The Faculty Handbook states that, “Mentoring is an important component of faculty responsibilities. Depending on the discipline, the research effort involves the supervision and mentoring of undergraduate students, graduate students, other faculty, and those occupying post-doctoral or other research positions. Such mentoring is also part of a faculty member’s teaching effort. Mentoring of junior faculty is a significant service responsibility of senior faculty members.”
To assist faculty with their mentoring responsibilities, each school and several central university units make available information on best practices and guidance for becoming more effective mentors.
General Mentoring Resources
- “Empowering Your Mentoring Program” presentation by Dr. Joan Lakoski, Ph.D. (from 2012 mentoring forum meeting at USC)
- “Creating an Inclusive Academic Community: A Community Built on Mentoring and Support” presentation by John Brooks Slaughter, Ph.D. (from 2013 mentoring forum meeting at USC)
FOR DEPARTMENT CHAIRS:
- Resources for Department Chairs
A compilation of contact information for people, offices, and programs with whom department chairs may interact regularly.
- Best Practices for New Department Chairs
Through the support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs held an orientation for new department chairs on September 13, 2012. The purpose of the event was to provide advice and suggestions from successful veteran department chairs to ensure a smoother transition of chairs into their new role. A panel of four experienced chairs, moderated by an academic dean, shared their advice and best practices on issues related to leadership and to management and administration. The topics covered were efficacy in a complex system, handling personnel issues, and managing multiple roles.
- Tips on Mentoring for Department Chairs: Helping Faculty Pursue Funded Research
(USC’s Center for Excellence in Teaching)
FOR FACULTY MENTORS:
Below are some resources and best practices for mentors that can be adapted for personal use:
- Giving and Receiving Feedback: Helping Our Faculty and Trainees Reach Their Full Potential
Presentation from Dr. Charles Gomer, professor of pediatrics, former president of the Academic Senate, former president of the USC Mellon Mentoring Forum, and recipient of a Mellon Mentoring Award
- New Faculty Welcome
An online resource to help faculty new to USC get set-up and acclimated during their first few months.
FOR MENTORING STUDENTS:
- Advisor, Teacher, Role Model, Friend: On Being a Mentor to Students in Science and Engineering (National Academy Press)
FOR FACULTY MENTEES
- Self-Sabotage in the Academic Career (The Chronicle of Higher Education – April 29, 2013)
15 ways in which faculty members harm their own futures, often without knowing it
Last updated August 14, 2017