Mentorship Program

About

We are thrilled to introduce a new mentorship program at the university! This structured initiative is designed to support faculties and departments that wish to establish mentor-mentee relationships. Mentors, with expertise to lend, are identified and invited by faculty or department leaders. Mentees, who are eager to learn and grow, apply to be paired with available mentors. Organizational Development and Talent Management (HRHSE) provides organizers with a process and structure, upskills participants, and monitors progress along the way. 

This program offers a unique professional development experience for both the mentor and mentee. It also enhances knowledge sharing, builds strong, supportive relationships, connects employees across teams and promotes a culture of continuous learning and growth.

BENEFITS of the mentorship program

Skills Development

• Mentees develop expertise in their chosen field, reaching their full potential.
• Mentors gain leadership skills and learn to cultivate skills in others.

Career Development

Mentees expand career development through:

• Enhanced networking
• Improved skill sets
• Support for long and short-term career planning and execution.

Community Building & Networking

• Mentoring relationships connects participants to a broader professional development community.
• This program contributes to the growth of the organization through expanded networking opportunities.

Engagement & Retention

• The program increases employee engagement and retention.
• Participants feel valued, fostering commitment to their organizations and professional relationships.

Duration

Month 0:
Kick-Off Meeting

Month 1 ~ 6:
Mentorship meetings AT LEAST once a month
(ODTM conducts pulse check at Month 3 and Month 5)

Month 7
ODTM conducts program evaluation

Cohort Map

1. Kick Things Off

• Department/faculty socialize Mentorship Program within department/team/portfolio

2. Accept applications

• Department/faculty’s senior leaders encourage team members to apply as mentees
• Department/faculty’s leadership team/ODTM reviews applications in accordance with
  the established criteria
• *Department/faculty’s leadership team conducts mentor-mentee pairing

3. Upskilling

• *Upskills both mentors and mentees on the process, soles, responsibilities, and other
  aspects in order to enhance their skills and knowledge

4. Mentor-Mentee First Meeting

• Mentee initiates the contact and leads the first meeting with the mentor

5. Monthly Mentorship Meeting

• Mentee should proactively seek guidance and insights from the mentor
• Mentor should actively listen and foster the development of skills in their mentee
• ODTM conducts interim check-ins

6. Conclude and Celebrate

• Department/faculty organizes a session to celebrate and highlight the learning
  achievement of the program participants

7. Evaluate and Modification

• ODTM evaluates the mentorship experience, results and makes adjustment to the
  program
  
  Note: * ODTM is available to offer support in this area if needed.

** This program requires a faculty or department level commitment. It relies on employees at faculty or department-level to:

• assess interest

• secure sponsorship of senior leadership

• socialize the program

• identify mentors

• encourage applications from mentees

• match mentors and mentees (senior leaders)

• celebrate the successes of participants

CONTACT US

If your department/faculty is interested in developing a mentorship program, please contact ODTM at org.learning@ualberta.ca.