MENTORING TO BUILD INTERNAL CAPACITY AT THE CC

TODAY’S GOALS Introduction to Portland Community College Current Challenges Why Mentoring? Process for Implementation Participant Feedback

PORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE Multi-campus Foot-print = RI Employees 3,318 Staff – 1,244 Faculty – 2,074 Students – 94,634

THE CURRENT CLIMATE Large numbers of faculty and administrators retiring Large numbers of new hires Critical loss of internal talent and ‘tribal knowledge’ Reduced funding for professional development

THE IMPACT Talent Drain Reduced Capacity Unstable Environment

THE CHALLENGE “How can staff & organizational development professionals help the community college build internal capacity to meet the challenges of the impending brain drain amid diminishing resources and increasing stressors?”

THE FIRST MENTOR Guide Teacher Advisor Guardian

WHY MENTORING? Supported by adult learning theory Supported by best practices research in organizational development Efficient Cost-effective

ADULT LEARNING THEORY & MENTORING

PCC’S MENTORING PROGRAM Year 2 of 3-year pilot Managers, Faculty Department Chairs, Academic Professionals 22 mentoring partnerships to date Voluntary Formal – informal structure October – August

PCC’S MENTORING PROGRAM ( CONT’D )  Provide support for both mentors and mentees  Mandatory training  Monthly tips, updates, reminders via and SPACES  Mid-year and end-of-year evaluation  Mid-year mentor and mentee luncheons

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES Support professional development Build relationships Improve communication Break down silos Deepen organizational understanding Mentoring bench-strength Mentoring Culture

TIMELINE Recruit - April-June Training – October Phone check-in – December Luncheons – February Mid-year check-in – February Mentor-Mentee Recognition Celebration – May End-of-year evaluation – June – August Monthly tools

MID-YEAR CHECK-IN / MENTORS “I have the opportunity to not only provide assistance with problem solving, but I have been able to get to know someone at another campus and insights into the workings of another division.” “I am enjoying supporting someone who wants to change and it makes me take the time to reflect on my own habits and practices.” “It is a joy and very valuable for me as a mentor.”

MID-YEAR CHECK-IN / MENTEES “An opportunity to meet with a high-profile leader at PCC and have conversations around topics of interest to me. My mentor is helping me to connect the dots and grow in my career. Specifically sharing things that will apply to my situation now and prepares me for opportunities in the future. I appreciate my mentor as a soundboard for ideas, challenges, opportunities etc...and I know I can share with them in a safe/confidential setting.”

MID-YEAR CHECK-IN / MENTEES “I think I appreciate the stories of life and how we each found our ways into these careers. PCC is a daunting organization to try and navigate both for students and staff. This once a month chance to slow down, discuss our interests and share challenges has helped gain perspective on the work we do.”

CONTACT ME Linda Blanchette