When new staff members join academic positions at the University of Iceland, they are offered the opportunity to have a mentor or receive professional guidance. Mentoring is a professional collaboration where a mentor guides and supports a new staff member in gaining independence and developing their expertise in the role. The mentoring system is an integral part of onboarding new staff at the University of Iceland.
Mentors are granted a 20-hour teaching reduction as part of their role. The HR manager of the relevant department ensures that the teaching reduction is recorded and oversees the mentoring collaboration throughout its duration.
Objectives
The objective of the mentoring system is to enhance staff satisfaction and boost productivity during the initial years until the employee achieves full effectiveness.
Additionally, the system provides the mentor with an opportunity to reflect on their own professional practices and use their experience to support others. The collaboration can offer both parties a broader understanding and perspective of the university's operations and foster professional cooperation.
Role of Mentors
The role of mentors is to provide guidance on professional matters related to teaching, research, and administration, such as publishing peer-reviewed articles, time management, teamwork, and securing funding.