Policies and Procedures

Definitions

Graduate Services Coordinator (Mentoring), also referred to as the Mentoring Coordinator:  MLS Mentor Program manager and administrator;
Mentor:  An experienced law professional; Graduated from their LLB, MLM or JD for at least three years prior to commencing in the program; Can be University of Melbourne alumni (but doesn’t have to be);
Mentee:  First, second or third/final year Juris Doctor (JD) student; Full time international Melbourne Law Masters (MLM) student;
Program: MLS Mentor Program;
Mentoring period: duration of the Mentor Program; runs for two semesters for each cohort;
Mentor Program Agreement: a document of goals, priorities, and behaviour for mentors and mentees to mutually agree upon and actively maintain for the duration of the mentoring period.

Program information session and briefing – for student

All students must attend an information session if they wish to be part  of the program for the first time. While repeat participants (JD  students) are welcome to attend an information session for each year  they participate, it is not required. If a student does not attend an  information session they are not eligible to participate in the Program  for that year. They are welcome to attend an information session and  register for the following year.

JD students: stand-alone information sessions are held throughout March. First-time participants must attend one of these information sessions.  Student ID cards will be scanned upon entry to the session to record  attendance. Information sessions are 30 minutes. 
Full time international MLM students: all students, whether they have  registered or intend to register for the Program or not, will receive a  Program briefing during Orientation. 

Mentor induction and training

Mentors are asked to read the mentoring materials emailed to them when they receive their match. 

Matching process

Mentees and mentors are confidentially matched based on the information  provided on their registration. First and foremost, pairs will be  generated based on shared areas of the law nominated as interest(s) (mentee)/area of expertise (mentor). Gender and location (local, interstate and international) preferences are also considered. Every  effort is made to ensure each match is as holistic and strong as  possible. A degree of flexibility and understanding on the part of  mentor and mentee may be required, and a willingness to embrace the  opportunity should a match not meet specific expectations.  

JD students will be matched in April: The program runs for two semesters (and concludes mid-November). 
Full time international MLM students:  Students commencing in semester one will be matched in February (Program runs for two semesters, concluding mid-November); Students commencing in semester two will be matched in August (Program runs for two semesters, concluding early June).

Meeting expectations 

It is the mentee’s responsibility to make the initial contact with the  mentor, and to bring the Mentor Program Agreement to the first meeting  to discuss, complete and sign with their mentor. The completed Agreement should be returned to the Mentoring Coordinator. 
   
Mentors and mentees are expected to meet three-to-four times during the  mentoring period.  Students having trouble contacting their mentor (after two attempts via email, and one attempt via phone), should contact the Mentoring Coordinator.        
   
Meetings can be in person, over the phone, via email or video call. In  person meetings can take place at the mentor’s workplace, the University of Melbourne, a local café or another mutually agreed public space. A mentor or mentee’s home is not an appropriate meeting place.

Privacy 

All contact details provided by students and mentors on their mentoring registration will be maintained confidentially and access limited in accordance with the University’s privacy policy. http://www.unimelb.edu.au/disclaimer/privacy.html  

Insurance  

Personal accident, professional indemnity and public liability insurance is provided to enrolled students involved in University-related activities. This extends to work-shadowing with their mentor (and not to unpaid work experience). This is an important distinction. Please contact the Graduate Services Coordinator (Mentoring) for clarification if required.

Occupational Health and Safety

Should mentors host their mentee for a meeting or work shadowing at  their workplace, they should be aware of all relevant occupational  health and safety requirements. Mentees should be inducted into the  occupational health and safety orientation process of the work environment. www.worksafe.vic.gov.au. Please note, this does not apply if meeting in a public place.

Duty of care and ethical requirements

Mentees and mentors must agree to behave in an ethical and responsible manner at all times. Anyone who experiences any uncertainty or  discomfort with or during the mentoring relationship should immediately contact the Graduate Services Coordinator (Mentoring).  

Code of conduct

All participants in the MLS Mentor Program are requested to adhere to the following:

Duty of care and ethical requirements

Mentees and mentors must agree to behave in an ethical and responsible manner at all times. Anyone who experiences any uncertainty or discomfort with or during the mentoring relationship should immediately contact the Graduate Services Coordinator (Mentoring).

Grievance Procedure

In the first instance, participants should discuss the issue with the Graduate Services Coordinator (Mentoring). If the participant does not feel the matter is resolved they should then discuss the issue with the Manager, Graduate Services and Careers. Complaints and grievances will be dealt with according to University of Melbourne procedures. Student Complaints and Grievances Policy: http://policy.unimelb.edu.au/MPF1066 

Evaluation

Feedback is welcome and encouraged. Mentors and mentees may contact the  Mentoring Coordinator at any time during the mentoring period. Mentors and mentees will be formally invited to complete a program survey at the end of each mentoring period.

Graduate Services Coordinator (Mentoring):

law-mentor@unimelb.edu.au
https://mentoring.unimelb.edu.au/p/p4/about