The Lee University Faculty Handbook describes the new faculty mentoring program as follows:

"Each new faculty member is assigned to an experienced faculty member who will assist him/her through the first three years at Lee University. Mentors facilitate three major areas of adjustment: social, institutional and professional. It is the mentor’s responsibility to introduce the new faculty member to people with shared interests and to help him/her make a successful adjustment to Cleveland. If necessary, the mentor will also assist the new faculty member in acquiring the requisite classroom skills by observation, coaching, and modeling. Throughout the first three years of the faculty member’s career, the mentor will serve as his/her advocate." (p. 6-8)

Typically mentors are selected from within the new faculty member’s academic department.

The Vice-President for Academic Affairs holds a training session for each new group of mentors. They are provided a copy of the book, Mentoring for Mission: Nurturing New Faculty at Church-related Colleges by Caroline J. Simon. This book is an excellent resource for faculty mentors in institutions such as Lee University.

Mentors attend a two-day New Faculty Orientation with their mentees before the semester begins for the newly-hired. Mentors also are encouraged to attend other faculty development events with their mentees including “New Faculty Orientation Seminars” and “Excellence in Teaching Seminars” throughout their initial year. These events are held in the Center for Teaching Excellence. While attending the seminars, new faculty are made aware of other faculty development materials such as books, DVDs, journals, and newsletters which are available in the CTE for their enrichment. In the CTE, both mentors and mentees can find a rich collection of resources related to teaching and learning. Also, the group experiences help new faculty develop and sense of camaraderie with new and veteran faculty members across disciplines and from around the university campus. New faculty also become acquainted with CTE personnel who are committed to helping them develop their teaching skills in a safe atmosphere of full confidentiality.

Since its first instructor began with twelve students in 1918, Lee University has defined itself primarily as a teaching institution. The evolution from small Bible school to mid-size liberal arts university has been remarkable. Change has been rapid and widespread. However, the emphasis on teaching has remained constant.

While there are many fine research scholars on the faculty, commitment to teaching continues to be the primary focus. Initiatives to make teaching increasingly effective have risen from the ranks of the faculty and have been inspired, encouraged, supported, and rewarded by the administration. The following statement is from the Lee University Faculty Handbook & Constitution 2008-09 (p. 2-2):

Lee University endeavors to employ scholars with the highest academic credentials who present their disciplines from a distinctly Christian perspective. All truth is perceived to be God’s truth, and the effective presentation and integration of truth is the goal. Lee University values teaching as the most important faculty role, and excellence in teaching is the primary standard for retention, tenure and promotion. Faculty research is seen as essential to teaching excellence. It, too, is an important criterion for faculty advancement. Lee University values and rewards Christian community service and service to humankind as significant faculty responsibilities.

A deliberate and focused effort related to faculty development was initiated in 2006. Plans for a physical space dedicated to the improvement of teaching became part of the dream. A full time director of faculty development was hired in the fall of 2008. The Grand Opening for the Center for Teaching Excellence took place January 6th, 2010. It is hoped that the Center will inspire conversation between faculty members regarding processes of teaching and learning that are research-based and that represent best practice in the field of higher education. The Center seeks to provide a relaxed environment in which faculty from every discipline can share with one another, access resources, and enjoy an atmosphere where teaching and learning are highly regarded, generously shared, and passionately inspired.

The Lee University Center for Teaching Excellence seeks to enhance teaching and learning and has the support of faculty in that regard at the heart of its mission. The Center endeavors to promote excellence in teaching and learning through its print resources, seminars, individual and group technology training, coaches, mentors, focus groups, and other forms of conversations around topics such as educational theory, research, and best practice.

In order to accomplish its goals and fulfill its mission, the Center for Teaching Excellence is committed to providing a safe space and trustworthy environment for those who seek its services and those who share professional expertise with peers. The Center is committed to providing faculty with a safe place to discuss their teaching in all of its aspects in a confidential manner, for formative purposes.

In order to maintain confidentiality and to protect the privacy of individual faculty members, the following policies will be carefully and faithfully followed:

• The Center for Teaching Excellence will review information and feedback about a course only upon request of the faculty member.
• The Center for Teaching Excellence does not make any feedback or observation results available to anyone except the faculty member who requests it.
• It is recognized that faculty members who have consulted with Center personnel may benefit further by sharing Center feedback with their colleagues, and they may do so at their own discretion.
• Specific feedback gathered or given by Center personnel is meant to be formative only and, therefore, is not intended to be used in the promotion, tenure, or re-appointment process.
• The Center for Teaching Excellence will make available the name of a faculty participant only upon his/her written request. At the request of a participant, the Center will provide written verification of participation listing the type(s) of activity and date(s) of such events.
• The Center for Teaching Excellence reports its data in aggregate form only. Data presented may include the number of faculty members attending seminars or participating in consultations.

The principal role of the Lee University Center for Teaching Excellence is to advocate for faculty success and student learning. Student learning is the focal point of faculty work. The Center for Teaching Excellence is dedicated to helping faculty members accomplish their work as effectively as possible.