Based on positive feedback from last year’s participants and alignment with the N2025 strategic plan, the UNL Staff Mentorship Program will continue in 2024-25.
“The program gave me a wonderful experience to meet and engage with other UNL staff, especially if you are new on campus like I was,” said Angelia Horton, a 2023-24 mentee.
Applications for the 2024-25 session are being accepted through Sept. 6. Mentors/mentees from greater Nebraska or who are in roles that do not allow attending in-person events are welcome to apply.
The UNL Staff Mentorship Program pairs mentees with mentors based on one of three objectives: a current supervisor seeking to develop their effectiveness as a people leader; a new UNL employee (up to 3 years of service) seeking to be learn more about the university or higher education; or a current staff member seeking to improve their job effectiveness.
Mentees/mentors will be required to attend an orientation, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 24 (lunch provided). The session will include meetings between mentors and mentees, and training on successful partnerships. Mentor/mentee teams will meet one-on-one at least monthly through the academic year and attend a wrap-up event in late spring.
During the 2023-24 session, 89% of participants reported the program met or exceeded expectations. The program is adding a group strengths coaching session.
Mentor participation will be key to successful continuation of the program. Last year mentee applications exceeded mentor applications two to one. Joy Eakin (2023-24 mentor) shared, being a mentor is “a chance to serve the campus community in a meaningful way, build new relationships, see new parts of campus, and learn more about yourself.”
Resources and guidance materials have been created for departments/units interested in creating their own internal mentorship program.
For more information, contact Celeste Spier at cspier2@unl.edu.
