Mentorship Program FAQ

Register and complete your application on the Mentorship Program Website.

Note that applications that are not fully completed by the deadline for each matching period will not be matched in the current session and will be deleted.

UC San Diego staff members who participate as mentees benefit from advising, guidance and coaching from a mentor as well as formal and informal networking opportunities.

UC San Diego staff members (and retirees) who participate as mentors benefit from mentor training and other resource information about career development programs. Mentors gain personal contacts throughout the University by attending Career Connection events and develop an effective credential package for their desired job or career. Mentors are recognized by name in a letter sent to their Vice Chancellor.

Mentors should be seasoned UC San Diego staff members who can commit to at least a one hour meeting every month for six months with a fellow UC San Diego employee. Mentors find themselves acting as guides, demonstrators of new skills, and a coach reinforcing positive accomplishments. Mentors agree to provide feedback on the mentee’s Individual Development Plan goals and objectives. Mentors should be professional and straightforward at all times and are asked to keep all personal and work discussions confidential.

One of the most significant contributions a mentor can make is to help the mentee develop career goals and to move toward the realization of these goals. Mentors should be honest, committed, respectful of their mentees, and willing to share themselves. Effective evaluation is a significant trait of a good mentoring relationship.

Once matched, participants are asked to read the Staff Mentorship Program Guidebook, which can be downloaded via the Mentorship Program Website. Instructions for both mentors and mentees can be found in the guidebook, along with a mentorship program contract.

There is a Kickoff at the beginning of each matching session that both mentors and mentees are required to attend.

Yes, a person can participate as both a mentor and a mentee during the same session.

Mentees are encouraged to help others by participating as a mentor in the future. The “graduation” of mentees to mentors permits this program to continue to help other aspiring UC San Diego employees by meeting the ever-growing demand for mentors.

At the end of the “official” 6 month mentorship session, if you and your mentor/mentee wish to continue your mentoring relationship, we encourage you to do so. Mentorship is rewarding in any setting and at any time. Mentorship relationships are not tracked beyond the 6 months, but our office is available to provide support if needed.

Yes, both mentors and mentees can participate in the program multiple times in multiple roles. So a person can register to be a mentee more than once, and then later register as a mentor. Mentors can participate as many times as they desire. 

Mentees are encouraged to help others by participating as a mentor in the future. The “graduation” of mentees to mentors permits this program to continue to help other aspiring UC San Diego employees by meeting the ever-growing demand for mentors.

If you would like to be matched with a new mentor or mentee, or if you wish to participate in the program in a different capacity as either a new mentor or new mentee, please re-apply through the website at https://mentorship.ucsd.edu.

When you re-apply, your profile information will be copied from your previous registration, but be sure to review each question and update your answer if necessary, then click the “Submit” button – otherwise your application will not appear in the matching pool. This is a nice opportunity to review and update your profile.