Seeding a Culture of Mentorship
At the College of Education, we believe that people are our greatest strength. Rooted in our strategic commitment to Invest in People, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where faculty, staff and students can reach their fullest potential. One of the most powerful ways we live this commitment is through mentorship.
Why Mentorship Matters
Mentorship provides opportunities for professional growth, leadership development and personal fulfillment. Whether you're a student finding your path, a faculty member navigating academia, or a staff member seeking leadership opportunities, having a mentor offers many benefits, such as:
Increased Confidence and Belonging
Mentorship helps individuals feel seen, supported and valued — fostering a stronger sense of identity, purpose, and connection within the academic community.- Guidance and Growth at Every Stage
Mentors offer insight, feedback and encouragement to help mentees clarify goals, explore possibilities, and navigate challenges with confidence. - Opportunities for Mutual Learning and Leadership
Mentorship is not one-directional. Mentors and mentees often learn from one another, deepening their understanding of diverse experiences and strengthening.
Our Mentoring Framework
Our approach to mentorship is grounded in three core pillars:
- Values
Mentorship is a right and essential for growth and belonging. We value relationships that are flexible, inclusive and rooted in trust, mutual respect and personal development. - Practices
Mentorship should be collaborative, clearly defined and responsive to diverse identities and needs. We support a range of mentorship models that reflect the complexity of academic life, including one-on-one to peer and group mentoring. - Supports
Sustaining mentorship requires leadership commitment, practical tools and lasting infrastructure. We are building systems for training, evaluation and recognition to ensure mentorship is valued and embedded across the college.
Building a Culture of Mentorship
Our efforts to strengthen mentorship across the college will include:
- Workshops to support mentorship skills and best practices
- Professional development opportunities tailored to mentors and mentees
- A growing Mentorship Network to connect colleagues across departments
- And more programming to foster connection, reflection and growth
