UCOP Learning & Development is thrilled to sponsor UC Peer Connections, a UC systemwide peer-to-peer networking program that aims to enhance employee connection and belonging within UCOP and across the university through meaningful relationships.

Participating colleagues will be paired with peers at UCOP and other UC locations (including UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, UC Merced, and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources) based on their career level, interests and aspirations. They will meet virtually on the Imperative platform, which is designed to facilitate guided, authentic conversations around career goals.

Develop a network of trusted peers while focusing on your growth and impact!

Watch a two-minute video about the Imperative platform.

How UC Peer Connections works

• Eligible staff will confer with their manager, then complete and submit the interest form for consideration (see below).
• Selected participants will receive instructions for activating their Imperative account and completing a 15-minute “purpose profile” that articulates their values, aspirations and career drivers.
• Participants will attend a virtual kick-off event on Jan. 29, 2025, from 2 to 2:30 p.m. (PT).
• Based on their purpose profiles, participants will be matched with a peer with whom they will schedule and participate in at least three one-hour virtual conversations between February and April 2025.

Eligibility and program expectations

UCOP UC Peer Connections applicants must:

• Be employed at UCOP in a full-time career or contract role. Non-represented and represented staff are welcome to apply.
• Have the support of their direct manager or supervisor. Participation in this program takes place in addition to regular work responsibilities.

If selected for the program, you must agree to:

• Attend the Jan. 29 kick-off meeting
• Participate in at least three one-hour virtual conversations on the Imperative platform between February and April 2025.
• Schedule all Imperative conversations directly with your peer (UCOP does not manage conversation scheduling.)

How to apply

To express your interest in UC Peer Connections, complete the interest form by Jan. 8, 2025, at 5 p.m. (PT).

Our intent is to select participants on a first-come, first-served basis; however, space is limited and we may select applicants whose departments and roles reflect a representative cross-section of our organization.

Selected participants will be notified by January 15. We will manage a waitlist in case of cancellations.

Participation in the program is free. The UCOP Learning & Development team will sponsor participants’ licensing fees. 

Testimonials

Building and maintaining meaningful relationships at work are imperative to personal growth, creativity and well-being. Here’s what past UCOP participants have said about the program:

• “UC Peer Connections helped me find time to reflect and set intentions, get a different perspective and help develop new ideas. I was able to connect with someone outside of my team.”
• “Building a relationship with my peer has allowed me to connect with UC outside of my day-to-day role. Thanks to UC Peer Connections, we have committed to setting up a recurring meeting that’s become a safe space to discuss work-related and personal challenges. We plan to continue to provide our outside perspective, share our unbiased opinions and serve as a sounding board and a support system for one another as we navigate challenges in our UC journey.”
• “It’s rare to have a connection with a colleague that provides different perspectives on your life and work. Having developed our relationship and become familiar with each other’s challenges, it’s easier to talk through professional hurdles and to develop solutions and plans to improve work satisfaction.”
• “It’s been great to connect with someone outside of my normal work interactions and share ideas and ”

Complete the UC Peer Connections Interest Form

 If you have any questions, please contact the program coordinator, Giselle Jose.

About

View all post by