NEW EMPLOYEE MENTOR PROGRAM

Our goal is to help new employees adjust and succeed on the job.

What is the MENTOR Program?
The MENTOR Program strives to foster a cooperative network among benefited employees, as well as to cultivate a sense of community on campus.

The program provides an opportunity for seasoned staff to share their knowledge and experience with new staff. It benefits new employees by giving them a friendly resource where they can benefit from the coaching, guidance and encouragement a mentor can provide. Experienced staff gain a fresh perspective and develop new relationships. The college builds a stronger and more cohesive community. The program is optional but strongly encouraged.

Who is a MENTOR?
A MENTOR can be any benefited employee of LCSC who has been employed at LCSC for at least 12 months, has a direct interest in helping new employees acclimate to the college environment, and has been chosen as an exemplary employee by peers.

Mentors will be matched with a new employee outside their immediate department, but in their same job classification.

MENTOR Responsibilities
A MENTOR's role may be as an advisor, positive role model, or an advocate. No matter what role the MENTOR is playing, it is important that he or she maintains the commitment and responsibility that is required to help the new employee in the following areas:

• Encourage growth and success
• Help build confidence and motivation
• Inform about training and development opportunities
• Support and actively listen to the new employee, providing guidance and referrals to campus resources when requested
• Be available for consultation on problems or challenges
• Make the new employee aware of social, career, and recreational opportunities on campus
• Help employee to become familiar and comfortable with the LCSC community

MENTOR Relationship Goals

• Link a new employee with valuable knowledge and information
• Enable employees to gain satisfaction by sharing their expertise with others
• Allow employees to learn more about other areas of LCSC
• Facilitate learning specific skills and knowledge that is relevant to professional goals
• Provide networking opportunities with other employees
• Allow employees to gain knowledge about LCSC's culture and mission to enhance strategic initiatives
• Ensure that the employee has a friendly ear with whom to share frustrations as well as successes in a confidential setting

A MENTOR is:

• Considered a role model in his or her position or department
• Dedicated to participating in the program
• Able to encourage and motivate others
• Respectful of others at Lewis-Clark State College
• Someone who avoids spreading or receiving rumors
• A confidant
• Committed to maintaining a positive attitude
• Willing to share knowledge and experiences
• Patient and a good listener

Process:

1).  Employee is hired.
2).  Human Resource Services provides a benefits orientation and introduces the mentor program, lets employee know a mentor will be contacting her/him unless the employee chooses not to participate.
3).  Human Resource Services sends the new employee name to representative group chair to assign a mentor.
4).  Mentor is notified and prints the mentor checklist and quick start guide. New mentors will receive training to be a mentor by representative group chair.
5).  Mentor will provide 4 weeks of mentorship to new employee.

Reference Links:

Mentor Checklist
Mentee Quick Start Guide
Mentor Program Feedback Form
New Employee Orientation Presentation (for reference, not as a replacement for attending)