Funding is available for faculty Communities of Practice to support small groups collaborating around shared topics of interest, mentoring needs, or professional goals. Unlike traditional one-on-one, hierarchical mentoring, these grants promote faculty-driven, collaborative partnerships modeled on the Mutual Mentoring approach (Sorcinelli et al., 2016).
Participants identify their own goals, build networks of diverse mentors, and explore multiple formats (one-on-one, group, face-to-face, online) with a proactive, reciprocal, and flexible approach.
Groups may apply for up to $400 to support materials, professional development, meeting food, or other related needs.
Priority is given to writing-related initiatives and projects that enhance the professional development of early-career faculty, providing a meaningful opportunity to grow and connect across the College.
Past examples include:
Women Academics at Mid-Career
Writing the First Academic Book
Developing an Interdisciplinary Qualitative Research Group
Senior Academic Professionals
Teaching and Technology
Grant Proposal Writing
Improving Work/Life Balance
International Faculty Development
Disseminating Research
Sorcinelli, M. D., Yun, J., & Baldi, B. (2016). Mutual mentoring guide. The Institute for Teaching Excellence and Faculty Development. University of Massachusetts , 301 .