FAQS

• Who can participate?

  All SER members can participate.

• What will the structure of the team mentoring program be?

  Mentor teams should meet via Zoom, Teams, or Webex for one hour each month between October 2024 and June 2025. Topic suggestions and resources for discussion will be provided, but mentor teams may discuss other relevant topics of their choice

• Can individuals participate as both a mentor and a mentee?

  Yes. The “mentor team” structure allows for an individual to participate as both a mentor and a mentee. Ideally the team structure provides for maximal group interaction. It will be the responsibility of the entire team to decide on the topics and determine individual session facilitators. It is NOT the coordinator’s job to be the primary (or only) mentor, or to facilitate every session.

• How will mentor teams be formed?

  Mentor teams will be formed to include folks of different career stages. Some groups will be formed based on shared affinity group interests. Although time preferences may be considered, they cannot be guaranteed.

• What are affinity groups? How do those affect my experience?

  You can identify up to two possible affinity groups in the application form (e.g., navigating career as a person of color, navigating career as a woman, navigating career as a person who identifies as LGBTQIA+,  jobs outside academia, international jobs/research, balancing caregiving and career). You can also choose to be in a group that does not have a specific affinity designation. If you are in a group with a specific affinity designation, your group may choose to spend one or more mentoring sessions discussing that affinity. Alternatively, your group may choose to discuss mentoring topics through the lens of the affinity group.

• What will we discuss in our mentoring groups?

  It’s up to your group! Each group experience is tailored by the group members. We will provide optional resources on topics such as establishing relationships, setting expectations, job searches, mental health, time management, and science communication.

• What is the time commitment for the program?

  Mentoring teams will be expected to meet for 1 hour each month for approximately nine months (between October 2024 and June 2025). In total, expect to commit about 8-10 hours total. If you cannot make the commitment to fully contribute to the success of your group, please do not submit an application.

• If I cannot fully commit to the Team Mentoring Program, can I still participate in SER mentoring activities?

  Yes! We will host up-to three interactive one-hour virtual mentoring events throughout the year. You can come to as many of these events as you have time for, even if you are not part of the team mentoring program. We will also have webinars and other mentoring events throughout the year (these will be advertised through SER emails and the SER website).

• When and how can I sign up?

  Anyone interested in participating will be able to sign-up for the program by clicking the “register” link on the mentoring program website between August 19 and September 6, 2024.