Monash University-Wide Mentoring Scheme for Women

The next University-Wide Mentoring Scheme for Women will run in 2011.

To register your interest in the 2011 program, please email barbara.dalton@adm.monash.edu.au

Mentoring is an arrangement where one person offers help, guidance, advice and support to facilitate the learning or development of another person.  Mentoring relationships occur in all aspects of life but are often a feature of organisational life where more experienced staff assist with the professional development of less experienced staff by offering on-the-job support, career advice, access to organisational knowledge and support in setting and reaching career goals.

The Monash University-Wide Mentoring Scheme, is conducted every 2 years.  It  involves matching individual women (academic and professional) with more senior staff members (female and male) who then meet as pairs at regular intervals.  Participants must complete a 3 hour preparation/training session.  Separate sessions are held for mentees and for mentors.

Why Mentoring for Women?

Monash University runs the University-Wide Mentoring Scheme for academic and professional female staff in support of equal employment opportunity for women.  The program aims to increase women's access to mentoring relationships.  The continuing low representation of women at senior levels indicates an ongoing need to provide programs that specifically address the career needs of female staff.

The following staff may apply to be mentees:

·        Female Academic staff Level A to Level E who have been employed at Monash for more than 1 year

·        Female Professional staff up to and including HEW Level 10A who have been employed at Monash for more than 1 year

The following staff may apply to be mentors:

·        Academic staff (male and female) at Level C (senior lecturer) and above

·        Professional staff (male and female) at HEW Level 7 and above

Benefits to mentees may include:

·        Developing new skills

·        Identifying areas for professional growth

·        More strategic career planning

·        Gaining or increasing knowledge of organisational culture, structure and processes

·        Access to new networks and contacts

·        Increased confidence in abilities

·        Increased job satisfaction

·        Enhanced career opportunities

Benefits to mentors may include:

·        Developing skills in coaching, modelling and listening

·        Enhanced self-esteem through recognition of professional abilities

·        Increased organisational knowledge, especially from the viewpoint of the mentee

·        Developing and demonstrating management skills

·        Enhancing leadership skills

·        Gaining a sense of satisfaction in assisting a more junior colleague to develop

·        Increased job satisfaction

·        Enhancing interpersonal skills

The benefits to an organisation in which mentoring relationships are encouraged and supported include:

·        Retention and development of talented staff

·        Cost effective way of developing employees’ skills

·        Developing potential leaders internally with good organisational knowledge

·        Utilisation and advancement of staff within the organisation

·        Increased productivity from staff who feel motivated and supported

·        Enhanced relations amongst staff

Time Commitment

Participating in the Scheme, as either a mentee or mentor, does not require a large time commitment.  Initially, you will need to set aside time for the 3 hour preparation session.  (Feedback from previous programs has established that the mentoring partnership is more likely to succeed when both mentee and mentor have participated in a preparation session.)  Following this, you can reasonably expect to meet with your mentor/mentee between 7 to 10 times during the 9 months in which the program is held.  

Further Information

Barbara Dalton

Coordinator

Women's Leadership and Advancement Scheme

Equity and Diversity Centre

Student and Community Services Division

PH:  (03) 9902 0246

barbara.dalton@adm.monash.edu.au