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Session 2275

Mentoring: The Win-Win Relationship

John R Williams and Martin Pike Purdue University Programs at Kokomo

Abstract

Mentoring is a much discussed concept for the quick integration of new faculty into an institution’s life. This paper will discuss the case study of the mentoring relationship that the two authors have formed, will stress the need for both the new faculty and established faculty to create mentoring relationships. It will relate the advantages and disadvantages found in this relationship, emphasizing both the new faculty’s point of view and the mentor’s point of view. The authors have found that there are many advantages, though different ones, for each individual faculty member. New faculty need to establish a mentoring relationship from the very start of the teaching experience. Many newcomers to the field of education believe they are capable of teaching, but are naive concerning the operative details of the teaching profession. A mentor can help chart the path that the new faculty member must follow, as well as help establish other professional relationships with other faculty. The mentor gains from the relationship by the insights, different background and outlooks, and skills and knowledge the new faculty possess. In addition, mentoring relationships can evolve into a continued working relationship that will enhance both careers. Some of the gains to both parties could only come about from this relationship. In our case, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages creating a win-win situation for all involved.

Introduction

Mentoring of a new employee has been used in industry and education to assist the new employee to integrate into the new situation as easily as possible. The concept and practice of mentoring has been discussed in the literaturel>z both from the theoretical and practical stand points. The academic world is unique in that success and long term employment is decided at a relatively early stage in the professor’s academic life with the tenure decision. In addition, success is dependent on three different and sometimes conflicting types of activities; namely teaching, research and service. Many professors just entering higher education do not really understand the requirements for tenure, the balance of the professorial activities, the tenure system, and the institutional system. Lack of understanding of any of these can lead to wasted time, effort, and possibly a negative tenure decision. Mentoring of the new professor is important to advise and direct the new professor, not just to avoid potential problems but to help them become effective and productive as quickly as possible.

Starting in the academic year 1992-93, Professor Williams joined the Purdue University at Kokomo faculty after an early “retirement” from over thirty years in industry. Professor Pike had more extensive

$!&-’ 1996 ASEE Annual Conference Proceedings } ‘?+,~ylj .

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Williams, J. R., & Pike, D. M. (1996, June), Mentoring: The Win Win Relationship Paper presented at 1996 Annual Conference, Washington, District of Columbia. 10.18260/1-2--6186