FAQs for Students and Mentors

How do I register for the Program?

Step 1. click 'Join' on the top right corner of this page
Step 2. Select mentee or mentor
Step 3. Enter your preferred email address and catchpa - University students and staff must use their University email address
Step 4. Follow the prompts to create a password
Step 5. You will then receive automated email inviting you to complete your registration.

Registrations are accepted year-round for mentors, and after information session/briefing attendance for mentees. You will receive an automated email notifying you that your registration is approved, inviting to you to check your profile is complete, details about Chronus, and advice of next steps.

When can I register/apply?

Mentors can register year-round
JD students can register from 1 January to the last Friday in March
full-time international MLM students can apply after Orientation (specific dates TBC)

Due dates are widely promoted and are subject to change.

What information is used for matching?

Mentors and mentees should fill out as much information as possible on their registration form - it is this information that is used to create matches. The following criteria are used, first and foremost, to create matches:

Law area of interest/expertise
Gender preference of mentor/mentee
Course enrolled (mentee)/Prefer to mentor
Location of mentor (e.g. Melbourne or overseas)/capacity to meet face-to-face

Other factors will also be considered to aim for the most holistic match available:

Preference for a Melbourne-based mentor with mentor location
Personal hobbies/interests
Other areas of law (of interest/expertise)
Mentor workplace
Languages spoken

Are special requests taken into account when matching, and is anyone prioritised?

The MLS Mentor Program is largest faculty-run mentor program in the University, and is done so by one person. Every effort is made to ensure quality matches are created and effective Program supports are in place.

Matching is done based on the information provided (in pre-determined fields) on the mentor and mentee registration forms. The information shapes the matching criteria (as described above). To ensure transparency, fairness, Program quality and efficiency the same criteria is used for each match. However, mentors may wish to advise the Mentoring Coordinator of specific preferences in potential mentees in accordance with mentoring principles eg preference for a mentee to come from a disadvantaged background. Again, every effort will be made to honour such preferences. Mentees should note that outside of pre-determined preferences in the registration form, personal requests cannot be honoured.

Prioritising only comes into effect for the JD cohort, who are matched in the following order: third/final years, second years, first years.

Can I choose my mentor/mentee?

No. Matching is conducted by the Mentoring Coordinator. It is a confidential, thorough process using specific criteria (as described above). Mentors and mentees are encouraged to be open-minded and flexible to matches, as strength of match is based on the mentee/mentor pool available for that cohort and information provided on profiles.

What if I'm not happy with my match?

As mentioned above, mentors and mentees are encourage to remain open to possibilities, and to reserve initial judgment. Every effort is made to ensure each match has potential value and mutual benefits. If however, you feel strongly about not wishing to pursue the match (before or after meeting), please contact the Mentoring Coordinator who will discuss options with you.

How many matches can I have?

Mentors may make themselves available to mentor up to two mentees per calendar year. Mentees are only permitted one mentor per mentoring period.

What happens if I don't get a match, even if I have registered or applied by the deadline?

Mentors: will be placed back into the mentor pool for consideration in the next matching period (based on their mentoring preference: JD first year, second year, third year and/or international full-time MLM)

Mentees: will be provided with mentoring alternatives outside of the MLS Mentor Program. Additionally, for those in the JD cohort who miss out (if any, it is a handful of first years), they will receive priority matching for the following year.

What if I don't hear from my mentor/mentee?

It is the responsibility of the mentee to initiate contact with their mentor. In the first instance, the mentee should email their mentor with a brief introduction and proposed options to meet. If after 10 working days, a response has not been received the mentee should attempt another email. If there is still no response, and the mentee feels confident, they should attempt to call their mentor. At this time, the mentee should contact the Mentoring Coordinator who will then attempt to contact the mentor on the mentee's behalf.

JD and MLM mentees should contact their mentor within two weeks of receiving their match.
There is no pressure to meet within this time, but an email should have been exchanged (at a minimum).
While it's expected mentees initiate contact, mentors don't have to wait to hear from their mentee.
Mentors should contact the Mentoring Coordinator if they have not heard from their mentee after the first few weeks of the period.

What happens when the mentoring period ends?

Mentors and mentees will be invited to complete a survey; providing an opportunity to reflect on their experience and provide feedback to the Mentoring Coordinator. Mentees will also have the opportunity to thank their mentor.

Mentors and mentees may wish to continue their relationship after the mentoring period has come to a close. It is up to the individual match to negotiate this. There is no obligation to continue the relationship after the mentoring period.

What information will be provided to me to help with my mentorship?

xxIn the first instance, participants should discuss the issue with the Mentoring Program Coordinator. If the participant does not feel the matter is resolved they should then discuss the complaint with the Manager. Complaints and grievances will be dealt with according to University of Melbourne procedures.

Help Resources (in Chronus): are available to mentors and mentees; including: Mentoring at Melbourne Guidelines, tips on how to start your mentorship, University and Law School student support services and more. Links to this information will be emailed to mentors and mentees when matches are completed.

JD Information sessions: JD students must attend an information session to be eligible to participate in the Program. The session covers Program expectations and guidelines, and there is an opportunity to ask questions. Students only need to attend one (even if they choose to register each year of their JD).

MLM Program briefing: full-time international MLM students will receive a Program introductory during their Orientation. The session will introduce the Program and its benefits to the student experience and career prospects

MLM Information session: For MLM students who are interested in the Program are invited to attend this session which will discuss the Program in more detail.

What is the time commitment?

Mentees-attend an information session/briefing: 30 minutes.
Read Mentor Program support documentation: 30-45 minutes
Mentors and mentees are expected to meet three-to-four times during the mentoring period. These meetings should typically run for 30-60 minutes.
Ad-hoc communication in between meetings (to be negotiated between each match).

When and how should I communicate with my mentor?

At least initially, email and phone calls are best. While emails may be sent any time, phone calls should be conducted during business hours only (Monday-Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm).

Please note: Texting should not be used as a communication medium in the first instance. Mentees should seek permission from the mentor if texting is appropriate. Even then, texting should only take place during business hours or to confirm meeting location/time, or if running late. Texting communication should always remain professional, eg avoid emojis, casual language (hey, sup), shorthand is okay (thx, ok).

If either party is running late or needs to cancel a meeting, notice should be provided in timely and respectful manner.

How should I address my mentor?

At least initially, mentees should address their mentor using their formal title eg. Justice Nguyen, Mrs Collier, Professor Lopez. In written communication, eg Dear Justice Nguyen or Hello Mrs Collier is appropriate. Only after your mentor has advised you, should you refer to your mentor by first name.