06/17/2024
By Julie Nash

As we prepare to welcome a new cohort of faculty for the academic year 2024-2025, the Center for Excellence in Learning & Teaching (CELT) is thrilled to invite you to volunteer in UMentor’s Faculty Mentorship Program. The program facilitates organic mentoring relationships by connecting new faculty with experienced colleagues (i.e., mentors) at UMass Lowell. This program is intended to support the expansion of networks, contribute new knowledge and insights, foster a sense of belonging, and build new skills.

What sets UMentor apart?

  1. Organic Connections: Unlike programs that assign mentors, UMentor allows new faculty to browse profiles of potential mentors and choose those they feel a natural connection with, both professionally and personally.
  2. Holistic Approach: We recognize that mentorship goes beyond academic guidance. UMentor encourages mentors to share not only their professional expertise but also their personal interests and hobbies, fostering well-rounded relationships.
  3. Flexible Mentoring Options: Whether it's a one-time consultation, a long-term mentorship, or group mentoring, UMentor accommodates various mentoring needs, ensuring new faculty receive the support they seek.
  4. Community Building: By facilitating connections based on shared interests and experiences, UMentor aims to create a vibrant community where faculty can thrive, collaborate, and feel a strong sense of belonging.

Mentorship is a cornerstone of professional growth and development, offering invaluable guidance, support, and encouragement to those embarking on new journeys in academia. By volunteering as a mentor, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives and careers of your colleagues while contributing to the vibrant culture of mentorship within our institution.

How to Become a Mentor: Current UML faculty members are encouraged to submit a brief blurb about themselves, encompassing both their personal and professional interests. This blurb will serve as a window into your world, allowing new faculty members to identify with you and forge bonds based on common interests and experiences such as gardening, cooking, karaoke, etc., in addition to professional interests.

What will Mentorship Entail: The mentoring faculty fellows will facilitate opportunities for new faculty to interact with mentors allowing them to organically form a River Hawk network. Mentors will be expected to join a group messaging app this summer and offer advice to new faculty as they prepare to join our community in the fall. They are also expected to join social or professional development activities as able during the summer and next academic year.

Your participation in this program will not only enrich the lives of our new faculty members but also contribute to the cultivation of a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please fill out this form before July 1.

Thank you for your dedication to the success and well-being of our faculty members. Together, let us create a community where every member feels a sense of belonging and support. For questions, contact CELT@uml.edu

Your 2024-25 UMentor Lead Team,
Hsien-Yuan (Mark) Hsu
Yanfen Li
Shaima Ragab