.” Mentoring has proven to have a myriad of benefits on personal, social, and professional levels not only for the new faculty member but for veteran faculty as well. Senior faculty often feel revitalized and validated as they share their expertise and knowledge as a mentor (George, 1997; Martin, 2002; Tauer, 2002). Developing a formal mentoring program can profit both new and veteran faculty, professionally and personally.

The Colleague-to-Colleague Mentorship Program at Northern Arizona University addresses these major goals:

Promote an ongoing sense of community for faculty at NAU

Prevent feelings of isolation, confusion, and missed opportunities

Encourage all faculty to achieve their full potential

Assist new faculty to understand the norms, values, and expectations of the University

Offer support in the development of productive teaching and research agendas

Create opportunities to develop and maintain a network of professional colleagues

Purposeful pairing and structured guidelines create a foundation for a successful program. Since fall 2002, veteran faculty have been recruited to serve as mentors and meet with new faculty members with whom they are matched.

Additional information and application for mentors.

Additional information and application for new faculty.