2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This work-in-progress explores a recently developed year-long new faculty mentoring program that integrates mentoring circles with the Appreciative Inquiry approach. The goal is to investigate how this innovative combination fosters relationship-building, supports career planning, and ensures long-term impact on faculty development.

The program begins with a group training session designed to equip mentors and mentees with essential interpersonal skills, establish an environment of trust, and clearly define roles and responsibilities. Grounded in the principles of Appreciative Inquiry, the mentoring program unfolds in four key stages: identifying strengths, brainstorming strategies, setting goals, and planning for delivery. Throughout the year, participants engage in six group meetings that foster collaboration across mentoring circles, as well as monthly one-on-one meetings between faculty mentors and mentees. At the program’s conclusion, each new faculty member develops a comprehensive five-year career plan focused on teaching, research, and service, which is presented at a celebratory event with college leadership.

The new program is currently being evaluated using interviews with faculty mentees who have completed their third year at the institution and participated in the program during their first year. These interviews aim to qualitatively assess how the program influenced their relationships with mentors and peers, supported their professional growth, and helped them achieve key milestones aligned with the program’s goals.

The preferred presentation format is a lightning talk.