The School of Medicine Staff Advocacy, Involvement, Development & Engagement (SAIDE) Mentorship Development Committee is excited to announce that applications are open for the FY 27 Staff Mentor Development Program!

This six-month professional development program helps staff build the skills and confidence needed to become effective mentors. Through interactive sessions, practical activities, and group discussions, participants will strengthen leadership, communication, coaching, and mentoring skills while supporting their own professional growth.

Program Overview

The SOM Staff Mentor Development Program is a six-month professional development program designed to equip experienced professionals with the skills, frameworks, and resources needed to become effective mentors. Participants will develop active listening, goal-setting, and feedback techniques through structured workshops and peer collaboration.

Program Details

  • Program Duration: January-June 2027
  • Two sessions per month (one virtual and one in-person)
  • Sessions will generally be held during lunch hours, with lunch provided for in-person sessions

Upon successful completion of the FY27 program, graduates will be expected to serve as mentors in the FY28 School of Medicine Staff Mentorship Program. This opportunity allows graduates to apply their newly developed skills while supporting the professional growth of fellow School of Medicine staff members.

Required Eligibility

  • Be a full-time Tulane School of Medicine staff member in good standing.
  • Have at least two years of employment at Tulane University.
  • Nominees must demonstrate professionalism, ethical behavior, and integrity in all endeavors to be considered, as verified by SOM’s Professionalism Program. 
  • Nominees must exhibit strong communication, interpersonal, and active learning skills.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and supporting the development of others.
  • Commit to actively participating in the six-month Mentor Development Program.
  • Maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries throughout the program and future mentoring relationships.
  • Obtain supervisor approval confirming participation during work hours, if applicable.

Program Structure

Duration: Six Month Program
Format: Hybrid (in-person + virtual sessions)
Sessions: Monthly Workshops & Meetings
Certification: Upon Successful Completion

Selection Considerations

  • A genuine interest in mentoring and helping others grow professionally.
  • Excellent communication and active listening skills.
  • Reliability, accountability, and follow-through.
  • Openness to feedback, learning, and continuous personal development.
  • The ability to coach and guide others rather than solve problems for them.
  • A commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive workplace.
  • Respect for confidentiality and professional boundaries.
  • Have experience leading projects, committees, or professional development initiatives.
  • Have served in supervisory or other leadership roles.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to collaboration, employee engagement, and workplace excellence.
  • Represent a variety of School of Medicine departments, roles, and career stages to promote a diverse mentoring community.

Mentor Expectations

Upon successful completion of the Mentor Development Program, participants agree to:

  • Serve as a mentor in the following year's School of Medicine Staff Mentorship Program.
  • Model professionalism, integrity, and respectful communication.
  • Encourage mentees' professional and personal growth through coaching and guidance rather than supervision.
  • Help mentees navigate Tulane's culture, resources, and professional opportunities.
  • Foster meaningful, goal-oriented mentoring conversations.
  • Maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
  • Complete all required mentoring activities and program evaluations.
  • Provide feedback to help strengthen and improve future mentorship programs.

Commitment Statement

I understand that successful mentoring requires commitment, professionalism, and continuous learning. If selected, I agree to actively participate in all components of the six-month Mentor Development Program. Upon successful completion, I commit to serving as a mentor in the following year's Tulane School of Medicine Staff Mentorship Program and to supporting the professional growth and success of my colleagues.

Interested in Applying?

To apply, you will need:

  • An updated Resume/CV
  • A completed and signed Supervisor Approval Form - Please complete the attached Supervisor Approval Form, obtain the required signature, and upload the completed form with your application.
  • Your electronic signature confirming your commitment to the program

Become a Better Mentor

See flyer

Application Deadline: Friday, October 9, 2026

If you are passionate about professional growth, supporting colleagues, and helping build a strong culture of mentorship at the School of Medicine, we encourage you to apply!
All applications will be carefully reviewed by the Staff Mentorship Committee. Following the review process, applicants will be notified of their application status.

We look forward to welcoming our inaugural cohort and beginning this exciting journey together.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the program or application process, please feel free to contact:

Lauren Dickerson
Ldicker@tulane.edu 
504.988.5685