APAC Mentorship Pilot Program
APAC Mentorship Pilot Program
The Academic Professional Advisory Committee (APAC), in collaboration with the Office for Access and Equity (OAE), Human Resources, the Office of the Chancellor, and Technology Solutions, is launching the UIC APAC Mentorship Pilot Program for Academic Professionals.
This initiative supports professional growth, career development, and cross-departmental collaboration across the UIC community. Launching in July 2026, the program will utilize the Together Mentoring Platform to facilitate structured mentoring relationships, meaningful networking opportunities, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise among Academic Professionals.
Purpose
This program supports the Chancellor’s strategic priority of ensuring faculty and staff feel valued, supported, and motivated. By promoting professional growth, mentorship, and cross-campus collaboration, the program helps strengthen employee engagement and retention across the UIC community.
Program Overview
The APAC Mentorship Pilot Program connects experienced mentors with motivated mentees to foster learning, guidance, and professional networking. Whether serving as a mentor or mentee, participants will engage in a structured and supportive experience designed to enhance career development and community connection.
Key Dates
| Application Period | July 9 – 26, 2026 |
| Cohort Announcement | Early August 2026 |
| Program Duration | August 2026 – May 2027 |
Eligibility
- Must be a full-time Academic Professional employee in good standing. Mentors must not have active performance-related concerns that would make participation inappropriate. Mentors also must not be serving under a Notice of Non-Reappointment, also known as Terminal contract or T-Contract, at the time of application or during the mentoring cycle.
- Mentors must have at least five (5) cumulative years of full-time employment at UIC to ensure a solid understanding of institutional culture, policies, and procedures. Eligible applicants should have completed this requirement by the application deadline mid-July.
- Mentees must have at least twelve (12) cumulative months of full-time employment at UIC to ensure a basic understanding of their role and the institution. Employees who are newer to UIC are encouraged to apply. Eligible applicants should have completed this requirement by the application deadline mid-July.
- Support of supervisor and/or department head. Participation in this program requires supervisor approval, so interested employees should discuss their goals, timing, and available support with their supervisors prior to applying. The FAQ contains a section especially for supervisors to help facilitate this conversation.
Program Features
Participants will benefit from:
- Intentional mentor-mentee matching based on goals, interests, and experience
- Structured engagement with personalized agendas, milestone tracking, and automated reminders
- Curated resources including mentoring guides, training materials, and professional development content
All university employees will benefit from access to the resource library on the Together Mentoring Platform
Application Process
Eligible employees must complete the online application and provide the following:
- Job title, college, department, & six-digit org code
- Current resume (PDF): This will be shared with program administrators and mentors.
- Supervisor endorsement (PDF): Confirms your supervisor’s support for your participation in the mentorship program.
- Statement of intent (PDF, 500 words or less) describing:
- Mentors: your interest in the mentorship program, why you want to serve as a mentor, what experience or expertise you can offer, what leadership or coaching experience you have, and how you plan to actively participate.
- Mentees: your interest in the mentorship program, current challenges you face and what you hope to gain from the experience, what a successful mentorship looks like to you, and how you plan to actively participate.
Cohort Selection
- Submission of an application does not guarantee placement
- Matches are based on eligibility, alignment, and program capacity
- Both mentors and mentees are encouraged to apply
- A total of 25 matched pairs (“matches”) will be made, based on eligibility, alignment, and capacity
Contact
For questions, please contact: APACMentorship@uic.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
Applicants can share the following information with their supervisor to facilitate requesting their approval.
Application and Eligibility
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to Academic Professionals at UIC. Additional criteria will be outlined in the application. All eligible APs received the invitation sent on July 9 from notifications@togetherplatform.com with subject line, “UIC APAC Mentorship Pilot Program”.
Do I need supervisor approval to apply?
Yes. Supervisor approval is required prior to submitting an application.
What materials are required for the application?
Applicants should be prepared to submit a statement of interest and resume. Additional requirements will be outlined in the application.
