Staff Senate Mentorship Program
Mentorship Quick Links
Read more about eligibility for the mentorship program, time commitments, and expectations of program participants.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 2022) — The University of Kentucky Staff Senate is continuing the university-wide staff mentorship program this November through June 2023. Applications for the program are being accepted until October 28, 2022.
The Mentorship Program strives to help UK staff grow professionally, gain new perspectives, develop and enhance leadership skills, and foster relationships between new and seasoned staff members.
Full-time (.75 FTE or greater) staff members can apply to be either a mentor or mentee. STEPS employees may apply to participate only as mentees, contingent upon their supervisors’ approval to participate. The program will match a mentee with a mentor who has the experience, knowledge and insight to assist the mentee in reaching professional goals. In turn, mentors can gain leadership skills, be exposed to new ideas and interests, and broaden their networks.
The program is primarily virtual; however, mentorship pairs can choose to meet in-person if mutually agreed upon. By hosting the program virtually, both on-site and remote staff can engage in the mentorship program. Regardless of the chosen meeting format, tools and resources are provided to help navigate the program and ensure a successful partnership.
The Staff Senate's monthly “Lunch and Learn” series will also feature topics of interest that align well with the program’s mission, e.g., networking and relationship building, work/life balance, personality traits, and professional development opportunities at UK. Mentorship program participation is not required to attend Lunch and Learn events as they are open to all UK staff.
Former mentee and Staff Senator, Dale Davis, said his mentorship experience was excellent.
“My mentor had a lot of wisdom to share,” said Davis. “I think at a large University, it is important to focus on wisdom and utilize the leadership this university has to offer.”
Mentorship program applications for the upcoming cycle must be submitted here no later than October 28. Mentorship pairs will be announced in November and the official program will begin in December.
For more information about the Staff Senate Mentorship Program, contact Professional Development Committee Chair, Stephen Reed (stephen.k.reed@uky.edu), and/or BobbiJo Allen (b.allen@uky.edu) at 859-257-9242.