UCOP Learning and Development is thrilled to announce four upcoming cohorts for the new calendar year. Learn more about each cohort and find the right one for you!

UCOP 2026 Mentorship Program

The UCOP Mentorship Program is seeking mentees and mentors for its next annual program, which will run from January through December 2026. The goal of the UCOP Mentorship Program is to create mentor–mentee pairings that provide a supportive structure for UCOP employees to cultivate contacts, explore challenges and enhance their effectiveness as they grow both personally and professionally.

• Apply to be a mentee by Dec. 5, 2025
• Apply and/or recommend someone to mentor others by Dec. 5, 2025

Want to know more? Review the program FAQ and register for an info session. The next info sessions will take place Oct. 23, from 11:30 – 12 p.m., and Nov. 5, 12:30 – 1 p.m. (PT).

Take Charge: Developing a Career Strategy

If you’re an administrative, support or entry-level staff member who’s ready to take your career to the next level, check out Take Charge: Developing a Career Strategy. This six-month L&D-sponsored program will give you the tools you need to thrive in the workplace for years to come.

Program outcomes:

• Increase your ability to better manage your career development
• Expand your professional network
• Experience more job satisfaction
• Improve your relationship with your manager

Schedule info:

• Dates: Every other Thursday, Jan. 25 – June 13, 2026 (11 sessions)
• Managers are expected to attend an orientation on Jan. 8, from 10 – 11 a.m. (PT)
• Time: Session lengths vary from one to two hours — 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (PT)
• Location: Virtual, via Zoom
• Program Cost: $100

Interested? Review the FAQ and complete an application by Oct. 31, 2025.

Making Power Moves

The President’s Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (PACSW),  in partnership with the Human Resources Learning and Development team,  is pleased to sponsor the popular course, Making Power Moves: a cohort focused on career advancement strategies with an emphasis on how social and cultural factors influence professional growth and leadership opportunities

This course is designed expressly for UCOP staff who manage projects or people, and sessions reflect the unique UCOP environment.

Session info 

• 11 sessions: Every Thursday, Jan. 4 – March 19 (Session 10 will take place on Wednesday & Thursday March 18 & 19.) 
• Time: 3-6 p.m. (PT)
• Location: Virtual, via Zoom 
• Program Cost: $1,000 (Expected to be covered by the attendee’s department.) 

Space is limited to only 22 participants. The application deadline is Dec. 5 2025. Apply today! This course has consistently received overwhelmingly positive feedback and has resulted in some great outcomes for past participants. It is a great way to help boost your professional development and career goals in the new year! 

Learn more 

To learn more about Making Power Moves, check out the frequently asked questions and course syllabus .

UC Peer Connections Cycle 2

UC Peer Connections, a self-driven UC peer-to-peer networking program that aims to enhance employee connection and belonging within UCOP and across the system through meaningful relationships. Participating colleagues will be paired with peers at UCOP and other UC locations (including UC Berkeley and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources).

How UC Peer Connections Works

• Participants will activate an  Imperative account and complete a 15-minute “Purpose Profile” that articulates their values, aspirations and career drivers.
• Based on purpose profiles, participants will be matched with a peer with whom they will schedule and participate in one-hour virtual conversations.
• Pairs will meet on the Imperative Platform where they will have specific questions to guide discussion and allow for note taking on next steps. Conversations are private and are not recorded.

Schedule info:

• January 13, 2026 – February 27, 2026
• 3 total conversations with pairs at UC Berkeley & UC ANR

Apply

• Complete the short application by Friday, December 5, at 5 p.m. (PT).
• Staff who have previously participated in the program must complete a new application.
• Participation in the program is free. UCOP Learning & Development will sponsor participants’ licensing fees.

Learn more by reviewing the program overview. 

For additional questions, please contact ucopld@ucop.edu 

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