Online Mentoring Process
Mentors:
The mentor works collaboratively with online faculty to accelerate the orientation and planning process of online learning. The mentor is knowledgeable and experienced in using online learning strategies. The mentor models quality online teaching strategies.
Mentees:
The mentee is any new or current online faculty seeking guidance and support in implementing online teaching strategies. The mentee includes any online educator who is responsible for development of his/her own course.
Selection of Mentors and Mentees:
Faculty wishing to serve as an online faculty mentor will submit an OFMP Application available at the IHCC D2L site on the Online Faculty Mentoring page. Go to Documents listed in the Content area. The form can be submitted electronically to the OFMP Coordinator.
Similarly, any faculty wishing to request an online faculty mentor must submit an OFMP Application as described above.
This application form will provide the OFMP Coordinator with the necessary information to make an appropriate faculty match between mentor and mentee.
Establishing Mentor and Mentee Relationships:
Once a match is made between an online faculty mentor and mentee, the OFMP Coordinator will notify the involved parties and provide them with the appropriate contact information to set up an initial meeting. The purpose of the initial meeting will be to establish a written contract between both parties to establish the working relationship. A copy of the OFMP contract for mentors and mentees can be found at the IHCC D2L site on the Online Faculty Mentoring page. Go to Documents listed in the Content area.
The contract includes an established timeline for completion of the mentor and mentee relationship. This ongoing support will typically be provided for two full academic semesters allowing time for course planning and support during initial course implementation. Upon mutual agreement, mentors and mentees may be provided access to each other’s online courses to assist in the sharing of ideas and feedback.
The OFMP coordinator does not need to be present for the meeting to establish the contract. However, once the contract is agreed upon and signed, it must be returned to the OFMP coordinator by the mentor to ensure final reimbursement for the mentor’s peer mentoring assignment once completed. Payment will not be made until the contract terms and conditions have been fulfilled.
Ongoing support for the Mentor and Mentee:
Mentors and Mentees will be provided opportunities to participate in bi-annual “meet and greet” luncheons, online learning co-ops for faculty, and periodic training sessions. The Online Faculty Mentoring website on D2L will include postings about such opportunities, as well as links to discussions for sharing ideas between mentors and mentees.
Evaluation of the Mentor and Mentee Relationship:
After terms of the OFMP contract have been fulfilled, the mentor and/or mentee are responsible to notify the OFMP coordinator of the completion of their mentoring contract. At that time, payment for the mentoring stipend will be processed.
Mentors and mentees will be asked to complete an evaluation of the OFMP after the initial semester and at the completion of the final semester of the contract. This evaluation will be available online at the OFMP D2L site under Surveys. The OFMP Coordinator will provide a reminder to mentors and mentees to complete the evaluations at the appropriate times.
For additional questions about the OFMP, see the link “FAQ’s” on the sidebar.
