The intention of the Faculty of Medicine Staff Mentoring Program is to connect diverse staff, facilitate communication, and enhance lifelong professional development through sharing of experiences and knowledge. Participants in this program will have the opportunity to form practical and meaningful professional relationships. The mentoring relationships will support collegiality, effective communication, self-evaluation, and cultural competence, all of which enhance a stimulating and supportive university environment. Mentors will support and challenge their mentees through their career in the areas of administration, human resources, finance, IT, communications, supply management, research and many others.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The mentoring program is an additional resource for diverse staff to take advantage of the expertise, experience and guidance of staff who are attentive to mentoring across differences, such as gender, race, or culture. Staff from underrepresented groups may benefit from additional opportunities for constructive support and guidance from senior colleagues. When selecting a mentor and mentee pair, we consider unconscious bias during the selection process. We will look for diversity in a range of areas, such as background experience or qualifications.
Commitment to the Program
The program requires a 12 month commitment. The next cohort will run from January to December 2024. Applications will be accepted between October to November 2023.
During the program, each mentor/mentee pair will be asked to:
- Attend an in-person kick-off session with everyone paired in the program
- Meet as a mentor-mentee team at least once a month in the way that best suits you as a pair (e.g. in-person, Zoom, telephone, etc.
- Attend a wrap-up session at the end of the formal program to share experiences and outcomes
We also ask for a commitment to engage fully in the program by:
- Making an effort to be an active contributor
- Maintaining confidentiality throughout the program (anything shared by participants must remain confidential, both during the program and afterwards)
- Actively listening and providing constructive feedback
- Sharing knowledge, insights, and resources where possible
- Bringing a positive attitude to the conversations
After the Program
All participants in the program are officially recognized with a letter to share with their manager or include in their performance planning documentation, and an official certificate of participation, suitable for proud display in your workspace.
You’ll also be invited to participate in future informal gatherings where we’ll gather program alumni to re-connect, get your feedback, and possibly participate in growing and improving the program.
We hope that through this program, you will develop an engaging, meaningful, and long-lasting mentor/mentee relationship. After your initial participation is complete, you can re-apply at the next intake and make a new connection. You can of course also continue to meet with your first mentor/mentee outside the program.
We acknowledge that this program was designed by UBC Staff located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
We would like to thank the Staff Mentorship Working Group for their time, dedication, insightful input and valuable contributions to the development of this program