The Research Administrator Mentoring Program offers a structured setting in which to develop beneficial relationships supporting ongoing professional development of the mentee as well as the mentor.
- Individuals who apply as a Mentee are paired with an experienced research administrator, or Mentor.
- The program runs several times a year and provides opportunities to expand research administration knowledge and create meaningful connections across campus.
When does the next session begin?
The Research Administrator Mentoring Program is set to begin a new session this January 2023.
Listed below are links to a detailed program description and applications for both mentors and mentees.
Who should consider applying to become a mentee?
Anyone newly hired or promoted into a research administration role, or anyone who is interested in learning more about areas of sponsored research with which s/he is unfamiliar is welcome to apply. The only requirement is the willingness to commit to the program for the duration of the mentoring relationship.
Who should consider applying to become a mentor?
Anyone currently in a research administrator role who has demonstrated engagement with the research administration community on campus (such as attending Coffee with ORPA, SRA Wrap-Up sessions, and similar opportunities) is welcome to apply. We welcome applications from individuals as well as from groups! As with mentees, we require the willingness to commit to the program for the duration of the mentoring relationship.
What is the expected time commitment?
The program anticipates the commitment not to exceed 26 hours over 6 months. This is comprised of an estimate for the 6 months of 1 hour per week, which gives time for a one hour meeting every other week, and another hour of ad hoc questions/time.
I am interested in becoming a mentor, but worried about figuring out what my responsibilities would be. Will there be support?
YES! Review the Program Description and the Initial Session Guides via the links below for ideas regarding recommended activities. In addition, we are teaming up with HR to kick off the program with an orientation session.
The program is appealing, but I’m in a central office role, or I’m a departmental grants manager interested in learning more about central office roles. Is the program really meant for me?
YES! We have expanded the program with the intent to broaden the participation across campus and to provide an opportunity for career growth to anyone who is interested.
Timeline:
| Application Deadline | December 9, 2022 |
| Mentee/Mentor matches made & applicants notified | Early January 2023 |
| Orientation | February 7, 2023 @ 3 p.m. |
| Deadline to established initial contact & Set Meeting Schedule | February 10, 2023 |
| Mid-assignment evaluation | End of April 2023 |
| Assignment End | End of June/Early July 2023* |
| Request for periodic updates from participants | Throughout! |
| Next round of program | November 2023 |
*renewable if there is interest from both mentor and mentee.
I have questions you haven’t addressed above. How do I get in touch with you?
The program’s committee can be reached by emailing [email protected].
This program sounds exciting and I’m ready to apply! What’s the process?
Complete the mentor or mentee enrollment form as applicable, be sure to get approval from your supervisor, and email the form to us at [email protected] by December 9, 2022.