SWEHSC Mentor Training
What is UA mentor training?
Our priority is curating a faculty and environment with members who uplift and support one
another and the center. To ensure this, SWEHSC facilitates mentor training through the UA
MENTOR Institute—Mentorship through Effective Networks, Transformational Opportunities,
and Research. Mentor training allows new faculty or center members to learn from experienced
faculty on how to run their research, teach a class, and mentor other members or students.
Zeleiann Craig, PhD, a SWEHSC member, spoke about the training as a unique opportunity at
UA for experts in one field to connect with new members of SWEHSC who work in the same
field. Mentoring new members is not about telling them what to do but sharing wisdom and
advice.
How is the UA mentor training performed?
UA mentor training is a two-tiered process. Level 1 is accessible online, with videos featuring
the basics of mentorship, such as establishing a connection. One way to establish a connection is
through sharing your academic story. The mentor and mentee can speak to one another about
how they arrived in their current roles, asking questions such as “How did you decide to become
a toxicologist?” or “What inspired you to become a teacher?”. Questions about their career
journey or what’s involved in one’s role can help the mentor and mentee connect through shared
experiences.
Level 2 is synchronous training. Members who have completed the online training can meet in
person and put those teachings into practice through various activities. Figure 1 shows the
“Mentor Universe”. This worksheet identifies areas the mentor/mentee confides in or contributes
to, such as communities, other mentors and mentees, and peer mentors. The act of writing or
thinking through an activity can help the mentor and mentee identify any areas of opportunity
and growth.
Figure 1. Mentor Universe Worksheet
What is unique about UA mentor training?
Figure 2 shows the second half of the Mentor Universe worksheet that defines the different roles of mentor training. This is a unique aspect, as there are not only mentor and mentee roles but other positions that members can assume if they align better with their personalities and strengths. A more experienced SWEHSC member may subsume a coaching role, offering guidance to newer mentors and mentees. Through different training sessions, an advisor may offer feedback to groups about their training to strengthen the connection and efficacy of their conversation or activity.
Figure 2. Mentor Universe Definitions
What do we hope to accomplish through mentor training at SWEHSC?
An important outcome of this training is to create and foster lasting relationships for connection and support. Training to become a mentor applies not only to center members but can translate to many other professional aspects. Several mentor-trained members are professors at various colleges at UA and use this instruction to guide their students. It is advantageous in our Community Engagement Core, where working with diverse communities in Tucson and throughout Arizona requires mentorship skills to speak with, collaborate, and support the community.
The goal is to eventually become a MENTOR Institute Certified Unit, meaning that 75% of the full-time faculty and full-time doctoral students have completed both Level 1 Online Training and Level 2 Synchronous Training. As of December 9, 2024, almost all of SWEHSC’s internal advisory board has completed the full UA mentor training. Becoming a certified mentoring unit shows SWEHSC’s commitment to fostering a supportive and well-rounded community where members feel comfortable and connected.