The Staff Mentoring Program (SMP) is designed to support the professional development of new academic staff at the Lecturer and Assistant Professor levels by pairing them with experienced colleagues from their respective departments. Through structured mentoring relationships and professional learning activities, the program aims to establish productive mentoring relationships and foster continuous professional growth.

During Semester 1 of 2025-2026, a luncheon gathering and three workshops were organized, guided by Prof. Edith Yan, an Educational Developer at the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL). The workshops focused on strengthening mentoring relationships and supporting the pedagogically informed integration of AI into teaching practice.

Luncheon Gathering (16 October 2025)

The luncheon gathering at the Faculty Club provided a relaxed setting for mentors and mentees to connect and exchange insights into teaching practices. The event encouraged informal dialogue and strengthened professional connections within the SMP community.

Participants Sharing Their Opinions at SMP Luncheon Gathering

Workshop 1: Building Strong Mentoring Relationships (21 October 2025)

The first workshop introduced core concepts of mentoring. Participants discussed the benefits of professional learning partnerships, examined the qualities of effective mentoring relationships, and reflected on how diversity in background, discipline, and experience can enrich mentoring interactions. Through guided discussion, mentors and mentees were encouraged to establish constructive communication patterns and build professional networks to facilitate sustained development.

Group Photo of Participants in the First Workshop

Workshop 2: Putting AI to Work in Your Classroom (28 October 2025)

The second workshop focused on the pedagogical integration of AI in higher education. Participants were introduced to structured models for AI-integrated teaching and engaged in lesson design activities using the “Generate → Critique → Redesign” pattern. Working in mentor–mentee pairs, they designed AI-integrated classroom tasks aimed at moving students from being passive AI users to becoming critical and reflective learners. The workshop encouraged participants to consider how AI could support innovative teaching practices while maintaining professional accountability and pedagogical purpose.

Group Photo of Participants in the Second Workshop

Workshop 3: Reflecting, Showcasing, and Celebrating Excellence (11 December 2025)

The final workshop provided a platform for participants to share teaching practices and reflect on their mentoring journeys. Dr. Vivien Chan, Director of CTL, presented certificates to participants, in recognition of their active participation throughout the SMP workshops and their commitment to continuous professional development. This concluding session is intended to consolidate learning across the semester and strengthen the professional community formed through the SMP.

Dr. Vivien Chan presents certificates to a pair of mentor and mentee

Group Photo of Participants in the Third Workshop

Overall, the 2025-26 SMP workshops provided a supportive platform for mentors and mentees to explore effective mentoring practices and emerging pedagogical approaches. By linking mentoring relationships with emerging approaches to AI-integrated pedagogy, the program continues to promote collaborative professional learning and innovation in university classrooms.