MENTORING OUT OF DEPARTMENT
The Center for Teaching Excellence and Biblical Foundations of Faith and Learning (CTE) mentoring program is designed to intentionally support the development of new professors at Southern. The areas of emphasis include Biblical Foundations of faith and learning through the planning of instruction that naturally incorporates our Christian worldview, as well as community service, and the culture of Southern, known as the “Southern Experience.”
In most cases each school/department will assign a faculty member in the school/department
to serve as an in-house mentor to new faculty. In-house mentors are responsible for
orienting new faculty to the specifics of the school/department. Out of School/Department
Mentors assigned through the CTE will be a confidential liaison and be there to support
New Faculty through an introduction to the more global aspects of working at Southern.
"And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to
faithful men who will be able to teach others also." 2 Timothy 2:2 (NKJV)
An out of school/department mentor serves as a second mentor and as a guide to the institution. He/she has the responsibility to serve in the following areas as selected by the New Faculty Member:
- Mentor for Biblical Foundations: the planning of instruction that naturally includes our biblical worldview of faith within teaching and learning experiences
- Support person for professional growth offering collegiality, positive encouragement, trust, and the opportunity for confidential conversations and advice as the new professor adjusts to his/her new role.
- Advocate for new professors by representing his or her needs and interests to experienced colleagues to ensure fair treatment at a stressful and thus vulnerable time in a new professor’s academic life.
- Knowledgeable source of professional information about:
- The political structure of the university, so professors understand the context of major issues and how decisions are made through Ad Council, Senate, and University Assembly
- Introductions to colleagues and identification of excellent teachers who could be observed by new professors
- Teaching load and general teaching expectations: syllabi analysis, pacing of instruction, the value of prompt feedback, and a cohesive assessment plan
- Student advisement leading to degree completion
- Potential referral to the Student Intervention Committee
- Resources available for students: the Writing Center, Student Support Services, McKee Library, Online Campus, and eClass Support
- People, services, and opportunities outside the department available to support the professional development of the new professor: the Center for Teaching Excellence and Biblical Foundations of Faith and Learning, McKee Library, Online Campus and the eClass Help Desk
- The reappointment process including development of the professional portfolio and the use of the Achieve Database
- Identification of opportunities for collaborative work: team teaching, research, and activities with other professors
Out of School/Department Mentors will be invited to meet as a group prior to being assigned to a New Faculty member. During this meeting, Out of School/Department Mentors will be given the guidelines for mentoring and share in discussions of application, resources, and dealing with differing personalities, in addition to other relevant information and training.
Out of School/Department Mentors should include the new professor in informal professional activities whenever possible, sit with them at Faculty Showcases, meet for lunch, and invite them to attend University Assembly. In addition, it is recommended that Out of Department Mentors meet formally at least four times during the new professor’s first year.
- Advisee Notebook (See Sharon Rogers.)
- Center for Teaching Excellence and Biblical Foundations for Faith and Learning (See Cynthia Gettys)
- eClass Help Desk (See Greg Merchant.)
- Human Resources Website for:
- Employee Handbook
- Employee Forms
- Payday and Holiday Schedule
- Southern Online Campus
- Undergraduate and/or Graduate Student Handbook and Planner for:
- Official University Calendar (See Kari Shultz)
- University Website for:
- Paycheck stubs (EFTs and Statements) on university website
- Building and Department Location Information and Campus Map
- Academic Administration section—for resources and forms, including:
--- Writing Scoring Guide and explanation sheet found on the Academic Administration under Strategic Plans and Assessments
--- Research information and forms for Academic Research Committee (ARC)
--- Institutional Review Board (IRB) – OneClass
4. Course Schedule to post syllabi prior to start of the semester
5. Curriculum Forms from the Academic Administration Site on www.southern.edu