Exploring mentors' perceptions of the benefits and challenges of mentoring in a constellation model

In a mentoring constellation model, mentoring is conceptualized as a set of meaningful relationships with multiple mentors. Mentoring constellation models move away from hierarchical ‘one-mentor to one-mentee’ models; multiple mentors support different mentoring functions, without an expectation that one mentor has expertise in all areas. Utilizing results of an interview study with 26 faculty (academic staff), we explored the perceived benefits and challenges of mentoring undergraduate students in a constellation model in our institutional context. Six themes were derived from these analyses and their implications for academic development are discussed. We conclude that a mentoring constellation model offers interesting potential for community-building and should be structured to scale mentoring efforts.