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Posted to general@incubator.apache.org by Justin Mclean <ju...@classsoftware.com> on 2025/08/16 09:02:50 UTC
[MENTORS] Addressing Inactive Mentors in the Incubator
Hi,
As part of our ongoing efforts to support podlings and uphold the responsibilities of the IPMC, I’d like to raise a concern about mentor inactivity.
We’ve observed that a number of podlings have mentors listed who are not actively participating, failing to sign off on reports for multiple cycles, not engaging on mailing lists, and not visibly contributing to the podling’s progress. This can place an undue burden on the remaining mentors and hinder the podling's development and graduation.
If you're currently listed as a mentor and are no longer able to dedicate time to the role, please consider stepping down. This helps set expectations clearly and gives podlings the opportunity to seek new, active mentors.
Likewise, podlings should feel empowered to review their mentor list and ask for changes if current mentors are not responsive. Requests for new mentors can be made on this list, and we encourage IPMC members to step up when they see a podling in need of support.
Mentorship is critical to the success of incubation, and we appreciate the time and effort mentors give. Let’s ensure that support is meaningful and consistent.
Kind Regards,
Justin
Re: [MENTORS] Addressing Inactive Mentors in the Incubator
Posted by Justin Mclean <ju...@classsoftware.com>.
Hi,
> In your survey where you identified absentee mentors, did you look at whether projects were raising concerns in their report? If so, was there any correlation?
No, I did not take that into account.
> Do you recall an instance where the IPMC has acted upon comments in that field?
Yes, on many occasions, the IPMC has responded to a project and suggested they ask for help if they need it.
Kind Regards.
Justin
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Re: [MENTORS] Addressing Inactive Mentors in the Incubator
Posted by Justin Mclean <ju...@classsoftware.com>.
Hi,
> In your survey where you identified absentee mentors, did you look at whether projects were raising concerns in their report? If so, was there any correlation?
No, I did not take that into account.
> Do you recall an instance where the IPMC has acted upon comments in that field?
Yes, on many occasions, the IPMC has responded to a project and suggested they ask for help if they need it.
Kind Regards.
Justin
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Re: [MENTORS] Addressing Inactive Mentors in the Incubator
Posted by Julian Hyde <jh...@gmail.com>.
For some time now, the report template has included a question “Have your mentors been helpful and responsive?” That question was introduced to provide early warning of absentee mentors.
Justin,
In your survey where you identified absentee mentors, did you look at whether projects were raising concerns in their report? If so, was there any correlation?
Do you recall an instance where the IPMC has acted upon comments in that field?
Julian
> On Aug 16, 2025, at 2:03 AM, Justin Mclean <ju...@classsoftware.com> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> As part of our ongoing efforts to support podlings and uphold the responsibilities of the IPMC, I’d like to raise a concern about mentor inactivity.
>
> We’ve observed that a number of podlings have mentors listed who are not actively participating, failing to sign off on reports for multiple cycles, not engaging on mailing lists, and not visibly contributing to the podling’s progress. This can place an undue burden on the remaining mentors and hinder the podling's development and graduation.
>
> If you're currently listed as a mentor and are no longer able to dedicate time to the role, please consider stepping down. This helps set expectations clearly and gives podlings the opportunity to seek new, active mentors.
>
> Likewise, podlings should feel empowered to review their mentor list and ask for changes if current mentors are not responsive. Requests for new mentors can be made on this list, and we encourage IPMC members to step up when they see a podling in need of support.
>
> Mentorship is critical to the success of incubation, and we appreciate the time and effort mentors give. Let’s ensure that support is meaningful and consistent.
>
> Kind Regards,
> Justin
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