The University of Melbourne’s Awards for Excellence Patricia Grimshaw Awards for Mentor Excellence
GUIDELINES 2015 Definitions Mentor: An individual who serves with positive influence as an experienced and trusted advisor in encouraging and promoting the professional development of others. Mentorship: A mentorship is a relationship formed between a mentor and mentee with the goal of mutually sharing knowledge and expertise. Recognising excellence in the mentoring of University colleagues, both professional and academic. Award recipients are acknowledged for their outstanding contributions as mentors, involving: a sustained record of effective mentoring; exceptional skills in the provision of support and the sharing of knowledge; and
respect for the development of colleagues as individuals. The University usually awards up to two Patricia Grimshaw Awards annually: one to a member of the
University’s professional staff, and one to a member of the University’s academic staff. Each award includes a trophy and a grant of $10,000. An end-of-year award ceremony is held to
acknowledge and celebrate recipients’ success. The grant monies may be used to support any project related to recipients’ career development or academic work. The grants monies are paid directly to the relevant University departments, for use by the winners. Eligibility All University of Melbourne staff, whether full-time, part-time or sessional are eligible to apply. Applications are encouraged from both professional and academic staff. Applicants should have at least three years’ service at the University, with an established and sustained record of effectively mentoring colleagues. (Note: Past winners of this Award are not eligible to re-apply). Application process All applications require endorsement from the relevant Dean of Faculty/Division. Multiple applications from
faculties are encouraged, in which case Deans are invited to rank applications. It is noted that typically only one
award is made in each category (professional and academic). Patricia Grimshaw Awards for Mentor Excellence - GUIDELINES 2015
Page 2 of 4 Selection criteria 1. An established and sustained record of effectively mentoring others Which may include: demonstrating a commitment to the role of mentoring; demonstrating a history of successful mentorships; providing intellectual or professional leadership; acting as a successful role model. 2. Skill at providing support and sharing knowledge with mentees Which may include: communicating effectively in different interpersonal contexts; providing access to a
network of professional colleagues; facilitating opportunities and advocating for colleagues; advising staff
on career options and opportunities within and external to the University. 3. Respect for the development of colleagues as individuals Which may include: fostering the development of individual talents and strengths; maintaining and communicating the highest ethical standards; providing objective and considered advice; empathising with colleagues; encouraging optimism; building mentee confidence and self- sufficiency. All three selection criteria will be given equal consideration by the Selection Committee. Patricia Grimshaw Awards for Mentor Excellence - GUIDELINES 2015
Page 3 of 4 The portfolio of documentation for application (essential information for applicants)
Applicants prepare a written application, consisting of the following: An application cover sheet, completed by the applicant(s) and signed by the applicant(s) and Dean of Faculty/Head of Division (form available from the CSHE website www.cshe.unimelb.edu.au ). A written statement prepared by the applicant, is a core component of the application. The written statement must include: o An introduction of 150-200 words. This introductory paragraph should describe the applicant’s personal philosophy and approach to mentoring. o The three selection criteria (see above), each addressed individually, in the order shown, and with supporting evidence. The written statement, in total, is limited to four A4 pages (minimum 11 point type in Arial, Times
New Roman or similar font) Two references: o One from a University colleague who may also have been a ‘mentee’; and o One from a person mentored by the applicant, as a University colleague (past or present). Referees should address the selection criteria (Page 2), from the perspective appropriate to their
position. References can describe how the mentor has been instrumental in supporting, encouraging and promoting the professional development of others. Mentees are encouraged to cite
specific examples. Each reference is to be a maximum of three A4 pages in length (minimum 11 point type in Arial, Times New Roman or similar font). The references are provided to the applicant for inclusion in their application. Additional references are optional only, and limited to two. Applicants may provide up to two additional references of support from members of the University who
have been directly mentored by the applicant. These additional references are each limited to one A4
page (minimum 11 point type in Arial, Times New Roman or similar font). A curriculum vitae outlining the applicant’s educational qualifications, career history, and experience. The CV is limited to three A4 pages (minimum 11 point type in Arial, Times New Roman or
similar font). Submission of the application Application documentation must be sent directly to the CSHE by the due date see over). Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the complete application electronically, as either a single PDF
(ideally) or individual, named files for the various portfolio components. Print documents, such as references and
the signed application form, should be scanned and saved as PDF. Any documents not available in electronic format may be submitted in print form, and must include a copy of the
application form for the purpose of identification and processing. Patricia Grimshaw Awards for Mentor Excellence - GUIDELINES 2015
Page 4 of 4 Selection process The Selection Committee for all University of Melbourne Awards for Excellence and for nomination for the
Australian Awards for University Teaching is drawn, as appropriate to each particular award. The Selection Committee meets soon after the closing date for submissions. All applicants are contacted
individually and notified of the outcome. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS FOR 2015 Applications are to be submitted by email by 4pm Friday 27th March 2015* to:
*closing date has been extended from 23rd March
Michelle van Kampen
Professional Development Coordinator
Melbourne Centre for the Study of Higher Education
[email protected]
All applications received will be acknowledged via reply email. All submissions are confidential.
For further information, including the Application Cover Sheet and an ‘honour roll’ of previous recipients of
University of Melbourne Awards for Excellence: http://go.unimelb.edu.au/b2mn
All enquiries, whether from potential nominators, nominees and/or referees, please contact:
Michelle van Kampen
Professional Development Coordinator
Melbourne Centre for the Study of Higher Education
Level 1, 715 Swanston St
University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010 Australia
T: +61 3 9035 4673 E: [email protected]