PACSW Women's Mentoring Program

Program Statement of Purpose:

In support of the mission of the President's Advisory Committee on the Status of Women, PACSW Women's Mentoring Program seeks to increase confidence, community, and capacity amongst woman-identified employees at the University of San Francisco. The program aims to accomplish this through the creation of intentional, time-bound one-on-one relationships between University employees based on confidentiality and collegiality.

Rationale:

According to a recent employment survey, 1 out of 5 women report that they have never had a mentor at work (Linkedln, 2011). Women also experience challenges in upward mobility in the workforce, claiming approximately 53 percent of entry-level management jobs but only 37 percent of mid-level management positions and 26 percent of positions at the Vice President and higher level (McKinsey Research, 2011). Additionally, women experience unique barriers obtaining mentors, from lack of institutionalized programs to hesitations to identifying or initiating a mentoring relationship (Ragins and Cotton, 1991).

Eligibility:

Any woman-identified employee of the University of San Francisco is eligible to participate in the program, regardless of employee class, status, or title. Individuals who identify as men are welcome to apply to the program, but will be matched only if mentee prefers to be matched with a colleague who identifies as a man. 

Selection and Matching Process:

Participants will be asked to fill out an application to indicate their interest, commitment, and goals from program participation. Applications will be carefully reviewed by PACSW members to determine mentor and mentee matches based on goal alignment, expected outcomes, and scheduling/availability.

Benefits:

As a result of participating in this program, we expect benefits to all mentors and mentees, as well as the University community as a whole.

Together mentors will explore ways to increase professional and personal capacity, connect with the USF community, and develop confidence.

Program Highlights:

To foster a successful mentoring relationship, PACSW will provide the following tools and resources to mentor and mentee participants in the program:

  • Mentor Training
  • Kick-off, mid-semester and end-of-semester meet-ups
  • Monthly brown bag lunch and community-building sessions
  • Modest stipend for mentors and mentees to spend on getting together

Timeline and Time Commitment:

The mentoring relationship will last a duration of one semester (5 months). With scheduling, preparation, and meeting time, the total time commitment is approximately 3 hours per month.

Important dates for Fall 2023: 

  • September 13:  Kickoff event for all participants
  • October 18: Mid-semester check-in event for all participants
  • December 7: End of semester luncheon for all participants

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Do I need supervisor permission to participate? Though not required, it is recommended to talk with your supervisor about your desire to participate in the program, and the time commitment it entails.
  2. ls there a cost to participate? There is no cost to participate in the program.
  3. ls my participation confidential? Mentors and mentees will be required to keep the content of discussions confidential and participation in the program will not be disseminated outside of PACSW. We may ask participants for testimonials about their experience in the program. 

How Do I Apply?

Application for the Fall 2023 cohort are now open. Applications are available through the following link.

The deadline to apply is June 5.

Contact PACSW:

For questions about the program, please contact PACSW at pacsw@usfca.edu.