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Center for Faculty Diversity and Inclusion FDI
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Faculty Mentorship and Coaching

With the support of a UC Office of the President Advancing Faculty Diversity Grant, the Center for Faculty Diversity and Inclusion is offering leadership and peer group mentoring for faculty at different stages of their life and career. These programs are one of several pilot efforts to advance the retention, wellbeing, and advancement of a diverse faculty at UC San Diego. They are meant to enhance mentoring within departments and with assigned mentors.

Faculty Peer Group Coaching Program

The Faculty Peer Group Coaching Program is designed to provide a structured space for faculty to connect, receive practical guidance, and learn together to advance their career goals. Groups of 4-7 faculty will be formed based on shared interests, needs and preferences, and will be expected to meet at least monthly for 1-2 hours at an established time and place (either virtually or in-person).

All groups will be assigned a faculty organizer who will help schedule and track participation in meetings. Groups will also receive guidance for how to structure groups and meeting sessions so that each member has an opportunity to receive support in an inclusive, non-judgmental, and helpful atmosphere. 

Once assigned a group, faculty must agree to participate in monthly meetings, maintain confidentiality, and engage in ways that create safety, trust, and respect. Beyond these basic requirements, group members may structure their groups and meeting sessions however is most convenient and beneficial for their group. After the initial groups are formed, additional faculty may request to join an existing group on an ongoing basis, if space allows. The program is open to all Senate and Non-Senate Faculty, including General Campus, SIO, and Health Sciences.

Please note that Women in Health Sciences (WiHS) hosts a similar peer mentoring program for Health Sciences faculty. Participants will be assigned to a structured peer mentoring group of up to 8 people and are expected to meet 1-2 times a month. If interested in this program, you can complete a survey at https://ucsd.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9WxPdi3JRpOSZ81. Groups will be formed based on preferences for gender, faculty rank, and other affiliations and on an ongoing basis as matches are available.

Faculty Leadership Mentor Program (FLMP)

The purpose of the *new* Faculty Leadership Mentor Program is to cultivate faculty leadership development at UC San Diego and increase mentorship opportunities for underrepresented faculty, including faculty of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ community. 

Given the dearth of faculty of color and women in leadership positions in higher education, this FDI mentorship program focuses primarily on increasing the representation of women and faculty of color in academic leadership. The ultimate goal is to support faculty success and advancement and improve faculty retention among underrepresented groups.

Accepted mentees will be matched with experienced faculty leaders, who have or are currently serving in a leadership role on campus. The program will also provide an opportunity for leadership development and networking. Components of this year-long program include a program orientation, monthly mentor-mentee meetings, mentoring resources, and a closing event to be announced at a later date. Additionally, both mentors and mentees will receive a modest fund for leadership development activities to support their continued growth and success.

We are currently not accepting applications. For inquiries or to express interest, please email vcedi-faculty@ucsd.edu.

FLMP Program Components

Participants (Mentors and Mentees) are expected to actively participate in all components of the program for a full year.

  • Mentor Training: Date TBD
  • Program Kickoff Meeting: Date TBD
  • Mentor-Mentee Meetings:
    • At least 1-hr, once a month, scheduled at the convenience of the mentor-mentee pair (for a total of 12 meetings).
    • Meetings will focus on gaining insight into the University system, leadership & management styles, professional development opportunities, career path exploration, or coaching to address workplace challenges.
  • E-journal (mentees only):
    • The e-journal is for personal reflections, to track questions, lessons, and insights.
    • The e-journal is for the benefit of mentees only – it will not need to be submitted.
    • A summary of key takeaways and reflections will be requested at the end of the year.
  • Mentors and Mentees will each receive a $250 fund for leadership development activities that support their ongoing growth and success

FLMP Mentor Eligibility

To be eligible to serve as mentor, faculty must meet the following criteria:

  • Member of the Academic Senate
  • Full Professor, Distinguished Professor or Emeriti and Title/Rank Equivalents on General Campus, Health Sciences or SIO
  • Previously held or currently holding a formal leadership position, including but not limited to:
    • Dean or Associate Dean
    • College Provost
    • Department Chair or Vice Chair
    • Vice Chancellor or Associate Vice Chancellor
    • Program or Center Director
    • Senate Committee Chair or Vice Chair
    • CAP Chair
  • Able to fulfill program expectations
  • Interested in sharing leadership lessons and tips, and helping faculty become better leaders
  • Committed to equity, diversity and inclusion

Faculty Mentor Application

 A successful application submission will consist of the following:

  1. Online Application Form: https://ucsd.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1ZgTky91zPleXP0
  2. Mentor Statement addressing the following: 
    1. Why are you interested in being a mentor?
    2. What is your approach to faculty mentorship?
    3. What was your pathway to academic leadership?
    4. What would you like your mentee to know about you?
  3. Curriculum Vitae
Please submit items 2-3 in one file to: vcedi-faculty@ucsd.edu, with subject line: “Faculty Leadership Mentor Program Application.”

FLMP Mentee Eligibility

To be eligible to serve as mentee, faculty must meet the following criteria:

  • Tenured faculty in the Professorial title series and other Senate title equivalents on General Campus, Health Sciences or SIO
  • Able to fulfill program expectations
  • Interested in pursuing a leadership position for the first time or pursuing a higher level position
  • Interested in developing academic leadership skills more broadly
  • Committed to equity, diversity and inclusion

Underrepresented faculty, including underrepresented minorities (Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American), women, and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Faculty Mentee Application

A successful application submission (due April 28, 2021) will consist of the following:

  1. Online Application Form: https://ucsd.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3dAMOZyh67s4LPM  
  2. Personal Statement addressing the following:
    1. Tell us about your interest in leadership and past leadership experience
    2. Mentorship goals – what do you hope to gain or learn?
    3. What would you like your mentor to know about you?
  3. Curriculum Vitae
Please submit items 2-3 in one file to: vcedi-faculty@ucsd.edu, Subject line: “Faculty Leadership Mentor Program Application.”

 

FLMP Mentor – Mentee Matching Process

Mentees will be selected based on eligibility and availability of appropriate mentors.  Once selected, applicants will have the opportunity to read through mentor bios and CVs and rank their top choices.  Final matching will be based on mentor and mentee preferences, mentee rankings, and mentee goals.  We will make every effort to match mentees with one of their top choices.