When setting up a mentoring program, one needs to consider some options. These will define a valuable strategy for supporting the development of individuals and fostering a culture of collegiality in a school or department.

Mentoring program designers can be referred to either existing university-wide or faculty mentoring programs. A good starting point would be to seek advice from those in charge of existing university-wide programs; they will probably have a number of resources they can offer.

Programs don’t have to be complex or very formal to be effective but the following questions might be useful as a guide:

1. What is the purpose of the program?
2. Who is the target cohort of potential mentees?
3. What model of mentoring is needed?
4. How formal should the program be?
5. What process can I use to recruit and select mentors?
6. Will I have a system for matching mentees and mentors?
7. What will be the duration of the mentoring relationship?
8. What are everyone’s role and responsibilities?
9. What forms of institutional recognition and rewards can I offer?
10. What resources do I need to develop, coordinate and support the program?
11. What training will be needed or prepare and develop mentors and mentees?
12. How will I evaluate the mentoring program?