UC Davis Group Mentoring Program

Make Your Meetings More Active

  • Include items on your meeting agenda that require participants to get out of their seats (breakout groups, stand and write ideas on an easel).
  • Choose movement friendly meeting locations (walkable neighborhoods, on-site gym, nearby park).
  • Hire a professional instructor (pilates, yoga, tai chi, stretching, Zumba) to lead a class before or during the meeting.
  • Point out the stairs and encourage attendees to use them. Consider including the location of stairs in meeting directions or putting arrows to the stairs in front of elevators.
  • Organize a group walk early in the morning, during a break or before/after dinner.
  • Consider incorporating standing ovations after each speaker to encourage participants to stand and stretch.

Standing Breaks

  • At least once an hour, participants should be encouraged to stand up to improve blood circulation, boost metabolism, and relieve physical discomfort from sitting for prolonged periods of time.
  • Announce that it is fine to stand up and move around, as needed. If possible, provide raised tables for those electing to stand during the meeting.

Stretch Breaks

  • Stretch breaks help participants wake up their bodies and minds.
  • Encourage people to stand up and stretch in place.
  • Try playing a Healthy UC Davis WakeBreak video! These instructor-led stretch videos range from 4 to 15 minutes. 

Breathing Exercise

  • Focused breathing is an energizing activity that can help relax and clear your mind. Simply inhale for four seconds, hold it for seven seconds, and exhale for eight seconds.

Suggested Activity Agendas

LENGTH OF MEETINGSTANDING BREAKSTRETCH BREAKSBREATHING BREAKSMOVEMENT BREAKSWALKING BREAKS
50 - 60 minx x  
2 - 4 hoursxxxx 
All Dayxxxxx

The application portal is now closed for 2025. Check back in spring 2026 for the next opportunity to apply. 

 

Advance your professional development goals at UC Davis with the support of a mentor and co-mentees

Our UC Davis community has consistently expressed interest in mentoring as a professional development tool.

This 6-month professional development experience, running June to November 2025, pairs mentors with small groups of mentees made up of staff from across UC Davis and UC Davis Health. The 2025 program includes in-person and virtual sessions and a combination of large and small group mentoring activities. This year’s program will encourage participants to network, learn more about the organization, explore their Gallup-Clifton Strengths, and pursue professional development, be it a new role or strategies for growth and greater fulfillment in your current role.

Program Goals 

  • Experience mentorship through large and small group events
  • Advance professional development goals with the support of a mentor and co-mentees
  • Make valuable connections with leaders and colleagues across UC Davis and UC Davis Health

Timeline

The time commitment is approximately 15 hours of programming over three months. Please note that the 2025 large group meeting sessions, in bold below, are in-person and required. 

April 1Applications open for mentors and mentees
April 30Last day to submit applications
May 16 (updated)Applicants will be notified of their status
June 9, 
9-12pm		Mentor Training - Facilities Support and Services Building 2030, Sacramento
Mentors - in-person attendance required
June 24, 
9-12pm		Opening Session + first small group mentoring meeting -The MIND Institute, Sacramento
Mentors and Mentees' in-person attendance required
July 15, 2-4pmVirtual Gallup CliftonStrengths Workshop
August 13, 2-3pmVirtual Mentor Check-In required for mentors
November 12, 
9-12pm		Closing Session + last small group mentoring meeting - ARC Ballroom, Davis
Mentors and Mentees' in-person attendance required
July  - November
 		Four additional small group mentoring meetings, dates and times to be determined by your mentor and small group participants
November 19 10-11amCareer Development Week Reunion, Aggies Square

 

group meeting at table

Mentoring Toolkit

What is mentoring, and why is it important? Access Learning and Development's toolkit to deepen your knowledge on the topic.

Expectations and Eligibility for Application

All participants agree to (1) hold mentorship conversations confidential and (2) abide by the Principles of Community to “build and maintain a culture and climate based on mutual respect and caring” within the program.

Mentees

Eligibility: Non-probationary staff at UC Davis or UC Davis Health.

  • Attend the three large group events
  • Participate in five small group mentoring meetings
  • Complete professional development activities 

Mentors

Eligibility: Career staff with at least one year of experience at UC Davis or UC Davis Health. Experienced leader, manager, or professional with 5 or more years of experience.

  • Attend mentor training, three large group events, and mentor check-in
  • Schedule, prepare for, and facilitate five small group mentoring meetings (suggested curriculum provided)

Apply

The application portal is now closed for 2025. Check back in spring 2026 for the next opportunity to apply. 

 For questions, email hr-learning@ucdavis.edu.

Selection

Selection of participants is conducted by a review committee leveraging a consistent rubric to ensure equitable evaluation of all applicants. 

Additional Mentoring Programs

Mentoring is important at UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

Learn more about other mentoring opportunities for employees across UC Davis and UC Davis Health.