Integrating mentoring with P&T processes: A case study from the School of Public Service at Boise State

Abstract

In 2018, SPS began developing and implementing an integrated approach to mentoring that combined elements of promotion & tenure (P&T) reviews, annual performance evaluations, and workload policies. This approach has led to a high level of success for junior faculty in terms of following a clear trajectory toward tenure. It has also come with numerous transaction costs, such as increased service loads, inconsistencies in mentoring practices, and conflicts in expectations. In this paper, we describe the SPS Mentoring Policy and provide background on its motivations and history. Using our own auto-ethnographical reflections from our administrative roles organizing and coordinating the mentoring process, and data from focus groups of faculty participating in the process, we then examine the trade-offs of this policy in comparison to a more traditional P&T policy, discuss lessons learned over the last five years, and consider future opportunities.