Diversity: Faculty and other academic personnel
Advancing Faculty Diversity and Institutional Change through Inclusive Faculty Mentorship in the Life Sciences (IFM)
UC Berkeley, 2022-2023
Project Principal Investigator
Professor Ellen A. Lumpkin, Ph.D.Project Abstract
The Advancing Faculty Diversity and Institutional Change through Inclusive Faculty Mentorship (IFM) is a three-year pilot program designed to create an inclusive, supportive start for life science faculty, thereby increasing retention and improving climate. To these ends, the UC Berkeley team will pursue three aims: 1) establish a faculty mentorship program; 2) foster a culture of belonging; 3) evaluate, assess, improve and expand. At the program core, is development of a committee-based mentorship program using practices validated through Faculty LAUNCH programs, previous AFD initiatives, and academic study. Program community building events will help new faculty establish networks and belonging. Training and tools will improve mentorship outcomes. Berkeley PIs will prioritize consolidating existing materials and trainings and connecting subject-matter experts. Recognizing that mentees and mentors must balance competing priorities, the program will provide administrative support to ease program participation. Through regular assessment and evaluation, they intend to shape a program that is adoptable across campus.