VITAL Faculty Mentors

Faculty Mentor Program

The program connects newly appointed faculty with faculty colleagues outside their discipline to offer collegial mentoring support. That is, mentors help acculturate colleagues to the campus and aid their professional development. Mentors and mentees meet twice during the semester and participate in mentoring program events. 

VITAL Faculty Mentors and Mentees, AY 2024-2025 (in progress) 
VITAL Faculty Mentors, 2017-2024 (PDF)

Video with suggestions for first meeting with mentees (00:02:30 minutes)
Suggestions, Recommendations for VITAL Faculty Mentors (PDF)

Serve as VITAL Faculty Mentor

What is my role?  As a VITAL Mentor, full-time faculty from across the University, you offer collegial mentoring support by providing information, support, and guidance, or introducing opportunities to colleagues to help acculturate them to our campus and aid their professional development.  You serve as a resource, guide, sounding board, and navigator of institutional culture, and serve as supportive, responsive, and encouraging colleague.  You will be paired with mentees outside of your department to support confidential, non-evaluative interactions. 

How do I specifically lend support?  VITAL Mentors will support two colleagues during the 2024-2025 academic year.  They will connect electronically with their mentees over the summer, meet with them during the 2024 New Faculty Program, and continue to meet with their mentees two to three times during each semester.  Opportunities for reflection and discussion will be offered over meals.  

How do I apply?  Please submit a brief statement (2-3 paragraphs) indicating why you want to serve as a VITAL Mentor, and how this collegial mentoring role is important to you.  All full-time faculty who have been at Villanova for a minimum of 3 years are invited to apply, regardless of whether the department has been hiring this year. 
Link to submit your statement electronically. Please contact us with your questions.