The deadline to submit applications is March 22, 2024. Apply Here.
UC WI is a personal, professional development program designed to:
- Cultivate a professional network that spans the UC system
- Provide access to top UC leaders to learn about their diverse leadership approaches and journeys
- Strengthen skills and confidence through hands-on practice with a range of tools in the areas of:
- Self-awareness and reflection
- Professional development and impact
- Strategic relationship building
- Developing and delivering a compelling narrative regarding one’s professional accomplishments and vision
- Negotiating for yourself at work
- Peer coaching
While concepts and tools discussed during UC WI may be applied to leadership or management roles within UC, it is not a leadership or management development program.
*Frequently Asked Questions*
Why is this program being offered?
UC WI is a professional development program designed to assist woman-identified professionals with advancing in their careers. The program is sponsored by the President’s office and the Systemwide Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (SACSW) and was developed in partnership with CORO Northern California and Systemwide Talent Management. UC WI is committed to enabling the full participation, success, and advancement of woman- identified professionals at the University and is open to all employees who support this mission.
Who is this program for?
Mid-career (defined as 1-5 years with the UC, any campus) faculty, academic personnel or staff, who have demonstrated potential for advancement. The program is available for both woman-identified professionals as well as those who support the career growth of woman-identified professionals.
How will the program be delivered?
All cohorts will be held virtually for the 2024-25 year.
What are the program costs?
Fees are covered through the generous support of the Chancellor's Office and UCM Staff Assembly.
How many spots are available?
We will be selecting 12 participants and up to 6 alternates.
What are the time commitments?
Each cohort is made up of four sessions and 2 check-ins. In previous years, the first session of each cohort was one and a half days, the remaining sessions were one day each. Each day long session was split into a two and a half hour morning session, a three hour afternoon session and a 90 minute lunch break. The final session was a capstone event and incuded a two hour afternoon session before the final day long session. Additional hour long check-in calls were scheduled between sessions to provide opportunities for networking outside of program sessions.
There will be 6 cohorts this year with the first starting in September.
There is a strict attendance policy — participants must attend all sessions in their entirety. Full attendance supports networking, bonding, learning and peer coaching.
What is needed to submit an application?
Applications are being accepted through Qualtrics. Your application must include your current resume or CV and a statement of interest. Your statement of interest should be 500 words or less and should address the following:
- Outline career timeline with the UC, career goals, and reasons for wanting to participate in UC WI.
- Describe how you and the university will benefit from your participation in this professional development opportunity (please be specific including your areas of strengths and skills you’d like to work on. Reference the program description as needed).
- Describe other Professional Development Opportunities you have access to, have participated in or plan to take. Why is this the right time for you to participate in UC WI?
- Identify ways you can share the knowledge gained in this program with others.
- Describe how you have demonstrated your commitment to advance diversity, equity and inclusion across race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and first gen status or other underrepresented identities in your immediate organization or institution.
Other questions? Contact ucmcacsw@ucmerced.edu or visit the UC Women’s Initiative website.
