BOND MENTORING PROGRAM

The *BIPOC Opportunities for Networking and Development (BOND) Mentoring Program exists to help fill a gap in opportunities and increase the sense of belonging for staff and faculty, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus and will also serve to address a number of goals under the Invest in Our People strategic campus initiative.  While this program will prioritize minoritized populations, it will be available to all staff and faculty who are interested in fostering a diverse community that values equity and inclusion.

After completing a campus-focused workshop with the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experience in Research (CIMER), connecting with various campus stakeholders, and reviewing the results of the 2021 Campus Workplace Culture Survey, we have recognized the following areas of strategic focus for mentorship:

• Attract, recruit, and retain BIPOC and other marginalized individuals across career stages
• Optimize mentoring relationships for staff and faculty 
• Support the advancement and promotion of staff and faculty, especially those from underrepresented groups
• Create campus environments where individuals at all levels feel a sense of belonging

We are currently reviewing applications for a small pilot cohort with the intention of expanding the program in the future (please note: we are no longer accepting new applications at this time).  For the pilot cohort, we are accepting 10 staff and 10 faculty mentees into the program, and ideally 10 staff and 10 faculty mentors.  After successful completion of the program, both mentors and mentees will receive a certificate of completion.

*BIPOC Stands for Black, Indigenous, and people of color.