Aurora Leadership Programme - Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a mentor?
Last updated: Tue Jun 9 16:46
Your decision about your mentor should be about what you want out of the programme. Your mentor could be someone with leaderships skills you admire or someone who can help you build a good network of contacts/advisers/peers, or someone with great presentation/speaking skills who can advise on the best way to gain more of that experience.
Some participants have an existing relationship with a mentor which they continue with during Aurora, while others establish a new relationship through their line manager, their own network or using the University's Mentoring Portal.
If you already have a mentor from another University/College-based scheme, or perhaps via the Early Careers Development Programme, they could be suitable but you can also have one specifically for Aurora. There is no need for your mentor to be from within your School/Service.
I have been asked to be an Aurora mentor - where do I find more?
Last updated: Tue Jun 9 16:46
Review Advance HE's own dedicated Aurora Mentoring guidance and documents.
In addition, Organisational Development have developed the University's own Mentoring Toolkit.
How do I apply for Aurora?
Last updated: Tue Jun 9 16:45
Previously colleagues could secure permission and/or funding from their department and book onto Aurora directly with AdvanceHE.
Due to increased demand for the Aurora programme the University requires clearer oversight of application numbers in order to better manage each cohort and ensure a high quality of service. Therefore from 2024 University of Glasgow applicants now complete a short online form within a designated window to register their interest, prior to finalising an application through the AdvanceHE portal.
Once submitted by the applicant, the line manager (or other specified individual) will be alerted to review the application automatically and then submit it to College/US People & Organisational Development (P&OD).
Once the application window closes (and subject to numbers), P&OD will collate applications in partnership with local areas and write to confirm the status of their place on the programme.
If my manager approves my helpdesk form does this mean I have a place on Aurora?
Last updated: Tue Jun 9 16:45
Unfortunately, if your manager or designated individual approves your form, this does not guarantee you a place. There are a limited number of places allocated to the University for each cohort, so when the application window closes P&OD will review all forms for each area in partnership with Heads of School / Service before making a final decision.
How do I enrol for Aurora?
Last updated: Tue Jun 9 16:46
Aurora is a women-only leadership development programme delivered by Advance HE
As Aurora is an externally facilitated programme, there is a cost to send delegates on this programme. As such Colleges/University Services have their own selection criteria/process.
If you think you would benefit from this programme, firstly discuss it with your line manager and consult our webpage:
https://www.gla.systa-s.com/myglasgow/equalitydiversity/training/aurora/
Please note the University cannot guarantee anyone a place on the programme
I have heard about the Aurora Programme - what is it?
Last updated: Tue Jun 9 16:46
Aurora is a women-only leadership development programme delivered by Advance HE. There is a cost to the University to send delegates on this programme, so each College/University Service has their own selection criteria/process.
You will find more information about the programme on the University webpage:
https://www.gla.systa-s.com/myglasgow/equalitydiversity/training/aurora/
Please note the University cannot guarantee anyone a place on the programme.
How much does Aurora cost?
Last updated: Tue Jun 9 16:45
From August 2026 the cost of the Aurora programme is £1130
Will applications submitted outwith the window be accepted?
Last updated: Tue Jun 9 16:45
Unfortunately not. Once the window closes the form will be removed from Ivanti / University helpdesk and no offline submissions will be accepted. This means both employee and manager will be required to complete their parts by this date. As numbers are limited, Applications missing a manager decision/statement will not be considered.
I am a manager. Will the applicant be notified once I have reviewed their form?
Last updated: Tue Jun 9 16:45
Yes, they will receive an email to let them know you have approved or rejected the request.
Where is the My Items tile on Ivanti?
Last updated: Tue Jun 9 16:45
When you log into the University helpdesk (or Ivanti as it is sometimes referred to) there are three tiles on the homepage. My Items is the rightmost of these and allows you to see all enquiries, requests or awaited approvals.
I am a manager. Where do I find a form I have to review and approve / reject?
Last updated: Tue Jun 9 16:45
When an application has been submitted you will receive an email confirming the form is awaiting review. You can review the contents via the My Items tile on Ivanti / the University helpdesk homepage.
Please note that People & OD and local management will use the statement you provide at this stage to support their decision-making when prioritising places.
What happens when I complete the form in the Helpdesk?
Last updated: Tue Jun 9 16:45
When you submit the form you will receive an email confirming it has been submitted successfully. You can view the contents at any time in the My Items tile on the Ivanti / University Helpdesk homepage.
If you have not already done so can read more about Aurora and find further information on our webpage.
I still have questions – who can I ask?
Last updated: Tue Jun 9 16:45
Please submit any enquiries via the People & OD Helpdesk using the category Learning and Development, and subcategory Aurora Programme.
I have completed my form in the Helpdesk - do I need to tell my manager?
Last updated: Tue Jun 9 16:45
No. Your manager - or other named individual - will be notified via email automatically that you have completed the form.
If you have not already done so, we would recommend having a conversation with your line manager about participation in the programme as there is a time commitment and cost involved.
Do I need to find a mentor?
Last updated: Tue Jun 9 16:45
Yes.
A key part of Aurora involves working with a mentor. Some participants have an existing relationship with a mentor which they continue with during Aurora participation (for example those on ECDP), others establish a new relationship through their line manager, their own network or using the University’s Mentoring Portal.
When will I be notified if I have a place?
Last updated: Tue Jun 9 16:45
Applications close on Monday 17th August at 5pm and no late applications will be accepted.
People & Organisational Development aim to communicate the outcome of all applications by Tuesday, 1st September 2026.