Tips for Prospective Mentors

1. Consider what type of mentoring you wish to provide (e.g., teaching, scholarly pursuits, and/or service).
2. Think about how much time you have to devote to mentoring and don’t over-commit. It’s fine to limit yourself to one mentee.
3. If you are unable to assist a prospective mentee for whatever reason, consider providing that person with suggestions that you may have regarding alternative mentor prospects.
4. Let your mentee know the best way(s) to contact you (e.g., office phone, home phone, email, dropping by your office). Don’t be afraid to limit hours that you wish to receive phone calls at home!
5. Keep in mind that college and department procedures continually change, so take care that miscellaneous information that you provide is current (e.g., curriculum process, etc.). If in doubt, direct your mentee to the appropriate contact person for a given area.
6. As time goes on and your mentee continues to develop professionally, your formal mentoring relationship with that person may become less necessary. Consider discussing this evolution with your mentee as she/he grows in confidence.
7. Feel free to phone, email, or visit either of the ASEC “ad hoc committee on faculty mentoring” members (i.e., Hoffman & Coots) for assistance!

Return to: ASEC Faculty Mentoring Program

Last update: 3/23/06