Online Mentoring

Faculty Online Mentoring

The Online Faculty Mentoring Program (OFMP) is a program designed to match new online instructors, or those who wish to learn new online methods, with seasoned instructors.

Our college has a strong interest in seeing that new faculty realize their full potential as online instructors. Research shows that faculty who have the help of a mentor fare better as teachers and that they experience higher confidence and morale. The OFMP supports the development and retention of its online faculty. They gain by being guided and advised on various facets of online delivery in order to help them succeed as a teacher and colleague.

All interested online faculty members will be matched with a seasoned online instructor.  We will make every effort to match within departments and when not possible to match within broader academic disciplines (i.e. humanities with humanities, science with science). These mentoring relationships focus on the mentees in the areas where they feel a need for support and emphasis. Mentors will also serve as a link to the online community and the Inver Hills community as a whole.

Mentors and Mentees will work together in multiple facets including face-face meetings, online meetings, email and phone conversations. Mentors and Mentees will work out a schedule that helps to achieve the goals the mentee. Each will be responsible for keeping in touch with the program as to the success of their match and if their needs are being met.

Mentors and Mentees participate in bi-annual “meet and greet” luncheons, conversational gatherings for faculty, and training sessions. Such opportunities enable faculty to work collaboratively and productively with the aim of realizing their full potential. For more information on the Online Faculty Mentoring Program, please contact the OFMP Coordinator at OFMP@inverhills.edu.