Frequently Asked Questions:

How does the Mentoring Program work?

Mentors and protégés each go through an orientation process that introduces the program. Mentors are required to participate in a Summer Institute (details below). Protégés are required to have a one-on-one orientation session with the program’s student coordinator. Mentor/protégé orientations are also meant to establish programmatic expectations before formally getting matched. For the protégés, it is also any opportunity for the program to get a better understanding of what he/she is looking for from a mentor and the program.

Mentors and protégés are then paired according to students' academic and life interests and mentor's experiences. Once they meet, they develop a relationship by:

• Regularly meeting and keeping in communication with one another.
• Attending various program events sponsored by the Benjamin Elijah Mays Mentoring Program.

How does the matching process work?

Both new mentor and protégés are asked to complete a profile form. This form is used for the matching process. We try our best to get an understanding of what each party is looking for in a mentoring relationship (remember, mentoring is a two-way road!) and match a protégé to a mentor based on interests and experiences. Please note that the matching process is not an exact science and often can take some time in order to find the best match possible. If you have not gotten an e-mail from the program about your match, it only means that we are still actively and carefully looking!

What do I do once I am matched?

We recommend to protégés and mentors to get in communication (e-mail exchange, phone call, etc.) to set up a first meeting. Many newly matched pairs will attend the next Mays Mentoring Program event as the first meeting. From there, an introduction and conversation about expectations are recommended and then both individuals take it from there!

What if I have questions or concerns?

One of the benefits of participating in a formal mentoring program is that you have a greater support system beyond your mentor/protégé. Mentors can contact the program administrator (Joyce Wang) for any questions or concerns. Protégés primary contact is the student coordinator who is an upper-class Boston College student who is familiar with the program, OASP, the university, as well as mentoring. The Mays Mentoring Program serves as a facilitator and helps mentors and protégés to develop and build their mentoring relationship.

For Protégés:

Where do I start?

Students need to complete the protégé profile form. Once you submit the form, the student coordinator will be contact with you to set up your one-on-one orientation sessions. From there, you will be contacted as soon as we find the right mentor match for you!

Unfortunately, we are currently at the program's capacity. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please feel free to contact the program administrator (wangbf@bc.edu) for more information.

For Mentors:

Where do I start?

Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Institute for the Preparation of Faculty Members: Mentors attend a summer institute to prepare them for the mentoring role. Since mentors and students come from a variety of cultural and racial backgrounds, the institute offers sessions on cross-cultural communications, responsibilities of mentors and techniques for building relationships. All sessions are presented by experts in the field. Current protégés also participate in the institute sharing their stories and describing how mentors have helped them make the transition to university life.

What if I missed the Summer Institute?

Mentors are welcomed to join the program at anytime throughout the year. Although the Summer Institute only occurs in the summer, the program administrator may plan a brief orientation workshop for new mentors who wish to join during the academic year. These orientation workshops usually happen once a semester and last up to an hour. These orientations will introduce the program and communicate mentor/protégé expectations to get mentors started. However, mentors are required to participate in the Summer Institute to officially be part of the program.

Where can I find the Mentor Profile Form?

Here!

Please e-mail the completed form to wangbf@bc.edu. You will be contacted as soon as we have found the right protégé match for you!

Mentoring Resources:

• http://mentoring.org/
• http://mentoringcentral.net/
• http://umbmentoring.org/