Advance your professional development goals at UC Davis with the support of a mentor and co-mentees
Our UC Davis community has consistently expressed interest in mentoring as a professional development tool.
This 6-month professional development experience, running June to December, pairs mentors with small groups of mentees made up of staff from across UC Davis and UC Davis Health. The program includes in-person and virtual sessions and a combination of large and small group mentoring activities. This program will encourage participants to network, learn more about the organization, explore their Gallup-Clifton Strengths, and pursue professional development, be it a new role or strategies for growth and greater fulfillment in your current role.
Program Goals
- Experience mentorship through large and small group events
- Advance professional development goals with the support of a mentor and co-mentees
- Make valuable connections with leaders and colleagues across UC Davis and UC Davis Health
2026 Program Timeline
The time commitment is approximately 30 hours of programming over six months which equates to just 2 hours per week.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 1 | Applications open for mentors and mentees |
| March 30 | Last day to submit applications |
| May 1 | Applicants will be notified of their status |
| May 19, 9-12pm | Mentoring Partnership - Administrative Services West, Davis Mentors - in-person attendance required Catering provided |
| June 4, 9-12pm | Opening Session + first small group mentoring meeting -The MIND Institute, Sacramento Mentors and Mentees' in-person attendance required Catering provided Parking Information - Parking Structure 7 is closest |
| July 16, 9-12pm | Gallup CliftonStrengths Workshop -The MIND Institute, Sacramento Mentors and Mentees' in-person attendance required Catering provided Parking Information - Parking Structure 7 is closest |
| Date Set by Group | Small Group - Curriculum #2 Gallup CliftonStrengths after the July 16 session |
| July 21, 1:30-2:30pm | Virtual Mentor Check-In required for mentors |
| Date set by Group | Small Group - Curriculum #3 Goals and Accomplishments before the Aug 19 session |
| August 19, 1:30-3:00pm | Virtual Topic Workshop #1 Goals and Accomplishments Mentors and Mentees' attendance required |
| September 23, 10-11:30 am | Virtual Topic Workshop #2 Skill Awareness and Development Mentors and Mentees' attendance required |
| Date set by Group | Small Group - Curriculum #4 Skill Development after Sep 23 session |
| October 14, 10-11:30 am | Virtual Topic Workshop #3 Problem Solving and Decision Making Mentors and Mentees' attendance required |
| Date set by Group | Small Group - Curriculum #5 Problem Solving and Decision Making after Oct 14 session |
| Date set by Group | Small Group - Curriculum #6 Feedback & Reflection Final Small group meeting recommended to occur prior to the Closing session but may be scheduled to occur after, but must be completed by the end of the calendar year. |
| December 10, 11am-2pm | Closing Session -The MIND Institute, Sacramento Mentors and Mentees' in-person attendance required Catering provided Parking Information - Parking Structure 7 is closest |
| June-December | Five additional small group mentoring meetings, dates and times to be determined by your mentor and small group participants |
Program Resources
Mentoring Toolkit
What is mentoring, and why is it important? Access Learning and Development's toolkit to deepen your knowledge on the topic.
Expectations and Eligibility for Application
All participants agree to (1) hold mentorship conversations confidential and (2) abide by the Principles of Community to “build and maintain a culture and climate based on mutual respect and caring” within the program.
Mentees
Eligibility
- Non-probationary staff at UC Davis or UC Davis Health with supervisor approval
Expectations
- Attend all required program events
- Participate in four small group mentoring meetings
- Complete professional development activities
Mentors
Eligibility
- Career staff with at least one year of experience at UC Davis or UC Davis Health.
- Experienced leader, manager, or professional with 5 or more years of experience. Supervisor approval.
Expectations
- Attend mentor training
- Attend all required program events
- Schedule, prepare for, and facilitate five small group mentoring meetings using GMP curriculum provided
Apply
- Applications will open March 1, 2027
- Before applying be sure to discuss participation with your supervisor. Supervisors of applicants must complete the Statement of Support in order for an application to be considered complete. This can be submitted in advance of applications opening in March.
For questions, email [email protected].
Selection
- Selection of participants is conducted by a review committee leveraging a consistent rubric to ensure equitable evaluation of all applicants.
It is recommended to review the rubrics before completing applications.
Additional Mentoring Programs
Mentoring is important at UC Davis and UC Davis Health.
Learn more about other mentoring opportunities for employees across UC Davis and UC Davis Health.
- Academic Advising Mentorship Program
- Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) Mentoring Program
- Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Mentorship Program
- Development and Alumni Relations (DEVAR) Mentor Program
- Facilities Management and Future Leaders Program
- Mentoring Academy for Research Excellence (MARE)
- Student Affairs Small Group Mentoring Program