Best Practices for FAN Faculty Users

Meet with the FAN member according to the mutually agreed upon schedule. Prior to these meetings, write down some things you wish to achieve with the guidance and support of the FAN Member.
Try to establish how the FAN Member can help you in the first meeting. Describe how you apportion your time to professional activities. Share your career plans, short-term and long-term goals, current concerns and issues.
Discuss your encounters with the culture of your department and college communities.
Ask for the FAN member's observations and feedback.
Keep the content of your conversations confidential between the two of you.
Try to remain focused on your needs from each meeting. The FAN member may be a good resource, but also may have a tight schedule. Be respectful of each other's time.
Plan for the next meeting before you conclude each meeting. Review your progress and if necessary discuss ways to improve your meeting.
Make time available to meet the FAN member's circle of professional and community contacts.
Do not be afraid to end the relationship if either of you are unable to keep the terms of the contract. Remember, the "no fault" separation policy.
Review and if agreed upon renew the relationship agreement on an annual basis. Most relationships end naturally when the relationship is no longer beneficial for both parties.

Sources: University of Rhode Island Advance Program (www.uri.edu/advance)
Marquette University Faculty Mentoring Program (www.marguette.edu/fmp)

Last Modified: March 4, 2009

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