Illinois Leaders Sponsorship Program (ILSP)

What is the Illinois Leaders Sponsorship Program?

The Illinois Leaders Sponsorship program is based on recommendations by the Gender Inclusive Leadership Council, a gender diverse group of people from all three universities across a variety of disciplines and leadership roles. The Council came together to meet monthly for a year to discuss barriers, challenges, and strategies for advancing more inclusive leadership. We identified key obstacles, including pay inequity, racism, sexism, and disparate expectations for performance. Out of these discussions came the recommendation that we create opportunities for two groups of people, one consisting of current high-level leaders, and the other consisting of rising, underrecognized or underrepresented leaders.

The Illinois Leaders Sponsorship Program (ILSP) is a direct path of action to address disparities in representation in higher leadership across the three universities. The program brings together more senior leaders with aspiring leaders who can benefit from a relationship with a sponsor. The ILSP was implemented by a working group from the Gender Inclusive Leadership Council, including the Council Chair, Executive Associate Dean of LAS at Urbana, Wendy Heller; Associate Vice President for Academic Initiatives and Policies, Sarah Zehr Gantz; and graduate research assistant Haley West.

After attending the sponsorship session in the fall, you will have the opportunity to nominate and sponsor a rising leader (called a fellow) in the ILSP program in the spring semester. The ILSP consists of 3 sessions: two will be virtual, and one will be in person at your university. During each session you will have time to meet with your fellow, and we encourage meetings outside of these sessions as well. The first meeting will serve as an introduction to your fellow and the program, with the opportunity to review goals and important information with your fellow. The second meeting will consist of informative breakout sessions on topics chosen by the group, and the third meeting will be an in person fireside chat with your university leadership that takes place on your campus. Past sessions have featured comments and discussion with chancellors and provosts from each university.

What is Sponsorship?

In the academic world, the concepts of sponsorship, mentorship, and coaching are often used interchangeably. There is some overlap, but each one serves a distinct role in professional development. Understanding these differences is crucial for fostering talent and advancing careers, especially within academic institutions.

A nested diagram shows the nested relationship between Sponsorship, Mentorship, and Coaching.

Coaching

The innermost level, characterized as follows:

  • Structured relationship to enhance specific skills, achieve professional goals
  • Goal-oriented and time-bound, developing particular competencies

Mentorship

Contains Coaching and is additionally characterized as follows:

  • Guidance, advice, and support to help develop skills and navigate a career path
  • Focused on personal and professional growth based on experienced

Sponsorship

High-level active advocacy. Contains Mentorship and Coaching and is additionally characterized as follows:

  • Using your own influence to promote and open doors for another
  • Actively position another for high-visibility opportunities, promotions, and leadership roles

end description

In summary, while mentorship and coaching provide essential guidance and skill development, sponsorship is a strategic and powerful mechanism that directly impacts an individual's career trajectory by leveraging the sponsor’s influence and network. For academic leaders, recognizing and actively engaging in sponsorship can be a transformative way to cultivate future leaders within the institution.