Mentoring is integral to the holistic development of our faculty and students. UConn School of Medicine is dedicated to fostering supportive mentoring relationships that contribute to the academic and career growth of faculty and the educational journey of students. Through formal programs, resources, and consultations, we enhance mentoring skills and practices that contribute to the overall success of both faculty and students.
- The Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) has developed a comprehensive training for mentors to optimize mentoring practices. The goal of the workshop is to provide skills to optimize mentoring relationships. It is suitable for faculty who mentor students and/or junior faculty across a range of career stages and addresses the NIGMS guidelines regarding the preparation of mentors involved in training grants. CIMER’s Entering Mentoring Training is offered periodically across UConn. Please contact Jenn Cavallari, CIMER Certified Trainer, Director of Faculty Development at cavallari@uchc.edu for more information.
Mentoring Resources
- The National Academies The Science of Effective Mentoring in STEMM committee systematically compiled and analyzed current research on the characteristics, competencies, and behaviors of effective mentors and mentees in STEMM and developed a practical resource guide for mentoring practitioners to create and support viable, sustainable mentoring support systems. In addition to a report, the committee provides an online guide with links to resources, mentoring tools as well as a podcast.
- Colombia University’s Guide to Best Practices in Faculty Mentoring: A Roadmap for Departments, School, Mentors and Mentees (2016) is a comprehensive guide to develop and implement mentoring programs and practices.
- Monitor on Psychology – Your Guide to Mentoring.pdf. (2019) A Publication of the American Psychological Association that highlights best practices for receiving and giving mentoring including a section on how to mentor ethically.
- Making the Right Moves: A Practical Guide to Scientific Management for Postdocs and New Faculty. (2006) See Chapter 5, Mentoring and Being Mentored.
Mentoring Tools
- UConn Health’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs provides resources in numerous domains including career development planning which provides a UConn Health Postdoc Career Development Plan form.
Letters of Recommendation
- How to Write Letters of Recommendation. Amy Oxantenko, M.D. Mayo Clinic Take 5 Channel. (4:47)
- Reducing Unconscious Bias: Writing Letters of Recommendation. Sharonne Hayes, M.D. Mayo Clinic Take 5 Channel. (6:46)