ARCHES: Advancing the Research Careers of Historically Excluded Scholars

The ARCHES Program (Advancing the Research Careers of Historically Excluded Scholars) is a career development program open to all with a focus on addressing issues faced by historically excluded research faculty. The program was built recognizing that diversity is critical to institutional success and scientific progress, and that representative role models positively impact junior faculty and trainees. It is well known that efforts to recruit and retain historically excluded faculty have been plagued by longstanding challenges. Retaining historically excluded faculty is particularly challenging given implicit biases uniquely faced by historically excluded scientists.

The overarching goal of this program is to focus on and address issues that historically excluded research faculty face, both professionally and personally. We want to understand the issues that limit their ability to become scientific leaders in their fields and be partners in driving systemic policy change that promotes a culture of inclusive excellence. 

To accomplish this goal, we have developed a new Career Development Program open to all and committed to working on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, designed to provide specific activities to address impediments to advancement faced by historically excluded research faculty.

Program Components

ARCHES is a UCSF-wide program designed to address barriers to the career development of historically excluded research faculty. This program is comprised of the following programs and activities:

• Seminars
  • Two quarterly seminar series, one focused on early-career development and the other focused on mid-career development, designed to provide information on advancement, research funding sources, and mentorship
• Mid-Career Program
  • Mid-Career Faculty Development Program: A robust two-year program for three historically excluded research faculty across UCSF who are outstanding mentors. This program includes $75K per year, mentorship, sponsorship, and networking activities. This program is designed for Associate (or early full) Professors in the Ladder Rank, In Residence, and Clinical X research tracks. 
• ​Community Building
  • Community Organized Informal Networking events (COINs): Funding for cross-departmental events for networking, peer mentorship, discussion, socialization, and community-building.
  • Peer-Mentorship Circles: Groups made up of research faculty in similar academic ranks who provide mutual support and guidance.
  • Office Hours: A trusted space to discuss sensitive issues, including career and workplace challenges.