Research Administration Mentoring Program (RAMP↑)- Applications Available!
Dear Research Administration Community:
The University requests applications for the third year of the Research Administration Mentoring Program (RAMP↑), a unique mentoring program for research administrators.
We seek your support of the program and ask if you would kindly help promote the RAMP↑ in your units to grow this participation of research administration cohorts.
The second RAMP↑ cohort finishes this month. This exciting second year of RAMP↑ included 16 participants and many success stories. Participants have shared the most valuable aspects of RAMP↑.
Mentees: “It really helps to have an experienced person to answer questions, give guidance, teach me about university protocol and give career advice. She has been able to assist me not only with day-to-day job tasks but also with advocating for myself and creating a positive work environment.”
“To connect with someone that was able to help me when I was confused about something, or to just brainstorm with. My mentor would offer suggestions or helpful criticisms on how to make processes more efficient.”
Mentors: “It's been very rewarding to pass along my knowledge to someone new to the field. It solidifies in my mind my abilities and my value to the organization.”
“Being in central office, I find it valuable gaining insight into how relatively new research administrators understand (or don't understand) the wider U-M research admin enterprise.”
The RAMP↑ advisory committee will once again match mentors who have at least five years of research administrative experience with mentees who are relative newcomers to the field, having 6 months to about 2 years of research administration experience at the University of Michigan. Mentees are required to be solid performers with no current performance issues, and they should be goal-oriented and self-directed, with a desire to develop professionally.
We call on you to either consider applying for the program or identifying individuals whom you believe would add value as mentors and mentees. The time commitment for this program requires a minimum of one hour, in-person communication per month, over a period of nine months, from October through June. Mentor training and orientation for both mentors and mentees will be held in September 2016.
The deadline for mentor and mentee applications is Friday, July 22, 2016. Interested participants are required to fill out one of the following applications:
Both mentors and mentees must secure approval from their supervisors in order to participate.
U-M has long been a leader in enhancing expertise in research administration. According to an all-University survey conducted by the Research Administration Advisory Council (RAAC) Training Subcommittee, development of this program fulfills a wish for a large number of individuals who work for and with you in this field. We are excited to continue this innovative program and look forward to your nominations for this third offering.
Please contact RAMP-AdminTeam@umich.edu if we can answer any questions or assist you in any way.
Best Regards,
Debbie Talley, Director, Sponsored Programs
Daryl Weinert, Associate Vice President for Research - Business Operations
