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, as recently captured by our 2020 and 2022 Staff Experience Survey.
This 6-month professional development experience, running July to December annually, pairs mentors with small groups of mentees made up of staff from across UC Davis and UC Davis Health. Our program includes a combination of large group virtual sessions as well as small group mentoring meetings. Participants are able to expand and strengthen their networks and knowledge of the organization, while working on professional development topics.
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
Components and Timeline
The time commitment is approximately 20 hours of programming over six months, with additional pre-meeting planning and activities. Please note that the 2023 large group meeting sessions, highlighted in bold below, are virtual.
- May 26, 2023: Last day to submit applications
- June 2, 2023: Applicants will be notified of status
- July 12, 9am-10:30am, 2023: Mentor Orientation (mentors only)
- July 19, 9am-12pm, 2023: Opening Session + first small group mentoring meeting
- Oct. 25, 1:30pm-3:30pm, 2023: CliftonStrengths Workshop
- Dec. 20, 1pm-3pm, 2023: Closing Session
- Five small group mentoring meetings, August to December, dates and times to be determined by your small group

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
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.
- Attend the three large group events
- Attend five small group mentoring meetings and participate in discussions
- Complete agreed-upon professional development activities ahead of group meetings
Mentors
Eligibility: Career staff with at least one year of experience at UC Davis or UC Davis Health. Experienced leader, manager, or professional.
- Attend Mentor Orientation
- Attend the three large group events
- Schedule and facilitate five small group mentoring meetings (suggested curriculum provided)
Apply
Applications for the 2023 Group Mentoring Program will be accepted May 8 - May 26. For questions, email our program lead, JoAnna Van Brocklin, at jvanbrocklin@ucdavis.edu.
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.
Looking to design a new mentoring program in your division, school, or college? Submit a request form to arrange a consultation with L&D staff.
- Academic Advising Mentorship Program
- Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) Mentoring Program
- DEVAR Mentor Program
- Facilities Management, Future Leaders Mentoring Program
- Hospitalist Mentorship Program
- Mentoring Academy for Research Excellence (CTSC)
- Student Affairs Small Group Mentoring Program