We recommend that all new employees at NTNU are assigned a mentor. This is an important role, as mentors play a key part in ensuring that every new employee gets the best possible start at NTNU.

Norsk: Fadderordning for nyansatte - for deg som er leder

Mentor programme |Mentor programme - information for mentors |Topic page New at NTNU | Pages labeled new employee

About the mentor role

The mentor's role is to help the new employee become familiar with NTNU and support them in feeling confident in their new position and workplace.

The mentor should be a colleague with an additional responsibility to include and engage the new employee during their first period at NTNU, while also being available to answer questions and provide support.

The mentor may also assist with training, both in the use of systems and in more professionally oriented areas related to the role.

Things to consider when selecting a mentor

Appoint a mentor well before the new employee starts, so that the mentor can provide support from day one. The mentor’s role and responsibilities should be clarified in advance with you as the manager. The time allocated to the mentor role should reflect the responsibilities and tasks assigned to it.

When selecting a mentor, consider whether the mentor

• has sufficient time to be available to the new employee, especially during the first few weeks and months
• is motivated to take on the role and its responsibilities
• should be an assigned role to one individual or shared among several people (a mentor team)
• is someone the new employee will continue to work and collaborate with beyond the mentoring period
• can assist with practical questions and day-to-day support
• has a good understanding of both the unit and NTNU, or perhaps has recently been a new employee themselves
• will also assist with training in systems and/or provide job-specific or professional training
• will also serve as a professional or academic mentor

Before the new employee starts, prepare an onboarding and training plan together with the mentor and, where relevant, HR. The plan should clarify and allocate responsibilities and tasks. It is important to establish who is responsible for the various aspects of the new employee’s onboarding and welcome process.

Mentor's role and responsibilities

See what NTNU says a new employee can expect from their mentor:

Mentor programme

See what NTNU says mentors can or should take responsibility for:

Mentor programme - information for mentors

Contact

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the content of this page, please contact Merethe Fjørtoft Åsenhus.

These recommendations were developed by the Onboarding Project and have been endorsed by the HR Directors’ Forum.