Program Design and Structure

The CSW seeks to provide a rewarding and enriching experience for both the mentees and the mentors in the program. As such, the design of the program is focused on meeting the specific goals outlined for our participants:

Goals of CSW staff mentoring program for mentees

• Provide an opportunity for mentees to learn from an experienced and excelling staff member at ASU through one-on-one informal mentoring sessions, where a mentor can share information on their own career development.
• Provide an opportunity for a staff member to form new, collegial relationships.
• Provide networking opportunities for mentees to meet other staff members and leaders at the university.
• Provide a structured development program that provides workshops in which a mentee can learn more about the concept of the New American University and the organizational structure of the University.
• Learn how to navigate organizational culture and practices at ASU.
• Provide opportunities to attend a series of career development and leadership development workshops.  Workshop topics would include identifying skills and leadership development for non-managers, among others.
• Develop a stronger understanding of University resources and programs available for staff.

Goals of CSW staff mentoring program for mentors

• Provides an opportunity for mentors to help identify, support, inspire and develop staff members at the University.
• Assist staff mentees in learning more about professional competencies in higher education, organizational structure at ASU, and resources for career development.
• Provide an opportunity for a mentor to expand their professional network
• Cultivation of important leadership and mentoring skills which may lead to career advancement

Due to limited space, participation in the program is selective. Interested staff are required to apply and pending application review, staff may be accepted into the program. The program is open to all staff (see eligibility notes below) and ideal candidates for the program display the following characteristics:

Qualities sought in mentors

• excellent performance
• professionalism
• positive attitude
• willingness to share career experience and skills
• openness to new ideas and fresh perspectives

Qualities sought in mentees

• excellent performance
• professionalism
• positive attitude
• desire to learn more about the ASU
• desire to grow professionally
• openness to new ideas and fresh perspectives
•  Two years of combinable work experience at ASU is preferred

Eligibility:

• The program is open to ASU employees that are considered "staff" or "academic professional."  The program is not currently open to employees classified as faculty.
• ASU staff applying for the program must be at least 50% FTE
• Staff at all of ASU's campuses (including outside of Arizona) are welcome to apply.

NOTE: Participation in the CSW program does not in any way guarantee advancement, promotion or salary increases. The program is meant to inspire and support a rewarding and evolving career at ASU. The program is designed to help provide excelling staff members with support and resources to help grow their career.

Mentees will be matched with a mentor who is not from the same unit as the mentee and is not in any type of supervisory or evaluative position over the mentee.

All mentors and mentees in the program are asked to provide information on their professional experience, strengths, areas of interest and program expectations. Based on the information provided, the CSW staff will try to match mentees with mentors who have experience in an area that the mentee would like to learn more about.

The mentoring process is intended to be a rewarding and enriching experience for both mentors and mentees, and that both parties are comfortable with the match that has been provided. If after the first meeting the mentor or the mentee are not satisfied with their match, CSW staff will make another attempt to find a match. Participants are allowed one rematch during the program cycle.

The program should inspire career growth and development, while not interfering or imposing upon an employee’s responsibility to their position, particularly with regards to release time. A mentee in the mentoring program can expect to devote approximately three to four hours a month toward the program and a mentor can expect to devote approximately 30 minutes to one hour a month (or  5-6 hours over a six-month period).

Per SPP 601, employees are provided with release time for professional development opportunities per year. Mentees and mentors will need to discuss and make arrangements with their respective supervisors about release time.