Arcadia
University Mentor Program Guidelines
Overview
The
Arcadia University Mentor Program will facilitate a developmental relationship
between alumni and current students. Participating alumni will offer
professional expertise and diverse workforce perspectives to current students
looking to develop professional competencies.
Purpose
This
document provides guidelines for Arcadia University sanctioned mentor/mentee
partnerships. The established principles outline the mentorship process and
expectations. The University supports the relationship between the mentor and
mentee for the duration of the formalized process. All communication that
exceeds the pre-established guidelines for the program is under the sole
direction of the individuals involved, independent of Arcadia University.
Responsibilities
of a Mentor
Mentors
are willing to accept the commitment of time and energy to provide support for
a current Arcadia University student. A clear understanding of the mentoring
process will contribute to its success. As participants in the program, mentors
will maintain support and open communication with the mentee. The mentor and
mentee will determine the time commitment and the mode of communication (e.g.
in-person, phone, email, etc.) appropriate to best serve the needs of that
student. Mentors will:
- Initiate contact with the mentee and
communicate three times per semester. A face-to-face meeting is "highly desired and
recommended" because it provides the maximum benefit to both parties, but
is not absolutely required. Mentors and mentees are encouraged to discuss the
issue specifically and work out a mutually agreeable and productive plan for
engaging one another.
- Maintain confidentiality within the
professional relationship and be an active listener.
- Help the mentee identify their
academic and professional goals. Give constructive feedback that can allow the
mentee to grow personally and professionally.
- Assist mentee in identifying how to
access resources that will allow them to build a professional network.
- Promote skill development by
providing their “workplace perspective” based on the mentees established goals
and objectives.
- Encourage independence, an
appreciation for differences, and reflect a positive attitude throughout the
process.
Responsibilities
of a Mentee
Having a supportive mentoring
relationship is beneficial as a student navigates the overall academic
experience, career exploration, and decision-making process. A mentor is a
support and a professional resource, but should not be used for counseling
and/or specific advising purposes. To gain the most out of the relationship,
the mentee must be receptive to what the mentor is sharing. Mentees will:
Assume personal responsibility for their academic and
professional growth.
- Listen and consider different perspectives and paths toward
their goals.
- Be open and committed to the mentoring process, and ask
meaningful questions about their mentor’s career path and decision-making.
- Accept feedback and learn from it, and implement new
knowledge into their academic and professional habits.
- Have realistic expectations of the mentoring relationship,
understanding that networking does not always end with a job offer.
- Arrange opportunities to be in contact with their mentor
based on priorities that make both the mentor and mentee comfortable.
