Inclusive Research Mentoring Micro-Credential

Research

The Inclusive Research Mentoring (IRM) micro-credential, offered by the Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) and the Graduate School, is designed to equip graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and staff with the skills and tools necessary to mentor effectively in research settings. This program focuses on building inclusive mentoring practices based on the curriculum.

Program Overview and Goals

The IRM micro-credential provides structured training to foster self-awareness, inclusivity, and adaptability as a mentor. The program emphasizes practical strategies to:

  • Build strong mentoring relationships that support research development.
  • Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in mentoring practices.
  • Enhance communication and problem-solving strategies for mentor-mentee dynamics.
  • Strengthen mentoring credentials for career advancement in and beyond academia.
  • Create a lasting impact by joining a supportive cohort of mentors committed to continuous learning.

What You’ll Achieve

By completing the program, participants will:

  • Enhance Mentoring Skills – Develop practical strategies for improving communication, setting expectations, and offering constructive feedback.
  • Advance Inclusive Practices – Incorporate DEI principles into mentoring to foster inclusive environments.
  • Develop Leadership Abilities – Learn to guide mentees through research processes while empowering their growth.
  • Expand Career Opportunities – Earn a recognized credential that highlights your mentoring expertise for academic and non-academic roles.
  • Network with Peers – Build connections with fellow participants, creating a collaborative mentoring network.

Program Requirements

To earn your IRM micro-credential, participants must complete the following steps:

1. Mentor Self-Assessment (Pre- and Post-Program)

Purpose: Reflect on personal mentoring practices to identify strengths, growth areas, and goals for development.

  • Complete a pre-assessment survey before starting the program.
  • Engage in a post-assessment reflection to evaluate growth and set intentions for future mentoring practices.
  • Use insights to track progress and focus on areas for improvement.

2. CIMER-Based Training Workshops (8 Modules, 12 Hours Total)

Purpose: Build core mentoring skills through interactive workshops grounded in the CIMER curriculum.

  • Participate in eight interactive training modules offered jointly by the CTL and the Graduate School.
  • Workshops address topics such as:
    • Aligning Expectations and Setting Goals
    • Addressing Equity and Inclusion in Mentoring
    • Managing Difficult Conversations
    • Promoting Independence and Professional Growth

Flexibility: Module substitutions may be made on a case-by-case basis with prior approval.

3. DEI-Focused Training Workshops (3 Workshops)

Purpose: Develop strategies to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into mentoring relationships.

  • Attend three DEI-focused workshops through CTL, CU Dialogues, or other campus programs such as ODECE, OVA, OIEC, CISC, or external programs like .
  • Topics include:
    • Inclusive Communication
    • Recognizing Implicit Bias
    • Building Cultural Competency

Goal: Enhance awareness and implementation of inclusive mentoring practices.

4. Post-Program Self-Reflection

Purpose: Assess growth and identify strategies for continuous improvement.

  • Complete a structured self-reflection to:
    • Evaluate personal mentoring progress.
    • Identify future goals for mentorship development.
    • Create an action plan for implementing lessons learned.

Reflection Focus: Highlight growth areas and actionable next steps to enhance long-term mentoring effectiveness.

5. Advising Agreements and Mentor-Mentee Relationships

Purpose: Establish clear expectations and strengthen mentor-mentee relationships.

For Faculty:

  • Develop advising agreements with mentees, supported by CTL or Graduate School resources.
  • Create agreements tailored to individual mentoring styles and goals.

For Graduate Students:

  • Participate in a campus or community mentorship program.
  • Meet with mentees a minimum of six times per academic year.
  • Provide proof/documentation of engagement.

6. Optional Opportunities for Faculty

Purpose: Expand mentoring practices and gain deeper insights into performance.

  • Request external mentor assessments for additional feedback.
  • Build advising frameworks to formalize mentoring styles.

7. Complete the Exit Survey and Receive Your Digital Badge

Purpose: Reflect on the program and gain formal recognition.

  • Complete an exit survey to evaluate the program and provide feedback for improvement.
  • Receive a digital badge verifying your achievement and outlining the skills developed.
  • Share your badge on LinkedIn, CVs, and personal websites as evidence of your mentoring expertise.

Why Choose the IRM Micro-Credential?

  • Structured Learning: Gain evidence-based mentoring practices grounded in the CIMER curriculum.
  • Inclusive Focus: Learn how to create equitable and supportive mentoring relationships.
  • Professional Recognition: Demonstrate mentoring expertise with a verifiable digital badge.
  • Practical Tools: Develop agreements, frameworks, and strategies you can implement immediately.
  • Career Advancement: Strengthen applications for academic positions and leadership roles.
  • Community Connections: Join a network of peers who value growth and inclusivity in mentoring.

Ready to Get Started?

Visit CTL’s Micro-Credential Programs Page to learn more and enroll today!

Questions? Contact ctl@colorado.edu for assistance.