Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gaucho Mentor Connection?
In a nutshell, the Gaucho Mentor Connection is a program that aims to connect staff members at UCSB via mentor/mentee relationships. We believe that mentorship is a vital part of professional development, and offers benefits for both the mentee AND the mentor. For more details, read our Mission Statement.

How do I apply?
Click on the Application tab above and fill out the online application. Please be sure to submit it by 5:00pm on the application deadline.

How much of a time commitment is required?
This is entirely up to each individual mentor/mentee pair. While we recommend checking in with each other a minimum of once a month, the exact schedule will be up to you. You can meet in a variety of ways, as well: over email, over Skype, over telephone, in person during a coffee or lunch break, during various staff events on campus throughout the year, or even meeting outside of business hours if your schedules allow. There is a lot of room for flexibility in how and how often you meet.

Who is eligible to apply?
All current UCSB staff are eligible. We’d also like to emphasize that anyone can be a mentor, and anyone can be a mentee. For example, even if you’ve been working here for 20+ years, you can still be a mentee and learn something new. Similarly, even if you’re just starting out your career, you may possess valuable skills that you can pass on to a fellow staff member via mentorship.

How will I know who I’ve been paired with?
​We try to match mentors and mentees according to similar interests and goals. The more information you provide on your application, the better we are able to match pairs. During the Welcome Mixer in September, you will have the opportunity to meet with various prospective mentors and mentees, and provide additional feedback on pairing preferences.