UNMC Academic Affairs has introduced a new faculty mentoring initiative aimed at supporting faculty through meaningful, cross-campus mentorship. Designed to connect faculty across UNMC’s colleges, institutes, campuses and programs, the initiative reflects UNMC’s commitment to mentorship and professional development.
“Mentorship is part of UNMC’s DNA,” said Jane Meza, PhD, interim vice chancellor for academic affairs. “This initiative offers practical tools to help faculty build relationships that are collaborative, purposeful and transformative.”
This new mentoring program will be one of the initiatives to strengthen faculty mentoring and retention, a goal identified in the UNMC Strategic Plan.
Building connections across colleges
One of the initiative’s key objectives is to help faculty find mentors outside of their own college or institute, encouraging broader collaboration and fresh perspectives. The program will offer:
- Resource guides to help set clear goals and expectations
- Training sessions to develop mentoring and leadership skills
- Facilitated networking events to spark new connections
Faculty mentors will receive recognition and expand their professional networks. Mentees will be supported in navigating challenges, opportunities and growing their careers.
“This initiative will elevate how we support one another as faculty,” Dr. Meza said. “We’re excited to see the ripple effect these relationships will have across UNMC and beyond.”
UNMC Academic Affairs invites faculty from all areas to participate. The new program currently is seeking mentors, and interested faculty can learn more and sign up at UNMC Academic Affairs online. Applications for mentees will open later.
Mentoring resources for everyone
Mentorship is a vital component for the success of everyone within the UNMC community. The mentoring resources provided by UNMC Academic Affairs are designed to benefit a wide group of people, and they include guidance about the role of a mentee and tools such as a mentoring agreement and needs assessment documents.
Due to the unique nature of postdoctoral education and graduate studies, additional resources are available through their programs. UNMC staff are encouraged to explore mentoring resources through UNMC Learning and Development.
One of the strategic goals is to ensure that every student can be connected with a mentor at any time during their studies. Watch for more details on upcoming mentoring resources designed for all students.
This faculty-focused program complements mentoring programs operating at department, division, institute and college levels. It also builds upon other programs, such as the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences Research “Entering Mentoring” training for graduate faculty, and is one step in advancing UNMC’s broader vision of a thriving academic community built on mentorship, collaboration and shared growth.