Fellows

Initially launched in 2019 in Finance and Business Strategy, the Fellows program was designed as a professional development opportunity for staff looking to make connections, deepen their understanding of the work of the division and the university, and to amplify their existing leadership competence and potential.

Testimonials From Previous Fellows:

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"I听have used the tools and skills from my Fellows experience both in听the office and in听my personal life."

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"From how I define 'trust' to polishing up my ability to communicate ideas in meetings, I use the ideas and concepts I learned in Fellows on a daily basis."

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"I鈥檓 happy to have been able to network and get to know CU better and grateful for the tools and skills as they continue to feed my personal and professional growth."

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"I loved having a cohort to help keep me engaged fully and to develop connections beyond the typical networking opportunities.鈥

Program Goals

This eight-month program is designed to introduce participants to professional development frameworks, engage in work related to communication, growth mindset, innovation, leadership, DEI听and more. The best part of this program is its focus on making connections and building relationships across the departments. For employees who participate, the importance of supervisor support and engagement in staff development simply can鈥檛 be overstated. Commitment to an employee鈥檚 growth and development makes a real difference in the retention, productivity听and resiliency of CU staff.

  • Provide a collaborative learning environment where staff can connect with each other, share ideas, and learn from each other's experiences. This will help them to deepen their understanding of the work across domains and become more innovative.听
  • Offer a鈥curated鈥痯rofessional development curriculum鈥痶hat is tailored to the individual needs of staff. This will help them to grow and develop their skills, so that they can contribute more effectively to the organization.
  • 颁谤别补迟别鈥痭别飞 pathways of connectivity鈥痓etween staff and other parts of the organization. This will help to break down silos and foster collaboration, which will lead to new ideas and innovations.听
  • Foster a鈥痵ense of valued contribution鈥痑mong staff, regardless of their background or experience. This will help to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace, where everyone feels like they belong.

Program Design

Each month, our Fellows engage in a series of activities and resources centered around a specific professional development topic. The typical time commitment for cohort members is approx. 5-6听hours/month. This is a hybrid program. Monthly sessions are held via Zoom.听Cohort groups may choose to meet virtually or in person.听The Fellows program encourages participants to regularly share what they are learning in the program with their supervisors.

Activities:

  • Content-based sessions with all participants (1.5 hours/month)
  • Small group guided conversations in assigned cohorts of 5-6 people (1-2 hours/month)
  • Projects; one group project and one individual presentation (1-2 hours each)
  • Asynchronous individual learning opportunities (.5-1 hour/month)
  • One-on-one coaching with program facilitators upon request (.5-1 hour each)

Professional development:

  • Growth Mindset
  • Exploring Moods, Assessments, Assertions, Requests and Offers
  • Advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion through Dialogue
  • Values Alignment
  • Vivid Visioning
  • Trust
  • Learning Journeys

Program Outcomes

鈥婳ver the eight months, starting in October, employees will:听

  • Connect with peers and experts. Over eight months, you'll participate in monthly small-group discussions with 5-6 other fellows from across FBS and EM. You'll also hear from experts on growth mindset, communication, trust, setting a vision, DEI, and more.听
  • Learn from a published author. You'll read and discuss selections from Learning to Learn and the Navigation of Moods, by Gloria Flores. You'll also have the opportunity to meet and work with Gloria Flores herself.听
  • Attend our diversity and social justice summits. You'll learn about the importance of diversity and social justice, and how to create a more inclusive workplace.听
  • Identify your values and find alignment. You'll take a deep dive into your values and how they align with your work. You'll also create a vivid vision for your career and develop a learning journey to reach your goals.听
  • Build lasting relationships. You'll have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with other fellows and experts. You'll also be part of a supportive community that will help you grow and succeed.

Application and Participation

Interested individuals complete a short online application by the established deadline. Supervisors will have an opportunity to nominate staff they believe to be a good fit. Applications include a signature of support (not permission) from the applicant鈥檚 supervisor. Participants will be selected primarily on a first-come, first-served basis.

Participants agree to attend all monthly sessions and to participate in monthly cohort meetings, and to surface any scheduling conflicts in advance with the program facilitators.

The application for FY23-34 has closed.听