CHM Mentoring Circles

The CHM Mentoring Circles program has been suspended for the 2024-25 academic year.

Started in 2022, the CHM Mentoring Circles are based on a mentoring circles model adapted from the AAMC Group on Faculty Affairs. The 2023-24 circles evolve and expand last year’s offering:

• In 2022-23 we focused on exploring the mentoring needs of fixed term faculty and academic specialists. In 2023-24 we will continue with these groups and expand to include the health programs faculty and research system faculty.
• In 2022-23, we formed circles around several topic areas, based on the interests of program applicants. In 2023-24, we will narrow the focus to preparing for peer-reviewed reappointments and promotions.
• In 2022-23, the primary type of mentoring in the program was peer-to-peer. In 2023-24 we will create an explicit mentor-mentee structure within each circle.

Program goals

• Generate small, focused reappointment and promotion workgroups for non-tenure system faculty that enhance career development and career satisfaction for both mentors and mentees.
• Help non-tenure system faculty develop a mentoring network to support their career development
• Facilitate cross-college mentoring interactions for non-tenure system faculty

Program features

• Formation of mentoring circles of 4-6 faculty: 1-2 mentors and 3-4 mentees.
• An opening event in late September 2023 for all participants to learn about the program structure, review norms for mentoring circles and establish shared expectations.
• A framework for monthly meetings and for completing individual products that advance progress toward a promotion application.
• Ongoing consultation with CHM faculty development personnel during the year.
• A final event in mid-August 2024 for sharing and celebration of mentees’ activities and accomplishments.

Participant expectations

• Attend in-person opening meeting and closing celebration and at least 80% of circle meetings (likely virtual, arranged by the circle participants)
• Complete a product related to their future promotion application and share progress at the closing celebration
• Be a resource to circle colleagues and hold others accountable for progress
• Complete the annual reflection on contributions of CHM Mentoring Circles to career goals

The 2023 CHM Mentoring Circles Opening Meeting is Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 4:00 – 5:30 pm in The Patenge Room (C102 East Fee Hall), East Lansing campus.

Interested? Apply for the CHM Mentoring Circles for 2023-2024 by Friday, September 8, 2023.

Questions? Contact Kelly Hodges, Director of Faculty Development and Mentoring Programs, hodgesk@msu.edu