Orientation
Mentoring Program
Untentured Faculty Organization
eMentor Consultation

Orientation

At the beginning of the academic year, a New Faculty Orientation process begins. During that Orientation, faculty have the opportunity to express interest in joining existing, or creating new Faculty Learning Communities that are composed of faculty who share a particular interest. Often these groups meet regularly during the academic year and enable new faculty to both meet other faculty and to become acquainted with teaching & leaning at WCU.

• New Faculty Orientation Resources

Mentoring Program

Coordinated by the Coulter Faculty Center, new faculty are encouraged to participate in an ongoing program where new faculty are connected with mentors who are established faculty at Western. It is a direct, personal and experiential way to begin to feel at home here. Tenure track, fixed term, and part-time faculty are included. Call extension 7196 to request a mentor or fill out the online mentee request form.

Experienced WCU faculty are encouraged to serve in this vital role. If you would like to be a mentor, please fill out the online mentor request form. Tenured, tenure-tract, non-tenure tract & exprienced part-time faculty may apply.

The Faculty Mentoring program pairs new faculty members with more experienced faculty. The goal of the program is to facilitate the new faculty members' growth and professional development. Mentees and mentors participate in formal activities organized by the Faculty Center.

But the primary emphasis is on the one-on-one interpersonal relationship between the mentee and mentor. Mentors and mentees are free to develop their relationship in the way that best meets the needs of the mentee and taps into the expertise of the mentor. Some mentees and mentors meet frequently; others meet as needed.

The usual pairing is for a three-year period. However, the program offers a "no fault divorce" option if the partnership doesn't develop for whatever reason (e.g. scheduling conflicts). Mentees and mentors are asked at the beginning of every academic year whether they wish to continue in the program and with their current partner, but either can ask to be reassigned at any time.

Anna McFadden, Director of the Coulter Faculty Center, is the program coordinator. You may reach her by e-mail at amcfadden@email.wcu.edu or by phone at 828-227-2093.

The Untenured Faculty Organization is primarily a social group, open to both tenure track and non-tenure track faculty. We meet several times a year simply to get to know each other and to have some fun, though we certainly might call a more serious meeting should need or interest arise. Past events have included hikes, rafting trips, and barbeques, and we are always willing to try something new. Neither dues nor formal membership are required. Contact Dr. Jamie Davis at             jddavis@email.wcu.edu for more information.

Please take a look at the UFO web site for fun events that everyone can join.