Communication

DASSH recommends the mentor and mentee establish a schedule and structure of meetings which address the expectations, goals and capacities of both parties. We advise maintenance of clear lines of communication so both parties feel supported throughout the duration of the program. It is important that both mentor and mentee communicate about changing expectations and goals.

Duration and commitment

  • DASSH recommends mentors and mentees set a six-month timeframe for their engagement between July and December 2025.
  • We recommend mentors and mentees meet for four one-hour sessions during that timeframe.
  • We recommend using the first session to establish the schedule, goals and topics to focus on for the remaining three sessions.
Mentorship Program Agreement3

Parameters

  • The mentors have committed to four one-hour sessions with their mentee(s).
  • The mentor is not committing to reading material outside of these sessions.
  • The mentee is not obliged to perform any tasks suggested by the mentor.
  • The communication between the mentor and the mentee is recommended to remain at a minimum in between scheduled sessions, unless both parties agree to otherwise.
  • Establish set goals for each mentoring session.
  • If issues or topics arise outside the goals and expectations established in the first session, referral to appropriate parties is recommended.
  • Facilitation and administrative queries should be directed to DASSH, while anything specific to institutions should be directed to appropriate professional or HR staff.

Privacy and confidentiality

  • All matters shared in the context of the mentoring program remain private and confidential between the mentor and mentee. Any part of discussion to be shared outside of this relationship must be agreed to by both parties in advance.
  • During the mentor and mentee sessions and separate sessions facilitated by DASSH, any information shared needs to be anonymous or approved by all parties in advance.
  • Any information shared during the program should remain internal to the individuals participating in the program.
  • DASSH is available to support both mentors and mentees throughout the program. Any information shared with us will remain confidential and private.

Support

DASSH is committed to being available for the duration of the Mentorship Program for guidance and support to both mentors and mentees.

DASSH support includes facilitating administration of the program, partnering mentee relationships and providing guidance on the overall aims of the program.

DASSH cannot provide support for internal university matters or grievances. We suggest contacting university HR support.

In the case of conflict within the program, DASSH will facilitate the administration for organising alternative mentoring partnerships. DASSH cannot provide interpersonal support due to the nature of the organisation.

Mentorship Program Agreement