P&T Mentor – Mentee Relationship

The successful recommendation of our faculty for promotion and tenure is an important goal. To that end, it is critical that our faulty have an effective P&T mentor to help them navigate the promotion and tenure process. All of our faculty have mentors, as well as their division chiefs and/or department chairs to serve in this role. Departments may also wish to tap P&T committee members or faculty who have recently been recommended for promotion or tenure to provide additional insight and guidance during this important process.

To assist with a successful mentorship relationship, here are suggested roles for a P&T mentor and a P&T candidate

• Be prepared to make the time commitment to review the mentee’s portfolio, meet regularly and respond to their mentee’s needs in a timely fashion.
• Be able to provide constructive guidance and practical feedback in a helpful and compassionate manner.
• Share their own experience and promotion and tenure documents in a positive and helpful manner.
• Understand and be able to explain promotion and tenure policies, procedures and best practices.
• Be willing to seek out guidance and appropriately advocate for the mentee if needed and appropriate.

• Be prepared to ask for explicit advice on how to ideally present your skills, competencies, experiences and work products.
• Make it easy for your mentor to give you honest and specific feedback. Ask for it early in your relationship.
• Be open to listen to and act on constructive feedback. Thank your mentor for being honest with you and request precise recommendations for improvement.
• Be proactive and respect your mentor’s time by scheduling meetings with them in advance as much as possible.