Rutgers Connection Network Faculty Mentoring Program

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

Sign up to mentor early career faculty at Rutgers

100+ faculty, universitywide, participate in structured mentoring partnerships

To participate in the RCN Faculty Mentoring Program as a mentee, mentor, or peer-mentor, you are committing to dedicate about 2 hours per month for 8 months (from October 2023 through May 2024). The program will be conducted hybrid this year with a mix of in-person and virtual activities.

• Learn about our program

RCN Faculty Mentoring Program Activities

Monthly Mentoring Meetings
October 2023 – May 2024: 1-hour Meetings with Partner(s)
Pairs meet virtually or in-person, once monthly, when convenient for them.

As a result of participating in the Rutgers Connection Network Faculty Mentoring Program, 

91%

have made progress towards goals that support aspirations.

88%

think more critically about mentoring and their network.

83%

have greater self-efficacy over their career.

Faculty Testimonial

Rutgers Connection Network Testimonial from Dr. Christopher Manente

RCN Faculty Mentoring Program Options

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

• Traditional Mentee/Mentor Partnership

  • 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

• Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Partnership

  • 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

• At the start of the semester, the Mentoring Executive Committee will review applications and select participants, prioritizing those that indicate a commitment to all the program activities.

• Selected applicants will be notified of their acceptance in late September/early October and asked to confirm their participation.
• We use several ways to ensure that our mentor-mentee matches are successful and this includes working with an RCN Mentoring Platform, the Mentoring Executive Committee and taking personal preferences in account.
• Matches are based on the applicant's stated goals, needs, and mentoring preferences, as well as the availability of a compatible mentor outside of the applicant's department.
• Applicants who are not selected will be notified by the end of October.
• The program officially starts in October at the Orientation meeting.

Suggested Readings

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

Mentoring Across Differences

The RCN program is committed to valuing the diverse populations we serve by cultivating culturally responsive mentoring practices.

Meet Our Mentoring Executive Committee

These are the leaders and champions behind the RCN Mentoring Program.