Mentorship Program Questions

Non-academic and academic employees who are looking to build their networks, enhance their careers, and improve their experience at the university. Due to the scope of the program and the limited spaces available, non-academic and academic employees should have served at least one year by the start of the program (see program description for dates) to apply.

All interested University of Waterloo employees will apply using the online application system. Applications will be open for approximately one month (usually in the Fall) and will be reviewed by a committee to determine eligibility and fit. Applicants will be required to complete a Mentee or Mentor profile as part of the application process. Please note that all profiles will be published to program participants. Candidates are notified within three weeks of the application closing date.

Success Through Mentorship is a program aimed at developing and enhancing a culture of mentorship across the University community. The program focuses on professional development which provides an opportunity for Mentees to reflect and develop with their Mentors. Employees who participate as Mentees in the program benefit from the advising, guidance, and coaching provided by their Mentor as well as formal and informal networking opportunities.

Employees who participate as Mentors benefit from the opportunity of supporting others outside of their reporting structure and gain a new perspective and a broader understanding of the organization. Mentors strengthen their personal contacts throughout the University by attending Learning Events and develop new skills for effectively supporting others.

Mentees and Mentors will be required to attend all of the Success Through Mentorship workshops and activities. Mentors and Mentees are required to meet (at a minimum) once a month, over a period of approximately twelve months. In addition to one-on-one meetings, Mentors and Mentees will be required to attend seven structured learning events over the course of the program (approximately 16 hours). By attending structured events, both the Mentees and Mentors will develop skills that support the mentoring relationships while building a community of practice with other Mentees and Mentors in the program.

Mentees must have served at least one year at the university by the start of the program. Mentees must also have a genuine interest in professional and personal growth. The Mentee must be willing to ask for guidance, support, and assistance while being open to constructive feedback from their Mentors. Mentees will be required to:

• Attend the meet and greet session
• Attend and actively participate in the full program
• Read, reflect and prepare for each session
• Supervisor approval and support to participate in the program
• Be proactive in setting one-on-one meetings with Mentor and effectively utilize their time and council
• Set personal and professional goals
• Complete program touch-point questionnaires and reflection exercises

Mentors should be University of Waterloo employees with experience in their field. The Mentor must have a willingness to share professional skills, experiences, and help solve work-related problems. It is expected that Mentors invest quality time in, and commitment to, the mentoring relationships and program.  Mentors will be required to:

• Attend the meet and greet session
• Attend and actively participate in the full program
• Support, coach, reinforce learning and provide the Mentee with opportunities to apply learning
• Create a learning environment that is positive, respectful, supportive and nurturing
• Build their Mentee’s self-confidence and self-esteem through supportive and non-judgemental discussions
• Complete program touch-point questionnaires and reflection exercises

The Success Through Mentorship program is supported by OHD. OHD will host Networking Events and guidance to support the Mentee and Mentor matching process. Once matched, OHD will ensure that Mentees and Mentors are provided with the relevant resources, tools, and support. OHD will host several structured Learning Events throughout the course of the program. The structured learning events involve hands-on activities, group discussion, self-reflection, and tools that can be immediately applied within the mentorship relationship to guide development. OHD will offer open consultation with Mentees and Mentors regarding their mentoring relationship or challenges experienced in the program.

Success Through Mentorship matches are determined by the application process, networking events and preferences indicated by both Mentee and Mentor. Please note that not all accepted Mentee and Mentors will be invited to participate in the program. OHD aims to match accepted Mentees in the program however successful matching is enhanced by several factors including Mentor applicants, Mentee and Mentor preferences and scheduling. Matches will be announced after the scheduled Networking Events and before the start of the program (usually within the Fall Term).

Once matched, Mentees and Mentors will be asked to attend a Mentorship Meet and Greet. This Learning Event will encourage Mentee and Mentor pairs to build on their relationships and discuss expectations for their mentorship relationship. OHD will provide tools and resources to support their relationship and outline key elements of the program.

No. Applicants will need to decide, at the time of submitting their application, which role they are interested in exploring as a part of the program. Applicants are eligible to apply as a part of a future cohort in a different role. Employees that are contemplating between the two roles are encouraged to reach out to OHD Coordinators to further discuss.

Yes. Mentors and Mentees can participate in the program multiple times in multiple roles. An employee can apply to be a Mentee more than once, and then later apply as a Mentor. Mentees are encouraged to support the program, in future cohorts, as a Mentor. The “graduation” of Mentees to Mentors permits this program to continue to help other aspiring University of Waterloo employees by meeting the ever-growing demand for mentors. Mentors can participate as many times as they desire.

Mentees and Mentors who have participated in the past are encouraged to re-apply using the online application system. Please contact OHD if you require access to your previous application. We encourage Mentees and Mentors to continue to foster a mentorship culture within the organization and to be a part of the Mentorship Community of Practice

At the end of the Success Through Mentorship program, Mentees and Mentors will have an opportunity to discuss what the mentorship relationship looks like moving forward. Mentorship is rewarding in any setting and at any time. OHD does not track the mentorship relationships beyond the commitments of the program, however, is available to provide support if requested.