The mentor program will run on an annual basis, from August-July.

By applying and being accepted to the program, both the mentor and mentee commit to meet (virtually or in-person, if able) for one hour, once a month for the duration of the program. The program committee will provide discussion prompts once a month to supplement the conversation, but each pairing may choose to discuss additional content if they choose. If the matched pair seeks to connect more regularly, they may choose to do so at their own discretion. At the conclusion of the program, all formal mentor/mentee assignments are dissolved. The mentor and mentee may choose to continue meeting informally if both parties wish to, but it will not be guided by the mentoring program.

Mentors and mentees may reach out to the program committee at any time during the program to ask questions or share concerns. The committee will do their best to address any issues in a timely manner. The program committee will send out surveys periodically throughout the program (See Evaluation).

While every effort will be made to pair mentors and mentees with related expertise and interests, the program committee acknowledges that there may be circumstances where a match might need to be dissolved (e.g. unexpected life emergencies, interpersonal conflict, etc.). In the event that an individual feels they need to be removed from the program, they should contact the program committee immediately. Due to the time involved in the matching process, the program committee cannot provide a new mentor/mentee in the event of a dissolved pairing.

In order to continue to improve upon the program itself, the program committee will seek feedback at multiple stages:

• Pre-program: Mentees will receive a pre-program survey inquiring about their goals and current knowledge levels.

• Mid-point: The program committee will formally check in with both mentors and mentees individually half way through the program. This is an opportunity to let the committee know of any successes or concerns with their pairing or the program itself.

• Wrap-up: At the conclusion of the program, individuals will be sent a final survey to determine the efficacy of the program, satisfaction, and, for mentees, a follow up on knowledge levels after their mentoring experience.

• Mentors may volunteer based on comfort level with their professional experience.

• At minimum, mentor assignments require a time commitment of approximately 1 hour per month.

• Mentors are expected to initiate the required mentoring meetings with your mentee each month. Both parties should agree to set aside a specific time to meet each month to ensure consistency and participation. Additional meetings may be agreed upon by the party at their discretion.

• At the initial meeting, mentors should discuss expectations with their mentee to ensure both parties clearly understand what they hope to accomplish and their communication preferences.

• At each meeting, mentors may discuss suggested topics provided by program committee but may also discuss topics based upon mentee’s individual needs.

• Make yourself available to answer mentee questions.

• Be prepared to provide constructive feedback.

• Mentor agrees to contact the program committee in the event of potential need to drop out (i.e. personal emergency, mentee is failing to engage, etc.).

• At minimum, mentee assignments require a time commitment of approximately 1 hour per month. Both parties should agree to set aside a specific time to meet each month to ensure consistency and participation. Mentees may seek out additional assistance throughout the program but additional meetings must be mutually agreed upon.

• At each meeting, mentees should come prepared to discuss suggested topics provided by program committee or come with questions and concerns based on their own needs.

• Mentees should remember these meetings are collaborative conversations and not lectures, the meeting with the mentor should be a discussion guided by both the mentor and mentee.

• Mentoring is intended to assist in personal growth. Mentees should be prepared to accept constructive feedback at times.

• Mentee agrees to contact the program committee in the event of potential need to drop out (i.e. personal emergency, mentor failing to engage, etc.).