Mission
Our mission is to train and retain the best Union College employees.
We mentor employees to develop the most qualified employee—equipped with comprehensive knowledge, professionalism and customer service.
We choose mentors that are outstanding leaders with vast experience, professionalism and the Union spirit.
Investing in an employee is not a contract for their future. However, we want our employees to be known for their integrity and quality no matter where they live. We want other institutions to know that the best, most qualified employees are at Union College…and our goal is to retain them.
Instructions
Whether you are a mentor or mentee, the mentorship program’s helpfulness will depend on you. By making your sessions a priority every month (despite a busy schedule) and writing your answers to the next session before your visit, you will optimize the program’s effectiveness.
- For mentees, the mentorship program is like having an exercise coach. The process is more productive when you have someone to cheer you on, give critical feedback and provide experienced tips during your training.
- For mentors, you build a stronger foundation of educated staff and future leaders when you share decades of experience. Union College will have a stronger, brighter team of professionals because of you.
Harness your curiosity, find common ground and discover a widening college prospective.
Mentorship Agenda
Union College administration believes in this Mentorship Process so much, that they help subsidize these mentorship lunches (you can meet more than once, but Union will pay for only one lunch per month). You can download the reimbursement form here.
September
Introduction—What is your job?
- Describe your current job position.
- What are your top three challenges in the workplace?
- What are your top three favorite things in your workplace?
October
Describe your career goals/what you feel called to do?
- How does CAP (Communication, Adaptability, Problem-Solving) relate to you?
November
How did you get where you are? (for mentor)
December
What are your top 3-4 strengths/weaknesses
Mentor and mentee group evaluation meeting.
January
Evaluate and discuss your progress so far with your mentor/mentee. Questions include:
- What is the main benefit you’ve received from participating in the Mentorship Program?
- What is your main reason for joining the Mentorship Program?
- What is one skill/knowledge you would like to improve this semester through Mentorship participation?
Create a personal set of goals to achieve, in addition to the monthly questions.
February
What is one problem you’re facing at work? (for mentee)
- Brainstorm how mentee can improve situation.
- Mentor does not get involved in political problems, but helps improve conflict resolution skills, problem solving and project strategizing.
Personal agenda:
March
Was work situation resolved? Additional steps needed?
Discuss three misconceptions about your department.
Personal agenda:
April
What is one thing that you hope someone will learn and continue to implement after you are retired? (mentor)
Share some history of Union College and what Union College’s culture means to you. (mentor)
Personal agenda:
May
What do you need to do for your next step toward your desired career goal? (mentee)
Examples: additional education, participate in mentorship program next year, interview for Union College job that fits better skills, seminar on interpersonal skills or Excel, better organization with life coaching from TLC.
Personal agenda:
Note from Jonathan & Becky
Thank you for joining us on this new initiative! There will be a meeting of all Mentors and Mentees either in May or June to recap the year. Watch for e-mails.
We depend on your feedback to continually improve the program. Talk to Jonathan Shields/Becky Daniel if you have additional insights. Thank you for giving feedback and helping the program get better and better!
P.S. Have you taken the 1st step from your May meeting?