Does applying guarantee participation?
No. Submitting an application does not guarantee a match. Participants are selected based on eligibility, alignment, and program capacity.
Are Civil Service employees eligible to participate?
As this is a pilot, participation is currently limited to Academic Professionals. If the pilot is successful, the program may be expanded more broadly across the UIC community in the future.
Are System Office employees with a UIC campus affiliation are eligible to participate in the program?
Yes, System Office employees with a UIC campus affiliation are eligible.
Program Structure and Matching
How are mentor–mentee matches determined?
Matches are made based on alignment of goals, interests, experience, and availability.
Can I request a specific mentor or mentee?
The program uses a structured matching process, and specific requests may not be accommodated.
How many participants will be selected?
As a pilot program, participation is limited and based on available capacity.
Time Commitment and Expectations
What is the expected time commitment?
Participants are expected to meet regularly (e.g., monthly) and engage with program resources throughout the program period.
How long does the program last?
The pilot will run from August 2026 through May 2027.
Is participation required for the full duration?
Yes, participants are expected to commit to the full program cycle.
Logistics and Participation
What platform will be used?
The program will be hosted on the Together Mentoring Platform.
Will there be training or an orientation?
Yes. Selected participants are required to attend an orientation session before the program begins.
What happens if I am selected but cannot participate?
Participants should notify the program team as soon as possible so adjustments can be made.
Is there a cost to participate?
No, there is no cost to participate in the program.
After Applying
When will I hear back about my application?
Applicants will be notified of their status in early August.
Will I receive feedback if I am not selected?
Due to the volume of applications, individualized feedback may not be provided.
Communications and Updates
Will I receive confirmation that my application was submitted?
Yes. Applicants will receive a confirmation message through the application system after submitting their materials.
How will I be notified about my application status?
Applicants will be notified via email regarding their application status once the review process is complete. Selected participants will receive additional instructions and next steps.
Who should I contact with questions?
Questions about the program can be directed to APACMentorship@uic.edu.
Future Opportunities
Will there be future cohorts?
If the pilot is successful, the program may be expanded in future cycles.
Supervisors
What is the purpose of the mentorship program?
The UIC Mentorship Pilot Program supports the professional development and career growth of Academic Professionals through structured mentoring, networking, knowledge sharing, and cross-departmental collaboration, helping employees build skills and strengthen their connection to the UIC community.
What is my role as a supervisor?
Supervisors are encouraged to support employees’ professional development by approving participation, encouraging engagement, and providing reasonable flexibility for program activities while maintaining workplace responsibilities.
How much time is involved?
Most mentor-mentee pairs meet at least once a month. Depending on their goals and availability, mentors and mentees may choose to meet more frequently. Any additional meetings should be scheduled in a way that supports the employee’s professional development without negatively impacting job performance, productivity, or departmental responsibilities.
Do supervisors need to approve participation?
Yes. Supervisor approval is required to ensure employees can participate in the mentorship program while continuing to meet their work responsibilities and departmental expectations.
Will meetings occur during work hours?
The mentorship program may include occasional meetings during the employee’s scheduled work hours. These activities are designed to support professional development and should be coordinated in a manner that does not interfere with the employee’s primary job responsibilities.
Will I receive updates about mentorship discussions?
Mentorship conversations are generally confidential to encourage honest and meaningful exchanges. However, participants are encouraged to share relevant development goals, insights, and outcomes with their supervisors to support ongoing professional growth and alignment with workplace objectives.
What if participation affects job performance?
Supervisors should address any performance or workload concerns with the employee and, when appropriate, consult the program coordinator for additional support to ensure participation remains compatible with workplace responsibilities.
How does the program benefit employees?
Participation in the mentorship program supports employees’ professional development by enhancing skills, broadening institutional knowledge, expanding professional networks, and providing valuable career insight. These opportunities can contribute to increased engagement, confidence, and effectiveness in their current and future roles.
Who should I contact with questions?
APACmentorship@uic.edu