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University Equity and Inclusion
Rutgers logo
University Equity and Inclusion
Rutgers logo
University Equity and Inclusion
Rutgers logo
University Equity and Inclusion
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Rutgers Connection Network Mentoring Program

The Rutgers Connection Network (RCN) Mentoring Program is designed to advance a culture of mentoring and inclusion at Rutgers and increase the engagement and scholarly productivity of Rutgers faculty and postdoctoral researchers by providing the infrastructure, training, and facilitation to enable effective and collaborative mentoring partnerships beyond the departmental level.

100+ faculty and postdocs universitywide participate in yearlong mentoring partnerships

To participate in the RCN Mentoring Program as a mentee, mentor, or peer-mentor, you are committing to dedicate about 2 hours per month for 10 months (from November 2021 through August 2022). The program will be conducted 100% virtually, via phone and Zoom.

Maribel & Tynisha participating in a mentoring workshop along with a diverse group of faculty

RCN Mentoring Program Activities

Application Cycle 
August 2021: Call for Applications
September 2021: Applications Reviewed
October 2021: Participants Notified of Selection and Pairings

Program Orientation
Wednesday, November 10, 2021: 1 – 2:30 PM 
Presentation and first meeting with partner(s)

Mentoring Meetings
November 1, 2021 – August 31, 2022: 1-hour Meetings with Partner(s)
Pairs meet virtually, once monthly, when convenient for them

Download Schedule
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RCN Mentoring Options

You may apply to participate in one of two types of mentoring partnerships:

    • A less experienced individual (a mentee) and a more experienced individual (a mentor) focused on advancing the professional, academic, and/or personal development of the mentee
       
    • Mentors are committed to helping their mentees grow; mentees are committed to learning from their mentors
    • Two individuals at similar career stages focused on advancing the professional, academic, and/or personal development of both individuals  
       
    • The commitment to growth is collaborative—guiding one another and supporting self-directed development through information exchange, advising, and knowledge-sharing

Application & Timeline

  • In September, the Mentoring Executive Committee will review applications, prioritizing those that indicate a commitment to all the program activities.
  • Selected applicants will be notified of their acceptance in October and asked to confirm their participation.
  • Mentoring matches are made based on the applicant's stated goals, needs, and mentoring preferences, as well as the availability of a compatible mentor outside of applicant's department.
     
  • Selected applicants are notified of their acceptance in August and asked to confirm their participation.
     
  • Applicants who are not selected will be notified by end of October.
  • The program officially starts on November 10, 2021, at the virtual orientation.
African american hands typing on a white keyboard
Covers of books - How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing by Paul J. Silvia, Ask Powerful Questions by Will Wise, The Handbook of Mentoring at Work: Theory, Research, and Practice by Belle Rose Ragins, Kathy E. Kram, The Science of Effective Mentorship in STEMM

Suggested Readings

Here are a few books, journals, and articles that will help you on your journey to becoming a better mentor.

A diverse group of faculty talking in a conference room. An african american woman smiling is in focus.

Mentoring Across Differences

The RCN program is extremely committed to valuing the diverse populations we serve and establishing cross-identity communications throughout our program.