Development and Implementation of a Culturally Responsive Mentoring Program for Faculty and Staff of Color

Insoon Han

University of Minnesota Duluth

Ariri J. Onchwari

University of Minnesota Duluth

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/ijps.v5i2.1006

Keywords: faculty of color, staff of color, students of color, faculty retention, faculty recruitment, employees of color, culturally responsive model, culturally responsive mentoring, mentoring, higher education, retention of students of color, diversity, inclusion


Abstract

This paper describes a mentoring program for university employees of color and American Indians that employs a culturally responsive mentoring framework. The mission of the program is to foster a community of support and interdependence to assist members to navigate the university systems, so that members can thrive and, ultimately, be successful. The partnership and collaboration among faculty, staff, and students of color across campus has created a robust mentoring network that has organically grown stronger through the diversity of members represented. This paper discusses the history, goals, components, and outcomes of the culturally responsive mentoring program, and the plans for the future. The paper concludes by offering recommendations for individuals, researchers, and administrators who might consider adopting a similar mentoring program to improve retention, recruitment, and satisfaction of employees of color in their respective higher education institutions.