January is National Mentoring Month, and we have been thinking about how to frame the work of OFASD as it connects to university culture change, to the Strategic Plans, to helping faculty and academic staff build fulfilling careers and feel connected in such a large and diverse institution. In recruiting students at any level, we talk about not just determining your major and areas of focus, but about finding your niche and “your people.” The same is true for faculty and academic staff. Most people really want to find those spaces where they can join in conversation with others who share their interests, professional and personal goals, and where they can just be their authentic selves.
Often, identifying connections gets combined with finding mentors, confidants, guides, and advisors; yes, theoretically, the terms do mean subtly different things, but the importance is still significant, regardless. Research is clear that multiple mentors are a foundational aspect of success in the academy for students AND for all of us. Scholars also make clear that we need not always “look up” to those more senior for these important relationships and opportunities. In this way, we invite you to consider many of our FASD offerings to be a way of connecting, networking, adding to your knowledge base, and of peer mentoring in addition to those opportunities you already found on your own.
Of course, learning as part of academic professional development is about better understanding the university, its processes, policies, and procedures. This may also involve learning different instructional strategies, how to lead in different spaces with or without a hierarchical title, getting an idea of the paths senior leaders followed to consider for oneself, seeing ways in which the many campus units provide connection and support for our work, or strategizing with others on new ways to address emerging issues facing us in our various places and spaces such as conversations occurring through the myriad Learning Communities. Investing in oneself in this way is really critical to sustaining a fulfilling career, feeling seen and respected for your knowledge and contributions, and in feeling a part of larger institutional communities. It provides opportunities for reflection – even if briefly, for developing trust in others, and for finding new collaborators and colleagues on topics of mutual interest. In this way, MSU is almost indeterminate in how many ways there are to connect!
As we commence the new year, we encourage you to take a moment to recognize your networks and peer mentors. Nourishing these relationships – and finding news ones as you want and need to – are a means of establishing yourself as central to the overall future of the university. Each of us needs to own and take responsibility for making the time for the kinds of connections and opportunities that foster intellectual curiosity, community, and wellness. And we want each educator to find ways to refresh, renew, reconnect, or get involved in meaningful ways. Yet. even in the abundant offerings of the university and colleges, it can sometimes be challenging to know what all is “out there.” Please know that we are here to help you find that niche, learning community, or other means of getting the peer mentoring you seek in the coming year. We invite you to attend a January 21 Academic Lunch and Learn to hear more about some of our FASD offerings as a starting place for the coming year.
Wishing each Spartan the very best in 2025!