International Student Mentorship Program
Mentor Guidelines: Do’s and Don’ts
- You will be provided with a list of campus resources. Please use this list; do not try to solve all of your mentee’s issues alone. You may contact the International Centre if any problems arise.
- You are not required to be an academic tutor. Please refer your mentee to the appropriate department to seek a tutor.
- You are not required to provide academic advising. Please refrain from advising your mentees on course selection. If they require assistance in this area you may refer (or accompany) them to the Academic Advisor.
- You are not responsible for providing personal counseling, please speak to the International Centre or refer your mentee to a Student Development Counselor at the Wellness Center.
- You should refrain from advising your mentee on immigration issues. Please refer them to the International Centre for any questions or concerns they may have.
- Plan your meetings in advance. Do not cancel plans with your mentee at the last minute. Please respect their time.
- Honor your commitment; please complete the required components of the ISM program.
- Speak with you mentee about any issues and challenges they may be facing and provide support where possible. Do not discuss your mentees personal issues with anyone other than your mentee or the International Centre; please respect the confidentiality agreement.
- Offer tips on how to use the library or direct your mentee to a library information session. Do not help your mentee write reports or complete assignments.
- Do not assume that email is the best form of contact; please discuss this issue with your mentee and establish the best form of communication (email, Facebook, MSN, phone, texting, etc).
- Meet with other mentee/mentor pairs! You don’t have to limit your meetings to only one-on-one interactions