WPDN Mentoring Program 2009

[About the Mentoring Program] [2009 Mentoring Program] [Mentoring Resources - NEW]

A training needs analysis for professional staff women HEO5 and above was undertaken in 1995. It identified mentoring as a high priority. Research was undertaken and a course designed in 1995/96. A pilot mentoring program of 6 months duration with 18 pairs ran in 1996/97. It proved very successful with benefits to mentorees, mentors and the University. Formal programs open to all general staff women have since run in 1998/99, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 and we celebrated our 10th anniversary in 2008.

The program is supported with funding provided by Organisational and Professional Development.

At the commencement of the program selected mentorees and mentors attend an 1.5 hour workshop to learn about the mentoring process, which will include:

introduction to the mentoring program
making the most of the mentoring partnership
structuring their meetings and communication
active listening
goal setting
developing action plans
clarifying expectations
developing a commitment to the mentoring program.

Mentorees and mentors will be expected to meet regularly during the six-month program to discuss and review the mentorees' identified projects or goals. A mid program evaluation meeting is held with the group of mentorees and with the group of mentors to discuss skills development, learning and experiences. At the end of the program a final program evaluation meeting is held.

To participate in the mentoring program you will be expected to attend and participate in the workshop and evaluation meetings. There is no registration cost to participants. Supervisors will be informed of your involvement in the program. However, before completing this questionnaire we advise you to discuss your participation in the mentoring program with your supervisor.

In addition to our mentoring workshop and evaluations, we are offering some extra professional development sessions, free of charge to those interested in furthering their skills. For mentorees, we are offering sessions in goal setting and putting those plans in action, and for mentors, active listening and coaching skills. For further details, see below.

About the Mentors
A mentor will usually be in a more senior position in the University than the mentoree and will have experience, knowledge and skills in certain areas attractive to the mentoree. Their aim will be to provide support or advice in areas identified by their mentoree, on issues concerning work, life or career, developing options and strategies and for coping with particular situations or problems. They may assist in skills development, networking and confidence-building. Above all, a mentor is someone who listens, is accessible and approachable and acts as a guide, facilitator or role model for the mentoree.

How are people matched?
Selected participants will be matched as closely as possible to each mentoree's identified needs and the available mentors. Your response to the Expression of Interest Questionnaire will be used in the selection process.

2009 Mentoring Program

Are you interested in the 2009 Mentoring Program for professional staff women?

The Mentoring Sub-Committee of the Women's Professional Development Network (WPDN) invites you to participate in the next mentoring program.

The Registration due date is Thursday 9 April 2009. Attendance at the Workshop and Evaluation meetings is compulsory and a condition of the program - please book them in your calendar. The dates are as follows:

Friday 8 May 2009 - Introduction Workshop (1.5 hours)
Tuesday 11 August 2009 - Mid Program evaluation meeting (1.5 hours)
Friday 23 October 2009 - Final program evaluation meeting (1.5 hours)

All sessions will be held in Corporate Training Suite Level 9, PCE, 115 Grenfell Street. The 1.5 hour session for mentors will commence at 9.00am (coffee from 8.45am) and the session for mentorees commences at 11.00am. There will be a joint morning tea from 10.30-11.00am which we encourage you attend.

For further information please see our information flier and registration of interest form.

To register your interest as a mentor please contact Meredith Blesing .

The 2009 program is the 11th mentoring program. Feedback from previous programs:

Benefits and Successes to Mentorees:

Developed better time management skills.
Learned different perspectives from other working women.
Learned more about the University.
Increased confidence.
Developed a better relationship with my supervisor.
Clarified what needs to be done.
Improved my CV.
Developed a plan for the year.
Successfully applied for a new job at higher level.
Successfully applied for study.
Stopped a bullying situation.

Benefits and Successes to Mentors:

Increased skill levels.
Increased confidence in skills and knowledge.
Learned the importance of KISS.
Got to know and helped and focussed on someone else.

If you are interested in more information about the mentoring program, please contact Meredith Blesing, Convenor, Mentoring Committee.

2009 Mentoring Program - professional development sessions

In 2009 the Mentoring Program offers both mentorees and mentors the opportuntiy to attend some free professional development sessions. The following sessions have been developed in response to feedback from previous programs to further develop skills around being a mentor or mentoree.

For Mentorees:

Goal Setting, 18 May 2009, 1.00pm-2.00pm, Ira Raymond Room, Barr Smith Library resources from this session now available
Moving from Plan into Action, 8 July 2009, 1.00pm-2.00pm, Ira Raymond Room, Barr Smith Library resources from this session now available

For Mentors:

Active Listening, 25 May 2009, 1.00pm-2.00pm, Ira Raymond Room, Barr Smith Library resources from this session now available
Coaching Skills , 15 July 2009, 1.00pm-2.00pm, Ira Raymond Room, Barr Smith Library resources from this session now available