STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The Penn State College of Communications mentoring program will provide a one-to-one relationship between a College of Communications student and a Communications professional until the student's graduation. The purpose is to provide additional guidance, exposure and information related to that studentŐs pursuit of life goals.

 

THE ROLE OF A MENTOR

 

            Mentors wear many hats. At some point in any mentor relationship, a mentor will be one or more of the things described below. But donŐt be too afraid: chances are likely that you will take on these roles anyway, even if you are not aware of it:

 

            Advocate

            Coach

            Developer of talent

            Friend

            Guide

            Positive role model

            Sponsor

            Trainer

            Career exploration and preparation

            Development of self-esteem and self-confidence

            Life skills training

 

            But even if your relationship consists mostly of e-mails, resolving to regularly e-mail your mentee to find out what he or she is doing can go a long way toward establishing the kind of relationship where the studentŐs potential is fostered.

 

A MENTOR SHOULD NOT

Be inconsistent

Become a crutch

Break confidentiality (except in cases of potential harm to the mentee or other people)

Break promises

Cause friction

Condone negative behavior

Expect too much or too little

Talk down to a mentee

Feel uncomfortable. If anything about the relationship feels uncomfortable, the mentor should contact the mentoring committee to discuss the issue.

 

THE FIVE TASKS OF A MENTOR

1. ESTABLISH A POSITIVE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP

2.  HELP DEVELOP LIFE SKILLS

3. ASSIST THE STUDENT IN OBTAINING ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

4. INCREASE THE STUDENTŐS ABILITIES TO INTERACT WITH OTHER SOCIAL AND           CULTURAL GROUPS

5. DEVELOP COMPETENCIES

           

WHENEVER POSSIBLE É

Identify your menteeŐs talents, strengths and assets.                Create reasonable expectations.

Provide recognition for effort or improvement.                                  Get to the point.

Show appreciation for the contributions of your mentee.                     Respect your menteeŐs views.

Demonstrate confidence and faith in your mentee.                  Display sincere caring.

Value your mentee, no matter how he or she performs.                        Give advice sparingly.

Find and point out positive aspects of behavior.

Suggest small steps in new or difficult tasks.                

Show your mentee how to use mistakes as learning experiences.