Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my own mentoring team? Yes. However, it is a good idea to discuss your decision with the Department Head.
Can I change my mentoring team? Yes. For tenure-track faculty and term faculty with less than five years of experience at UMD, there is a built-in mechanism to change your mentoring team each year during the annual meeting with the Department Head at which time the annual mentoring agreement form is completed and signed. For others, your mentoring team can change at any time in consultation with your Department Head.
Can I have a mentor outside of my department? Yes. You are encouraged to look beyond your department for an appropriate mentor. However, tenure-track faculty are advised select mentors from within their department until the tenure decision is made in order to obtain the best information possible about your progress from the perspective of the people who will vote on your record.
How often should mentoring teams meet? We recommend that mentoring teams meet at least three times per year: in the fall to discuss goals, in the winter to discuss the Form 25 evaluation, and in the spring to evaluate goals.
Should mentoring teams attend training sessions together? It is preferred that you find a time to attend training sessions with your mentor/mentee. This is an opportunity to strengthen your understanding of each other, although we recognize that might not always be possible.
Do I need to fill out a mentoring team agreement with my department head each year? Tenure-track faculty and term faculty with less than five years of experience need to fill out this form in the presence of the department head each year. Others need only complete the form when the mentoring team is changed.
Is it okay to meet with members of my mentoring team separately? Yes. However, it is to your advantage to periodically get all team members together to increase the consistency of the advice your recieve.
What should I do if I am having problems with my mentor/mentee? The first step is to discuss the situation with your Department Head who will play a mediating role which will either lead to resolution of the conflict or a change in the composition of the mentoring team.
What should I do if my mentor/mentee exhibits unethical behavior? Unethical behavior should be reported to the human resources specialist in the SCSE Dean's Office.