ConnectUS Mentoring Program 2023

Introducing the ConnectUS Mentoring Program at the EmpowerHER Summit 2023.

Mentorship Program

The Womxn’s Center for Success presents the EmpowerUS Summit’s ConnectUS mentorship program. The EmpowerUS Summit is a campus wide event for students, faculty, and staff. ConnectUS is a mentorship program of the EmpowerUS Summit, that provides students with the opportunity to network with womxn graduate students, faculty, and staff. All participants broaden and develop strong networks that EmpowerUS! We envision the ConnectUS Session during our Summit to connect undergraduates and graduate students with professionals in their desired fields and leave them feeling empowered and inspired to create positive societal change. 

Mentees and mentors will be matched by the committee before the summit based on their professional fields and interests.

Mentees have a mandatory introduction meeting on February 22, 2023 from 1pm – 2pm on zoom.

Mentors have a mandatory training on March 1, 2023 from 1pm – 2pm on zoom.

Both applications are due on February 13, 2023.

Mentor Expectations

● Attend the entire EmpowerUS summit on March 10, 2023
● Attend a required training session on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 from 1pm – 2pm on zoom. 
● Foster an open space for sharing stories about personal journeys (professional, personal, academic, etc.) 
● Complete and submit ConnectUS survey at the beginning and end of the program.

Mentee Expectations

  • Attend the entire EmpowerUS summit on March 10, 2023 
  • Attend the information session on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 from 1pm – 2pm on zoom.
  • Being open to sharing and learning from a mentor by sharing stories about your own personal aspirations and journeys (professional, personal, academic, etc.) 
  • Bring questions to your mentor during your times of communication 
  • Effectively communicate with your mentor 
  • Complete and submit ConnectUS survey at the beginning and end of the program.

Additional Time Commitment: 

Recommended to meet with your mentor/mentee once a month during Spring quarter and we encourage you to continue the relationship past this program. A social hosted by the Womxn’s Center for Success will be occurring Week 5 of Spring Quarter.

Benefits to be a Mentee

Some benefits of becoming a mentee of the ConnectHER program include:

  • Get to know a professionals career path and journey 
  • Build a professional network here at UCI but can extend past your UCI years
  • Receive feedback on a professional topic/ situation you discuss with your mentor
  • Encouragement and empowerment in personal development interests 
  • Assistance in identifying career goals or major/minor goals
  • Increase your confidence both professionally and personally
  • Access to a senior role model
  • Gain insight into University culture 
  • Gain skills and knowledge in communication and relationship building.

Where and When Can I Apply?

Applications will be open January 9th at the same time registration for the Summit will be open. Applications close on February 13th. You can apply to be a mentor or a mentee on the same page as the EmpowerUS Summit registration. Register for the summit and apply to the ConnectUS as a mentor or mentee. If there are any questions feel free to contact womxnscenter@uci.edu. 

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