A multi-faceted approach to mentoring
To help new faculty find mentoring for different aspects of academic life, Lawrence offers the following opportunities.
New Faculty Orientation
A day and a half of activities prior to the start of Welcome Week. New faculty will get acquainted and learn about the university; expectations for teaching, scholarship or creative activity, and service; and resources for faculty and students.
New Faculty Lunches
Three lunches per term provide the opportunity to talk with peers and learn about specific topics of interest from experienced faculty and staff at the university.
New Faculty Weekend at Björklunden
An opportunity for new faculty and their families to experience Lawrence's northern campus in scenic Door County, with time for faculty to discuss their adjustment to Lawrence and plans for the rest of the academic year.
Peer Resource Groups
The Office of Diversity & Inclusion coordinates peer resource groups to improve inclusion at Lawrence and support professional advancement. New faculty often set up their own informal groups to support research and writing, helping to sustain activities not driven by the daily schedule of classes and meetings. In recent years, a group of interested faculty has been organizing a writing retreat at Björklunden in December; look for an invitation to come through email.
Department Chairs & Program Directors
The chair or director of the new faculty member's department or program can answer day-to-day questions and offer guidance for course planning, finding resources, helping students, and managing work. Department colleagues can also be helpful sources of information on how things work at Lawrence.
Faculty Mentors (for tenure-track faculty)
Through regular conversations, a faculty guide from outside the department helps each new tenure-track faculty member set goals for teaching, scholarly or creative activity, and healthy balance, and take steps toward personal and professional success.