Expectations for College Mentors

1.) Abide by program time commitments. We will provide you a calendar with the dates and times of each session you have committed to attend. It may be helpful to write them down in your planner. If there are ever any changes to the schedule, we will inform you via e-mail or voice mail or in person. As a College Mentor, a large portion of your time will be consumed by your work with FFYP on the days you are scheduled to volunteer. Organize and prepare your time wisely. The kids are counting on you, and we are not able to provide the best services possible if you are not there. When you commit to being a College Mentor, you are commiting to the following:

College Mentor Training (approximately 3 hours)
One on-site session per week for a semester (4-5 hours)
Two Reflection Sessions (1 hour each)

2.) Model positive behavior. You are a role model for our student participants, and it is imperative that you set an example of respect and engagement at all times. Here are some of examples of how you can model positive behavior:

Listen actively
Be fair and consistent
Care
Acknowledge common bonds
Empower others
Empathize
Participate enthusiastically
Share from your own experience (without taking the focus off the students)
Show respect for others, even those with whom you disagree

3.) Help with logistics. This includes set-up, sign-in, getting name tags, transition times, accompanying students as needed, cleaning up, etc.

4.) Take on additional roles as needed. Be prepared to use and develop your leadership skills, and please offer to help when your skills fit the situation. You may be asked to:

Collaborate to plan workshops and activities
Assist in solving conflicts between students.
Lead workshops or activities
Use your unique skills (foreign language, math, etc.) to help a specific student
Step out of your comfort zone in order to better serve our students and help you grow!

5.) Recognize that the more you put into this program, the more you will get out of it!