Post-secondary education institutions are situated in extremely complex and dynamic contexts and are routinely faced with responding to and shaping change. For example, sustained departures and renewal of PSF over the past few decades are likely to continue for sometime. The streaming of PSF into leadership roles at relatively earlier stages of their careers, where they might be expected to manage budgets and staff or chair committees, has become routine. Mentoring and coaching programs designed by more senior PSF seek to assist with these transitions. PSF who have recently been thrust into these leadership roles are however less likely to be involved in the shaping and implementation of mentoring and coaching programs.
This SIG will specifically target PSF who have recently engaged in their first leadership position and (a) explore their views on the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition into a leadership role and (b) assess the fit of existing mentoring and coaching programs. Interviews with those involved in designing and implementing programs, along with focus groups of our target audiences, provided evidence for the SIG’s findings. Focus group feedback also highlighted the valuation placed on, and pressures incurred by, early leadership positions, which, it was felt, should play a crucial role in the way coaching and mentoring is implemented. The SIG will assess where there is and is not common ground between PSF during the transition into leadership roles, and provide insight into the development of formal and informal mentoring and coaching programs.
- Kevin Gallinger (Assistant Director, Maintenance Services)
- Jeff Sahadeo (Associate Professor, EURUS, Political Science)
- Kelly Dumas (Director, Student Academic and Career Development Services)
- Mike Brklacich (Associate Dean, Grad Programs and Researach, FASS)
with contributions by Marie-Eve Noel, Administrative Officer, OD Science and Jessica DeVries, Manager, Office of the Assoc. VP and AVP Academic