Mentorship at Penn State is defined as a professional, working alliance in which individuals work together over time to support the personal and professional growth, development, and success of the relational partners through the provision of holistic support.

Effective mentoring supports an individual’s professional and personal development, sense of belonging, and productivity to the benefit of both the individual and the institution. Penn State strives to create a culture where mentoring is considered essential to both individual and institutional success, and effective mentorship is considered a hallmark of successful, well-functioning academic units. All faculty members, students, staff, and administrators at the University should have the opportunity to access a range of mentoring experiences that are intentionally designed to support individuals’ growth and development throughout their careers. A central tenet of mentorship at Penn State is that all mentoring relationships and programs will be culturally responsive and value the identity, experiences, and needs of the mentee.

Free mentorship training is available to Penn State faculty. Events are held throughout the academic. Events are offered in-person at the University Park campus and Commonwealth campuses (on a rotating basis) and virtually to Penn State faculty. Space is limited. These workshops are presented by the Undergraduate Education in collaboration with the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs.

Partners include the Eberly College of Science, the Office of Undergraduate Education, the Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses, the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research, the Office of Research Protections, and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.