Applications for mentors and mentees will be available on September 4, 2009
Goals & Objectives of Connections
The purpose of Connections is to assist new or mid-career faculty and professional staff with adapting to and growing throughout their lives as members of the SUNY Fredonia community. At the same time, mentors receive personal and professional satisfaction via involvement with his/her mentee. To this end, Connections will help to retain faculty and staff and foster their professional growth by:
- introducing them to the campus and the surrounding communities;
- fostering personal and professional networks within and across academic disciplines and administrative departments;
- providing information and resources that promote professional growth and development;
- communicating the policies and procedures that are relevant to their respective work environments;
- offering strategies to help establish a healthy balance between life and work;
- co-navigating the processes for reappointment, tenure, and promotion;
- encouraging a sense of community that, in turn, helps to increase campus morale.
Connection Mentors - Want to be a mentor? Click here for mentor application webform
Connection Mentors are expected to be reasonably knowledgeable about the SUNY Fredonia campus culture and the various resources that are available to faculty and staff. Mentors should possess excellent interpersonal skills, have the ability to exercise good judgment, be willing to invest time and share personal experiences. Mentors must ensure that all interactions and discussions are confidential. There is no assessment or evaluation of the Mentee. Responsibilities of Connection Mentors include:
- attending the "Connection Commencement" in the fall and the "Connection Capstone" in the spring;
- arranging to meet with your mentee on a regular basis (a minimum of three times per semester) throughout the academic year;
- (faculty mentor) providing informal advice to the new faculty member on aspects of teaching, research and committee work or be able to direct him/her to knowledgeable individuals, departments, or programs;
- (staff mentor) providing informal advice to the professional staff member on aspects of his/her work responsibilities or be able to direct him/her to knowledgeable individuals, departments, or programs;
- encouraging attendance and/or accompanying Mentee to appropriate professional development activities that occur on campus;
- serving as a liaison between your mentee and the campus community;
- offering supportive guidance and constructive feedback.
Connection Mentees - Want to be a mentee? Click here for mentee application webform
Connection Mentees are individuals who are new to campus or at mid-level in his/her career who are interested in receiving personalized support and professional guidance. Mentees should be willing and open to share professional goals and career plans with their Mentors. Mentees must ensure that all interactions and discussions are confidential. Responsibilities of Connection Mentees include:
- attending the "Connection Commencement" in the fall and the "Connection Capstone" in the spring;
- arranging to meet with your Mentor on a regular basis (a minimum of three times per semester) throughout the academic year;
- accompanying Mentor to appropriate professional development activities that occur on campus;
- keeping his/her mentor informed of any problems or concerns as they arise.