Beyond the Guru: Rethinking what Mentorship Looks Like in Higher Ed

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Author: NCFDD For a long time, academic mentorship has followed a familiar formula: a junior scholar is paired with a more senior colleague—someone with experience, wisdom, and insider knowledge. This “guru model” was once the gold standard, designed for a time when faculty careers were more linear, roles more narrowly defined, and success pathways more … Read more

Redefining Mentoring in Higher Education

Redefining Mentoring in Higher Education - a white paper from NCFDD and COACHE

A white paper from NCFDD and COACHE What does effective mentoring actually look like, how can institutions prioritize it, and how can you obtain it? Produced in partnership with NCFDD and the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) at Harvard University, this white paper examines the persistent gap between how important mentoring is … Read more

Beyond the Grant: Practical Approaches to Research Funding in Uncertain Times

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Author: NCFDD As we continue exploring the complexities of navigating uncertainty in academia, our second webinar in the Navigating Uncertainty series focused on one of the most pressing concerns for faculty: research funding. In this session, we examined how faculty can adapt to shifting funding landscapes, identify new opportunities, and leverage both institutional support and external resources … Read more

Why Faculty Mentoring Still Isn’t Working (And What We Can Do About It)

mentoring

Author: NCFDD If you ask most faculty whether mentoring matters, the answer is almost always yes. But if you ask whether their mentoring experiences are actually helping them thrive? That’s where the conversation shifts. Many faculty enter academia expecting mentorship to be a meaningful part of their growth. They’re told they’ll get guidance on research, … Read more

Navigating Uncertainty in Higher Education: Strategies for Faculty

what now

Author: NCFDD Uncertainty is a defining feature of academia today. From shifting funding landscapes and evolving institutional priorities to broader political and social changes, faculty are continuously navigating unpredictable terrain. During our recent webinar, Navigating Change and Uncertainty in Higher Education: Approaches for Faculty, we explored strategies to manage these challenges, break the cycle of overwhelm, … Read more

Navigating Uncertainty in Higher Ed: Research Funding Strategies

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Watch the Recording: Navigating Uncertainty in Higher Ed: Research Funding Strategies Facilitator:Lisa Hanasono, PhDProfessorBowling Green State University Panelists:Franco Montalto, PhDNdidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha, PhDJolie Sheffer, PhD Real-world strategies to sustain your research—even in times of financial uncertainty In today’s unpredictable higher education landscape, securing research funding is more challenging—and more critical—than ever. This recorded webinar brings together experienced … Read more

Navigating Uncertainty in Higher Ed: Strategies for Faculty

lighthouse

Watch the Recording: Navigating Uncertainty in Higher Ed: Strategies for Faculty Facilitator: Lisa Hanasono, PhDProfessorBowling Green State University Discover Strategies to Navigate Challenges and Take Action Faculty members are constantly adapting to shifting expectations and an evolving academic landscape. This recorded webinar offers a dedicated space for reflection, connection, and strategic action to help faculty regain … Read more

Mentoring Up: Pro-actively Engaging With Your Mentors Begins With Assessing Yourself

Author: Steve Lee, PhD In an upcoming workshop, I’ll be offering some strategies to help faculty find and manage relationships with mentors. My approach has been to encourage faculty to “mentor up”, i.e. to learn how to pro-actively engage with their mentors, which is based on Gabarro’s and Kotter’s original concept of “managing up”. When Gabarro … Read more

Stepping Up: When, Why, and How to Move Into Academic Leadership Roles

step up

Author: Tasha Souza, PhD I run a monthly seminar for new faculty and, during one meeting, I had a smaller group of only women. We had time for general questions and they wanted to know more about the best ways to set themselves up well for retirement. I thought this a strange request, given they … Read more

Top 5 Priorities for Faculty Success

Actionable Insights to Help Your Institution Lead, Support, and Sustain Faculty Success in 2025 Learn the five critical areas where institutions can empower faculty to adapt and excel in today’s dynamic academic environment! At NCFDD, we’ve spent over 15 years partnering with higher education institutions and engaging with over 200,000 faculty members. We understand the … Read more