Changing Lanes Mentoring Program

1. Changing Lanes MentoringProgram Mentor Orientation Fall 2008 Office of Retention and Academic Support

2. Introduction The Changing Lanes Mentoring Program is designed to increase student retention and create a more engaged, inclusive and responsive University community. Your choice to serve as a mentor to AAMU students carries important responsibilities. Mentoring brings value to the mentor, the mentee and the University.

3. What is Mentoring? • Mentoring is a relationship that helps an individual to grow and develop. • When done well, it; • fosters students’ engagement. • provides a support base and a sounding board for mentees. • helps students navigate the system which can be overwhelming. • Is a two way relationship. (Adopted from Texas State University)

4. Myths About Mentoring Programs • Requires significant resources. • Just happens naturally. • It is really not necessary. • Can’t measure impact. (Adopted from Texas State University)

5. How Can You Help a Student Succeed • Make suggestions to improve study skills. • Offer alternative perspective. • Assist in improving challenges. • Help mentee in becoming a problem solver. • Encourage goal setting and goal orientated behavior. • Discuss graduate school & career options.

6. Proactively maintain contact via face-to-face visits, emails, or telephone conversations. Encourage open communication. Provide timely follow up to mentees’ concerns. Actively listen and give thoughtful feedback and guidance. Maintain privacy and strict confidentiality. Be available for your mentees. Engage regularly with your mentees. Motivate your mentees to achieve academic success. Serve as a resource for your mentees. Refer your mentees to appropriate on- or off-campus resource offices. Mentor Roles

7. Mentor Responsibilities • Keep the Changing Lanes staff aware of any or all information relevant to the success of the program and your mentees. • Serve as a liaison between your mentees and other areas of the University when necessary (administrative support areas, faculty, staff, etc.). • Provide a positive and supportive environment, as a representative of the University.

8. Tips for Initial Contact • Discuss with mentee each other expectations of the relationship. • Clarify limits. • Share the benefits each of you bring. • Discuss how to deal with confidentiality. • Discuss the methods of contact. • Determine the best time to contact each other. • Exchange personal information (emails etc.) ( adopted from engr.scsu.edu)

9. Mentoring Benefits • Helps connect faculty, staff & peer mentors with students more directly. • Helps mentors understand problems/issues from the mentees’ point of view. • Peer mentors feel needed/valued and are retained. • Encourages effective and open communication. (adopted from Texas State University)

10. Mentoring Benefits for Mentees • Helps students feel connected & confident. • Provides role models. • Increases retention. • Produces higher GPAs. • Increases students engagement.

11. Sample Engagement Opportunities • Student activities-sponsored activities • Weekly connections ( face-to-face, phone, e-mail ). • Various university events. • Athletic activities. • Lunch. • Other suggestions? (Adopted from Texas State University)

12. Mentor Responsibilities • Attend at least three events during the fall and spring semesters. (refer to the schedule of campus event http://www.aamu.edu/changinglanes) • Maintain contact with your mentees during the summer session via email, telephone. • Refer students to campus services.

13. Academic Advising Office of Retention & Academic Support Financial Aid Office of Student Activities Career Development Services Counseling Center Dean of Students Office Registrar’s Office Special Student Services Public Safety (Police) Counseling and Development Judicial Affairs Office Student Health Center Student Government Association Student Housing Residential Life Top 15 Offices to Help Mentees

14. Legal Issues in Mentoring • Mentors cannot use their positions to coerce mentees into unacceptable behaviors, relationships or activities. • Mentors cannot use their relationships to propagate beliefs or opinions. • Information shared that is life treating, criminal or a threat to safety should be reported to the appropriate authorities. (adopted from the Ohio State University)

15. The Privacy of student Records • FERPA allows schools to disclose records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31): • School officials with legitimate educational interest;To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, • Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies, and • State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law. (Adopted from http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html)

16. Final Tips • Have realistic expectations. • Don’t expect an instant connection • All matches are not made in heaven (re-matching). • Provide suggestions for improvement. • Do not loan your mentee money. • Do not try to solve all your mentees problem. • Refer them to the appropriate services. • Always meet in the public domain or in a group. (Adopted from Texas State University)

17. Things To Remember As a mentor, you are a vital asset to the enrichment and development of Alabama A & M University students and the community. Thank you for your service and your commitment to the success of the leaders of tomorrow. Please click here to confirm that you have read the presentation. Questions/Comments? Contact Howard Wright Ph: 256.372-5493 Email: Howard.Wright@aamu.edu or Log on to aamu.edu/changinglanes