EngEx Mentor Network
Program Overview
The EngEx Mentor Network is a year-long mentorship skills development program designed to support engineering faculty in developing and strengthening their mentoring practice through a structured, research-based framework. Grounded in the Mentoring Competency Assessment (MCA), the program offers two distinct yet interconnected tracks to meet the needs of faculty at different stages of their careers. The Launch Stage is designed for early-and mid-career faculty who are building confidence and capacity in their mentoring roles, often for students, postdocs, or junior colleagues. The Legacy Stage engages senior faculty in refining their mentoring approach, deepening their impact, and contributing to a culture of mentoring across COE. Both tracks offer hybrid learning experiences, including workshops, reflection, and peer exchange, empowering faculty to grow as mentors and leaders dedicated to building strong, intentional, connected networks.
Program Goals
- Launch Stage:
- For early and mid-career faculty, growing confidence in mentoring skills.
- Legacy Stage:
- For senior faculty, refining their mentoring approach and improving the mentoring culture in COE.
2025-2026 Schedule at a Glance
| Month | Theme | Learning Mode |
|---|---|---|
| October 2025 | Kick-Off & Goal-Setting | Virtual Kick-Off |
| October 2025 | Maintaining Effective Communication | Online Module |
| November 2025 | Addressing Well-Being | Lunch & Learn |
| December 2025 | Assessing Understanding & Knowledge | Online Module |
| January 2026 | Aligning Expectations | Online Module |
| February 2026 | Promoting Professional Development | Lunch & Learn |
| March 2026 | Fostering Independence | Online Module |
| April 2026 | Reflection & Future Planning | In-person Celebration |
Participation
- 6 Online Training Modules (self-paced on Moodle)
- 2 In-Person Lunch & Learn Events
- Mentorship Workbooks & Goal-Setting Tools
- End-of-Year Awards and LinkedIn Badge Certification
Mentoring Competency Assessment (MCA) Framework
The EngEx Mentor Network Program is guided by the Mentoring Competency Assessment (MCA), a research-based framework that defines six core competencies of effective mentoring:
- Maintaining Effective Communication
- Aligning Expectations
- Assessing Understanding
- Addressing Well-Being
- Promoting Professional Development
- Fostering Independence
The MCA informs the training modules, self-assessments, and feedback tools. Mentors and Mentees use this framework to guide their development, set goals, and reflect on growth throughout the year.
Program Recognition
EngEx Mentor Network participants who complete the program receive:
- A digital certificate and LinkedIn badge
- Eligibility for Mentor/Mentee of the Year Awards (including financial stipends)
- Opportunities to showcase their contributions in a year-end celebration
Get Involved
Applications for 2025-2026 open in August!
- Legacy Track: Open to COE faculty with 5+ years of experience
- Launch Track: Open to early-career COE faculty (pre-tenure or new to the institution)