Welcome to the MRFA’s initiative designed to support Contract Faculty members at Mount Royal University.
Program Overview
The MRFA Contract Faculty Mentorship Program aims to support contract faculty members by fostering professional connection, development, and community. The mentorship focus includes teaching, scholarship, service, and navigating institutional life at MRU.
Contract Faculty are invited to sign up to participate in the MRFA’s Contract Faculty Mentorship Program and/or the MRFA’s Professional Learning Community at any time in the academic year. PLC participants will automatically be added to the distribution list and session invitations and mentorship pairs are set up annually in the Spring. Contract Faculty may sign up to be paired with a mentor or mentee (or both), depending on their experience and interests.
These opportunities are intended to support Contract Faculty by fostering collegial relationships, providing opportunities for knowledge exchange, and strengthening connections across departments.
Professional Learning Community Sessions and Resources
- High impact Teaching Practices – Slide Deck – November 2025 – hosted by Sarah Hamilton
- Research and Scholarship – December 2025 – Brenda Lang
- Navigating Technological Frameworks, Resources, and AI – January 2026 – Kris Hans
- Further Winter 2026 sessions will be scheduled soon
Core Principles of the Mentorship Program
The Mentorship Program is grounded in the following research-based principles:
- Reciprocity: Both mentor and mentee bring value to the relationship.
- Mutual Respect: Each person’s experience, time, and goals are honored.
- Clarity of Expectations: Defined goals, boundaries, and timelines help ensure success.
- Confidentiality: Trust is built on discretion and respect for privacy.
- Commitment: Mentorship is a professional responsibility that benefits both parties.
Mentor and Mentee Roles & Best Practices
Role of the Mentor
Mentors are experienced faculty committed to supporting their colleagues by:
- Sharing institutional knowledge and unwritten rules
- Helping mentees set realistic professional goals
- Providing feedback on teaching, scholarship, and service
- Encouraging self-reflection and confidence
- Acting as sounding boards—not problem solvers
Best Practices for Mentors
- Listen actively and without judgment
- Be proactive and available
- Offer constructive, specific feedback
- Guide, but don’t direct—mentorship is not supervision
- Model a balanced, collegial academic life
Role of the Mentee
Mentees are encouraged to take initiative and shape their mentorship experience by
- Identifying areas of growth and professional interest
- Being open to feedback and new perspectives
- Asking questions and seeking advice
- Respecting the mentor’s time and boundaries
- Following through on commitments
Best Practices for Mentees
- Prepare for meetings with questions or topics
- Share your goals and evolving needs clearly
- Be honest about challenges and feedback
- Reflect on your learning and progress
- Express appreciation for the mentor’s time and insights
Getting Started: First Meeting Checklist
To help establish a successful relationship, use this checklist for your first meeting
- Introduce Backgrounds: Share professional experiences, goals, and interests
- Establish Expectations: Discuss how often you will meet, the format (in-person, Zoom, email), and preferred communication styles
- Set Goals: Define what the mentee hopes to learn or accomplish, and what the mentor can offer based on their expertise
- Set Boundaries: Define time commitments and any topics that are off-limits
- Plan Your Next Meeting: Agree on any tasks to complete before the next touchpoint
Sustaining the Relationship
- Schedule Regular Check-ins: Even brief touchpoints help sustain momentum
- Revisit Goals: Needs shift over time; adapt accordingly
- Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge milestones and small wins