UIF Mentoring Program

I. Background

1. Response to 2007 Employee Engagement Survey: Career planning and professional development were among the top findings
2. Best practice in many organizations today

II. Desired impact

1. Timely integration of new employees into organization
2. Reduce isolation and increase collegiality and comfort
3. Improve employee retention
4. Improve productivity

III. Purpose and goals of UIF mentoring program

1. Explore professional best practices
2. Explore processes and new ideas
3. Explore culture, leadership styles, and organization on a number of levels
4. Opportunities for leadership for mentors (non-supervisory)
5. It is a professional development opportunity for both the mentee and the mentor.

IV. Overview of program

1. The Mentoring Program will be available for all new Foundation employees, including Civil Service and Academic Professionals. Second phase can include more experienced employees.
2. The Mentoring Program is different from New Employee Orientation.
3. It is not succession planning.
4. It does not replace supervisor’s responsibility for orientation and training.
5. No reporting or accountability back to supervisors. No outcomes will be considered as part of employee performance evaluations.
6. Six-month program for each new employee. Mentoring relationship can continue beyond six months if desired by mentor and mentee.
7. The program will be coordinated through the Director of Training office.

V. Plan for program pilot

1. Eight employees hired since August 1, 2008 have been paired with mentors selected by Mentoring Committee.
2. Mentors and mentees will be required to attend training.
3. Pilot will give us feedback about mentor-mentee relationship and direction for future development of program.

For more information contact

Blanche Emerick
Director of Training
e: emerick@uif.uillinois.edu
p: 217.244.2383

Download Mentoring PDF Fact Sheet