Principles of Mentoring

Mentoring is the process by which a mentor guides the career and development of a mentee.  For an academic mentoring relationship to succeed, it needs to be underpinned by the following principles:

• Ownership of the mentoring process rests with the mentee and s/he drives the mentoring agenda.  The mentee is responsible for initiating contact with the mentor.
• The mentor relationship is confidential. Discussions between the mentor and mentee must not be divulged to a third party without the agreement of both parties.
• Academic mentoring is distinct and separate from the NUI Galway Performance Management Development System.
• Mentoring is nondirective in its approach.
• Mentoring is a relationship built upon trust and mutual respect.
• The mentor empowers the mentee to take responsibility for their own learning and career development.
• The mentor offers a safe environment to the mentee within which they can discuss work related issues and explore solutions.
• The mentoring relationship places no obligation on either party beyond its developmental intent.