VITAL Faculty Mentors
The VITAL Faculty Mentor Program pairs newly appointed faculty with experienced colleagues from outside their discipline to provide guidance, build connections and support their transition to the Villanova community. Through regular meetings and program events, mentors help new faculty navigate campus culture, expand their professional networks and foster their ongoing professional development.
Serve as VITAL Faculty Mentor
What is my role? As a VITAL Mentor, full-time faculty from across the University, you offer collegial mentoring support by providing information, support and guidance, or introducing opportunities to colleagues to help acculturate them to our campus and aid their professional development. You serve as a resource, guide, sounding board, and navigator of institutional culture, and as a supportive, responsive, and encouraging colleague. You will be paired with mentees outside of your department to support confidential, non-evaluative interactions.
How do I specifically lend support? VITAL Mentors will support two colleagues during the 2025-26 academic year. They will connect electronically with their mentees over the summer, meet with them during the 2025 New Faculty Program, and continue to meet with their mentees two to three times during each semester. Opportunities for reflection and discussion will be offered over meals.
How do I apply? Please submit a brief statement (2-3 paragraphs) indicating why you want to serve as a VITAL Mentor, and how this collegial mentoring role is important to you. All full-time faculty who have been at Villanova for a minimum of 3 years are invited to apply, regardless of whether the department has been hiring this year.
Please contact us with questions.