Mentoring Partnership Program (MPP)
- About the MPP
- Who is the MPP for?
- Breakdown of Program
- FAQs
- Feedback
- How to apply
- Further information
- Tools for current mentees/mentors
"There are high spots in all of our lives and most of them have come about through encouragement from someone else." (George Matthew Adams)
About the MPP
Deakin's Mentoring Partnership Program (MPP) is designed to facilitate partnerships between mentors and mentees for a fixed period of time. The program is available to all continuing staff in the University, and is designed to complement other academic or general staff mentoring activity available. Mentees are matched to mentors who have the abilities and strengths in the areas needed to support each mentee's goals. The program is designed to address a broad range of support needs identified by general and academic staff.
Who is the MPP for?
The Mentoring Partnership Program is open to any continuing staff member who wants to participate. The program can be great for a whole range of reasons. Maybe you are:
- new to Deakin and want to gain an understanding of the University quickly
- new to Australia and Deakin and want to make settling in as easy as possible
- in a new role, teams, division or faculty
- a new graduate and want to ease into the workforce
- offsite or in a rural area and want a connect to another campus
- looking for a new direction within Deakin, but not sure what, or how to go about it
- looking for guidance in your career progression and next steps
- a mentee from a previous year and want to give back to the experience by becoming a mentor
- looking for a broader mentoring experience than what is covered in your academic probation or research mentoring activities
Breakdown of Program
Staff express interest via the relevant application form (available shortly) either to become a mentor or a mentee.
Once applications close, HRD staff will undertake a matching process to match mentees with a suitable mentor.
An opening forum will be run at the beginning of the Program and the two groups (mentors and mentees) will gain a common understanding on mentoring and how it can benefit them. Pairs will get to know each other and will mutually decide on goals to achieve and create an agreement between them on how often to refer back to their goals.
Mentees and mentors will be expected to meet regularly during the six-month program to discuss and review the mentee's identified projects or goals. A mid program evaluation meeting is held with the group of mentees and with the group of mentors to discuss skills development, learning and experiences. A final evaluation meeting is held at the end of the program.
It is important that all parties attend and participate in the workshop and evaluation meetings of the mentoring program.
There is no registration cost to participants. Supervisors will be informed of your involvement in the program, however, it is recommended that you discuss your planned participation with your supervisor prior to applying.
In addition to our mentoring workshop and evaluations, we also have a number of courses for Staff Development which can be seen on the Staff Development Calendar. To get a better idea of the MPP and for more information, take a look at the tools and information links for mentees and mentors listed at the bottom of this page or email holly.campbell@deakin.edu.au.
FAQs
- What hours must I commit to and how often am I expected to participate?
- Who are the mentors?
- How are people matched?
- What are the potential benefits to mentees?
- What are the potential benefits to mentors?
1. What hours must I commit to and how often am I expected to participate?
The hours you commit to are determined between the mentor and the mentee on the first meeting. We suggest a minimum of 1.5 hours every 6 weeks and attendance at the opening, mid and closing group meetings.
A mentor will usually be in a higher position in the University than the mentee and will have experience, knowledge and skills in certain areas attractive to the mentee. Their aim will be to provide support or advice in areas identified by their mentee. These areas can cover issues concerning work, life or career, developing options and strategies 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 mentee.
Selected participants will be matched as closely as possible to each mentee's identified needs and to the strengths of the available mentors. Your response to the Mentee Application or Mentor Registration will be used in the selection process.
4. What are the potential benefits to mentees?
- Develop time management skills
- Learn different perspectives from other staff
- Learn more about the University
- Increase confidence
- Develop a better relationship with your supervisor
- Improve your CV
- Develop a plan for the year
- Clarify career aspirations
- Build communication skills
- Enjoy increased collegiality and networking
- Gain professional development and increase job satisfaction
- Gain insight from senior colleagues and learn from their experiences.
5. What are the potential benefits to mentors?
- Personal fulfilment
- Increase skill levels
- Increase confidence in skills and knowledge
- Learn the importance of KISS
- Get to know, help and focus on someone else.
Feedback
"I have met with my mentor twice and had various email exchanges. I have developed a plan for working towards my objectives and have met one of the three listed on the agreement. As we go along, other ideas are being formulated and additional areas for improvement have prompted some supplementary actions. It is definitely a worthwhile investment time and effort and I am gaining many insights into my own and others behaviours, habits and communication styles" - Treacy Block, July 2009
How to apply
Complete the appropriate form below and send it to Holly Campbell via internal mail, or holly.campbell@deakin.edu.au or via fax (attention to Holly) on 9246 8155.
Calendar of events
| Month | Date | Event |
| May | Friday 6th | Applications open |
| May | Friday 20th | Applications close |
| June | Tuesday 14th (G) | Opening forum |
| August/September | Dates to be confirmed | Mid point meeting |
| November/December | Dates to be confirmed | Closing forum |
Further information
Tools for current mentees/mentors
