Mentoring Toolkit

Draft Version 1.0: April 2013

Are you a CISO who's new to your institution? Or a veteran CISO who's new to the higher education community? Perhaps you're a CISO or other security professional looking for a peer to touch base with.

The EDUCAUSE and Internet2 Higher Education Information Security Council (HEISC) recently launched a mentoring program for security managers, directors, CISOs, and aspiring CISOs during the 2013 Security Professionals Conference. Mentors and mentees were matched prior to the conference and provided more information about next steps, which include organizing a one-on-one meeting by telephone, videoconference, or in person. The mentoring program is still in the "pilot" phase, but we continue to match mentors and mentees as requests are received. If you'd like more information about this mentoring program, please contact security-council@educause.edu. You will be asked to answer three questions so we can find the best possible match.

Mentoring Program FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the EDUCAUSE Mentoring Program for Security Professionals
Q1: I'm currently the entire information security department at my institution. If i don't have the title of CISO/ISO, can I still participate in this mentoring opportunity? A1: Yes, if you're the individual responsible for information security for your organization, this is meant for you. Titles vary widely across higher education!
Q2: For mentors, does the CISO/ISO have to be in higher ed, or would higher ed experience suffice? A2: Higher education experience with an ISO background would more than suffice. Mentors will be matched with those requesting one based on institutional profile and expertise in areas that the requestor specifies, and varied skillsets and knowledge help! We expect to hand match mentors in many cases, and will put out a call to a list of volunteers for those who might be a good match in others.
Q3: I am a CISO/ISO for a non-higher education organization. Can I still participate in this mentoring program? A3: Our primary audience is currently CISOs/ISOs working in higher education. Non-higher education ISOs are not included in the program at this time.
Q4: As the mentee, am I responsible for initiating the first meeting once I am matched with a mentor? A4: Contacting the mentor by e-mail or phone within the first 1-2 weeks of being matched is highly recommended. Once you have touched based, consider meeting every 1-2 months by phone, videoconference, or in person (if that's an option).
Q5: Do I have to be a CIO in order to volunteer as a mentor? A5: No. We are seeking CIOs or CISOs/ISOs who have experience working in the higher ed environment.
Q6: What opportunities for mentoring exist for non-management level information security staff members? A6: We will likely expand this program if it succeeds. If you'd like to be involved in such an effort, let us know. Contact: security-council@educause.edu.
Q7: Where can I find additional resources on professional or career development? A7: EDUCAUSE offers several online resources including a Toolkit for New CISOs, a Speaker Concierge page, a Mentoring page, and a Career Development page.