Manager-Mentor Program

Application & Matching Process

When does the program start accepting applications? When is the deadline to apply? 

Applications for the November 2025 cohort will open October 2026! Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025. Participants will be notified by Friday, November 7, 2025 of their acceptance.

What are the mentor participation requirements? 

All mentors must: 

• Have at least one direct report 
• Be in good standing with the University with a performance rating of achieving or higher 
• EXS 6 level or higher 
• Must be at Northwestern University greater than one year and have two years’ experience in the field 

How are mentors and mentees matched? 

Matches are made by the Mentoring Committee based on mentee preferences, the experience of mentors, and the areas of interest for all applicants. 

Will all mentors be paired with a mentee? 

Depending on the number of mentee applications received and the availability of the mentors there is a possibility that not all mentors will be paired with a mentee in an application cycle. 

Can mentors have more than one mentee? 

No, the program is set up to be a one to one matching process. 

Mentoring Program 

How long is the mentoring program year? 

The 2025 program officially begins mid November 2024, and the length of the program will be for six - months (two cohort cycles per year). However, we hope mentoring relationships carry on past our programming events. 

Do I need to attend all of the programming events with my mentor or mentee? 

No, it is not required that you attend the mentoring events as a pair; however, we do recommend that you attend so that it can build upon your mentoring relationship. 

Do I have to set up goals with my mentee? 

While goal setting is an important part of mentoring, it is not required. Keep in mind that goal setting has many different forms. You can set career goals, professional development goals, or mentoring relationship goals. Make sure you discuss your plans for goal setting early in your mentoring experience. 

How often do I have to meet with my mentee? What is the time commitment for this program? 

As a mentor you can set periodic meetings, phone calls and/or emails with your mentee. It is recommended that you attend the quarterly mentoring events so that you can build upon your mentoring relationship, however it is up to both the availability of the mentor and mentee to decide what works best. 

What happens if my mentoring relationship does not work? Can I get a new mentee? 

At this time, we are only able to provide one mentor per mentee each cycle. However, the Mentoring Committee co-chairs and members are available to assist if you run into any issues. Please reach out to us at any time with questions. If your match does not work out, we recommend reapplying for the next cycle to be paired with a new mentor. 

What if I have a conflict of interest with the mentee? Who do I contact? 

Please feel free to contact feinbergstaffengagement@northwestern.edu. 

Application & Matching Process 

When does the program start accepting applications? When is the deadline to apply? 

Applications for the November 2025 cohort will open October 2026! Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025. Participants will be notified by Friday, November 7, 2025 of their acceptance.

What are the mentee participation requirements? 

All mentees must: 

• Have at least one direct report
• Be in good standing with the University with a performance rating of achieving or higher 
• Have approval of immediate supervisor 

How are mentors and mentees matched? 

Matches are made by the Mentoring Committee based on mentee preferences, the experience of mentors, and the areas of interest for all applicants. 

Will all mentees be paired with a mentor? 

Each cohort will depend on the number of mentee applications received and the availability of the mentors. There is a possibility that not all mentees will be paired with a mentor in any given application cycle. 

Can mentees have more than one mentor? 

No, the program is set up to be a one-to-one matching process. 

Mentoring Program 

How long is the mentoring program year? 

The 2025 program officially begins mid November 2024, and the length of the program will be for six - months (two cohort cycles per year). However, we hope mentoring relationships carry on past our programming events.

Do I need to attend all of the programming events with my mentor? 

No, it is not required that you attend the mentoring events as a pair; however, we do recommend that you attend so that it can build upon your mentoring relationship. 

Do I have to set up goals with my mentor? 

While goal setting is an important part of mentoring, it is not required. Keep in mind that goal setting has many different forms. You can set career goals, professional development goals, or mentoring relationship goals. Make sure you discuss your plans for goal setting early in your mentoring experience. 

How often do I have to meet with my mentor? What is the time commitment for this program? 

As a mentee you can set periodic meetings, phone calls and/or emails with your mentor. It is encouraged, as a mentee, you initiate the contact and set up the initial meeting. It is recommended that you attend the quarterly mentoring events so that you can build upon your mentoring relationship, however it is up to both the availability of the mentor & mentee to decide what works best. 

What happens if my mentoring relationship does not work? Can I get a new mentee? 

At this time, we are only able to provide one mentor per mentee each cycle. However, the Mentoring Committee co-chairs and members are available to assist if you run into any issues. Please reach out to us at any time with questions. If your match does not work out, we recommend reapplying for the next cycle to be paired with a new mentor. 

What if I have a conflict of interest with the mentor? Who do I contact? 

Please feel free to contact feinbergstaffengagement@northwestern.edu. 

Thursday, Jan 30, 2025 | 10:00-11:30 a.m.

More information about ways to access Hogan's Assessment, you will receive direct communication to your email.

Hogan's Assessment Debrief - Discuss mentee/mentor results

Location: SQBRC 2-200

Tuesday, Feb 11, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Professional Development and Learning Session: Supporting Your Team Through Change and Uncertainty 

Beth Bennett, Northwestern Professor and Associate Dean of Journalism

Register here

Location: SQBRC 303 E. Superior Conference Room 1M-209 (Trienens Conference Room)

Tuesday, March 4, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Professional Development and Learning Session: Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce in Time of Change

Mindy Douthit, Assistant Profession of Instruction in the MS Learning and Organizational Change

Register here

Location: Lurie Gray Seminar (303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60612)

April 

TBD | TBD

Cohort-End Event 

Location: TBD