NORDP Mentor Program

The NORDP Mentor Program is a benefit available to NORDP Members. This program enables research development professionals to network with experienced NORDP colleagues who have volunteered to share their expertise, guidance, and support.

How it works

Volunteer Mentors and Mentees are matched based upon criteria such as specific area of interest, institution type, years in research development, and goals. Once matched, the two individuals are responsible for coordinating the collaboration that works best for them. We encourage a regular schedule of communication, whether meeting in person or connecting by e-mail or telephone – and certainly to get together at NORDP meetings! A member of the Effective Practices/Professional Development Working Group will check in periodically with both participants to gain feedback and monitor the fit and success of each relationship.

Roles and Responsibilities

Mentors

NORDP seeks Mentors who can provide advice, support, and guidance and can also share their wealth of knowledge within the field of research development. Mentors must have 3+ years experience in research development to participate.

A Mentor, at a minimum, should be willing to:

• Meet/communicate with mentees on a regular schedule agreed upon by both parties
• Share relevant knowledge and experience

In addition, a Mentor can also volunteer to:

• Provide networking referrals and opportunities
• Assist or advise in other aspects of professional development

Mentees

NORDP seeks Mentees who are looking for advice, support, and guidance from an experienced professional in their field. Mentees must be relatively new to research development or moving into a new phase of their research development careers, such as starting a new RD office.

A Mentee should use this service to:

• Benefit from access to a NORDP member with knowledge and experience in his/her field of interest
• Explore professional networking and development field opportunities
• Connect easily with a fellow NORDP member and colleague
• Learn more about NORDP and how to get the most out of a NORDP membership

The Relationship between the Mentor and Mentee

For a mentoring relationship to succeed, it must be voluntary, and both mentor and mentee must be proactive. An effective mentor/mentee relationship will build mutual respect, appreciation, and goodwill.

Qualities of a Good Mentor include:

• Relevant knowledge and experience
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Empathy for the learner and what the learner is trying to achieve
• Enthusiasm for new energy and new ideas

Qualities of a Good Mentee include:

• Enthusiasm for learning and sharing
• Openness to feedback and guidance
• The desire to set and meet clear goals
• Willingness to be proactive and to take ownership of professional development 

How to Apply

To participate in this distinctive professional development program as a Mentor or Mentee, please click on the appropriate link below to complete the short online application. A member of the Effective Practices/Professional Development Working Group will be in touch with you soon after submission. 

• Mentor Application Form
• Mentee Application Form 

Contact Information

For questions or to request additional information, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The NORDP Mentor Program has been built on the successful model established by NCURA Region 1. NORDP gratefully acknowledges the willingness of NCURA Region 1 in helping us create an equally successful mentoring program.