ABSTRACT
This chapter sketches the common elements of mentoring relationships, and considers mentoring in the context of formal or assigned faculty roles. It offers Mentoring Relationship Continuum (MRC) model that help readers to think about mentoring as a relationship quality versus a discrete or distinct relationship type. Mentors become increasingly committed to the personal and career success of their mentees. The chapter helps readers to think in terms of both one-to-one traditional mentorships and wider networks of helping relationships constructed for the benefit of the mentee. It refers to such networks as Mentoring Constellations. Advising, research supervision, and faculty sponsorship are formalized faculty assignments; many of these formally assigned relationships will transition into mentorships. Mentors provide functions and fulfill specific roles on behalf of their mentees. These include essential functions as acceptance, guidance, protection, challenge, coaching, information sharing, sponsorship, modeling, and counseling. A high-quality relational mentorship generally can influence the quality of life.
