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Mentoring Squares

The Mentoring Squares Program, sponsored by the Office for the Vice Provost for Faculty (OVPF) and the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT), is designed to build a mentoring structure and system of support specifically for visiting, instructor, teaching, adjuncts, lecturer, research, and clinical faculty– VITAL Faculty.

Program Goals

  1. Create a greater sense of community among VITAL faculty
  2. Establish a hub for VITAL faculty to discuss ideas and share resources about their career development
  3. Create an informal peer mentoring network for VITAL faculty
  4. Provide a reciprocal and supportive environment where faculty can share experiences and give/receive direct assistance related to teaching, research, creative work, scholarship, and institutional processes.

How it Works

In this program, individuals are placed in groups of three to five faculty members, referred to as a mentoring square. These mentoring squares build from the collective knowledge and wisdom of individuals in the square to create a supportive, peer-based mentoring structure of faculty. These squares are organized by program leadership based on shared individual goals (e.g. exploring leadership opportunities, pedagogical support, learning the institution etc.), breadth of experiences of group members, school and disciplinary considerations, and schedule availability.

Each square co-develops an agenda in advance of their meeting and decides which topics will benefit all members of the square

Time Commitment and Logistics

Mentoring squares meet monthly to solicit feedback, discuss challenges and successes, and offer support for one another. Squares may meet in person or remotely, depending on the needs and wishes of the members of that square. Each square is given a small budget to use on refreshments for their in-person meetings.

Program Launch: We are hosting a meet and greet for faculty who are curious about or wish to become part of a Mentoring Square on September 24th from 12–1 pm.  this event will be in-person and remote. Lunch will be provided for in-person guests. Please RSVP by September 17.

If you are interested in attending, please register: https://tufts.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Knm6MjLjP64hWS

In addition to meeting as a square, there are two meetings throughout the semester for all participants in the program. These meetings will be used to discuss broader mentoring and career related support for participants in the program.

End of Semester Lunch: December 15 from 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm