OFD's Mutual Mentoring program supports faculty at every career stage in developing robust professional networks. Mentoring is an effective method for promoting professional socialization, productivity, and satisfaction. It has been shown to further faculty career development through increased research output, more effective teaching, more dynamic networks, and improved tenure and promotion prospects. Mutual mentoring also fosters social connections with colleagues who can provide advice, encouragement, and feedback.
The mutual mentoring model is distinct from traditional hierarchical mentoring relationships. In mutual mentoring, faculty cultivate reciprocal networks of mentors to exchange knowledge and share their experience within specific areas, such as research, teaching, the tenure process, or work-life integration.
OFD provides both the infrastructure and incentives to develop a culture of mutual mentoring on campus. Below, learn more about our Mutual Mentoring Grant program for individuals and teams, opportunities for ad-hoc mutual mentoring incubators, and resources for best practices in mentoring faculty in academia. UMass Amherst’s Mutual Mentoring Program celebrated its 20th year in 2026.
Since 2016:
Mutual Mentoring Grant Program
OFD's Mutual Mentoring Grant program provides funding to individual faculty (micro grants) or groups of faculty (team grants) for the purpose of developing mentoring networks.
Workshop on Best Practices for Mentoring Faculty Colleagues
Good mentorship is a key component of well-being and success in academia, building collegiality and robust community. Whether formally or informally, as a faculty member or librarian, we are all models or mentors for our colleagues, especially those new to their role or to UMass Amherst. While what makes a good mentoring relationship can seem idiosyncratic and elusive, in fact there are many tried and true skills that can help you navigate this important role and service. This five-hour workshop facilitates learning current best practices in academic mentoring, building on training developed by the National Research Mentoring Network, through the examination of case studies, group work, and reflection exercises. Lunch is provided.
Mutual Mentoring Incubators
OFD's Mutual Mentoring Incubators assist faculty in forming mutual mentoring groups for accountability and support in an area of common interest.
Mentoring Resources
Recent News
You shared your voice, and we listened!
This set of resources was developed originally by Mary Deane Sorcinelli, Senior Fellow and Professor Emeritus in the Center for Teaching and Learning, and formerly Associate Provost for Faculty Development at UMass Amherst. This program was originally funded by the Mellon Foundation and is now funded by the Provost's Office. The program and resources have been updated where appropriate in response to your needs as expressed in listening sessions and surveys on faculty satisfaction, including the COACHE survey. If you have more feedback on mentoring programming, please contact Leyla below.
Program Contact
Director of Faculty Development & Senior Lecturer