EMPOWER mentoring program application for fourth cohort now open

The Enhanced Mentoring Program with Opportunities for Ways to Excel in Research (EMPOWER) is a mentoring program that supports faculty in their quest to achieve significant professional growth and advancement, including attaining success in research and scholarly activities. There is particular interest in supporting faculty who are women and/or from underrepresented groups.

The EMPOWER program supports UMaine and University of Maine at Machias faculty at multiple stages of career development. Mentoring is available for pre-tenure faculty as they establish a research program, promoted faculty as they expand their research, or faculty set to begin a significant administrative assignment. 

The program sustains mentoring relationships through the EMPOWER Grant Program. Piloted in AY 2021-2022, the program was adapted from a similar one that has been successfully implemented at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, under the leadership of then-Vice Chancellor for Research Kody Varahramyan. EMPOWER is offered as a partnership between the Office of the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School.

Mentors and mentees meet on a regular basis and develop program goals and objectives throughout their one-year mentoring relationship. Mentees work towards at least one significant assignment during this process— typically a submitted application for external funding. After an introductory workshop, they will be invited to a range of UMaine professional development opportunities. In parallel, mentors will attend a mentor training program and dedicate at least  40 hours towards mentorship. 

Both parties receive limited funds in support of research and professional development. The program is entering its fourth round of funding and anticipates recruiting future cohorts. 

Mentees apply through the InfoReady platform by the end of the day on March 31, 2022.

Faculty interested in joining the program in the future should contact Saul Allen, Associate Director of Research Development, saul.allen@maine.edu.

Contact: research@maine.edu