Mentoring Program

Mentoring Banner - hands holding a small tree

"A good mentor helps you to walk in your own shoes, even if you start out just wanting to walk in theirs"
Li Cunxin (Mao's Last Dancer)

Comments from past mentoring program participants:

"Being selected to take part in this program has made me feel valued as an employee of the University and that the University is interested in my longer term development."  

"Commitment to mentoring recognises the challenges in academia and the gap that exists for formal mentoring; the more effective use of institutional cultural capital; the potential for across-school research-based on relationships that emerge from the program; and gives a greater sense of UWS as a community."

"I feel I have a broader understanding of the ways UWS works and this has helped me when addressing items with other schools."

"I have met a new colleague who I do not think I would have crossed paths with. I have had an insight into a different discipline and the way other schools work and approach staff supervision and development."

Academic mentoring at UWS

The UWS Academic Mentoring Program is designed to provide Academic staff with the opportunity to broaden their knowledge, skills, capabilities and experience to enhance their careers and professional development at the University. Mentoring is an effective process for supporting staff to navigate their career path at UWS, to understand and access institutional policies and processes, and to increase confidence and competence in undertaking various scholarly activities.

The University’s Our People 2015 staffing strategy recognises the importance of attracting, retaining, recognising, rewarding and developing high quality staff. Mentoring is an important aspect of career and professional development and building a high-performing, competent and collegial workforce to achieve the University’s goals and aspirations.

The Program is endorsed by the Vice-Chancellor and Senior Executive and is fully funded by the University and coordinated by the Office of Organisational Development.

Since the first UWS Academic Mentoring Program in 2010 (opens in a new window), 87 academic staff have participated in the program. In 2012, there are 44 academic staff in the Mentoring Program.

What is mentoring and how is it different to coaching?

The UWS Mentoring Program adopts a developmental mentoring approach. Mentoring is a confidential partnership between two people built on understanding and trust. Its primary aim is to build the Mentee’s self-reliance and self-confidence. Mentoring is a positive, developmental relationship, driven primarily by the Mentee. Mentoring is different from coaching or supervision. Coaching is primarily about performance and the development of specific skills. Mentoring is more broadly based, focusing on developing capability and often includes longer term help for career self-management.

What are the Program Objectives?

  • Provideing staff with the opportunity to broaden and share their knowledge, skills, capabilities and experience
  • Enhanceing academic career and professional development at the University through a developmental mentoring partnership
  • Fostering increased engagement in core University activities
  • Building a high-performing, professionally competent and collegial workforce to achieve the University’s goals and aspirations.

About the Program

The Mentoring Program is coordinated by the Office of Organisational Development. Staff are nominated by their Deans or Research Institute Directors to participate in the Program. Mentors and Mentees are matched by a panel, based on information provided by staff including career goals and aspirations, areas of interest and expertise, and career and professional development needs.

The Program involves participation in an introduction to mentoring workshop, two evaluation workshops and regular meetings between Mentors and Mentees.

Reported outcomes from participating in the Mentoring Program include: creating opportunities for joint research; gaining insight into different disciplines/schools; developing a cross-school relationship; developing research strategy; receiving support and advice regarding promotion; developing skills in grant bidding, funding sources, and publications; gaining a fresh perspective on career development; and the transfer and sharing of knowledge.

Participants in the UWS Academic Mentoring Program are early to mid-career academics demonstrating strong leadership potential  and excellence in Learning and Teaching, Research and/or Governance. Mentees are matched with more experienced senior Academic staff within UWS.

What does the Mentoring Program involve?

The Program involves participation in:

  • A one-day introductory workshop where Mentors and Menteees are matched. Training on mentoring and discussion on the process and expectations.
  • A half-day midpoint evaluation workshop
  • An end of program final evaluation workshop
  • Regular meetings between Mentor and Mentee
  • Online resources and support from the Office of Organisational Development.

Related Documents

Nominations are currently being sought for the 2013 UWS Mentoring Program which commences in February 2013.

For further information, please contact:

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