Manhattanville Mentor Program
In keeping with the traditional values and mission of Manhattanville College, the Manhattanville Mentor Program was created to encourage camaraderie, support and success amongst fellow students. The Mentor Program was developed by members of the Enrollment Management Committee to provide an opportunity for students, matched with upperclassmen, to ease the transition process of entering a new and challenging environment. Mentors earn the responsibility of helping to foster the social, intellectual and ethical maturity of every student entering the college and that they are given every opportunity to be fully explored.
To participate in the Manhattanville Mentor Program as a Mentee, students and parents are encouraged to contact Dean Antonio Santiago, Coordinator of the Manhattanville Mentor Program. Students are given an overview of the program regarding expectations and responsibilities of Mentors and Mentees. Mentees will be matched with an upperclassman according to similar academic background and/or interests. It is important that both the mentor and mentee(s) feel comfortable working with each other.
As Midterm reports are generated and distributed, this is a perfect opportunity for students to volunteer as Mentees and for parents to encourage their children to participate in a program that promotes academic success and participation in school based functions and activities. Parents are urged to contact the coordinator of the program to ask questions or to find out how their child can become a mentee entering Manhattanville College as an incoming freshman or transfer student. All inquiries remain confidential as the primary goal for the program is to foster success amongst the students of Manhattanville College.
Mentors establish bonds and relationships with their fellow classmates to facilitate growth and awareness in and around the Manhattanville community; and to strive towards reaching academic excellence in becoming a model citizen for the global community. Mentors maintain ongoing contact with the Coordinator of the Manhattanville Mentor Program to ensure effective communication throughout the semester takes place.
What is a Mentor?
A mentor is a fellow student who takes his/her own experiences in life, school, travel, career field and utilizes these experiences to help guide other students through the same experience. A mentor is someone who, along with other professional staff at Manhattanville College, provides young people with support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement and a constructive example. Mentors are good listeners, people who care, people who want to help young people bring out the strengths they already possess.
Common Characteristics of Mentors are:
- Compassionate
- Understanding
- Motivated
- Energized
- Goal-oriented
- Passionate
- Well-respected
What Mentoring is not
Mentoring is not counseling or psychotherapy. The boundary between mentoring professional development and providing counseling for personal issues is important. Naturally personal issues may arise in the mentoring relationship. The mentor may find it necessary to refer the mentee to another individual for counseling or additional help.
What is my time commitment?
As a mentor you are expected to meet with each mentee for one hour per week. Each mentor is to participate actively in the mentoring process and utilize the time to help the student succeed. Mentors also meet with supervisor once a week to discuss mentees progress or areas of concern that have been raised.
How long is the commitment as a Mentor to the Program?
As a mentor we ask that you commit yourself for a period of two consecutive semesters, beginning in the fall. Reappointment as a mentor is based on a positive evaluation at the end of each semester and continued completion of all requirements.
What happens if I can no longer serve as a Mentor?
If you find that you can no longer continue mentoring, we ask that you inform your supervisor in an appropriate and timely manner and further ask that you take the time to inform your mentees of the situation. The students are aware that you are busy and professional individuals. We are sure they will be grateful for any time you have spent with them. Mentoring does not have to be a lifetime commitment.
How do I develop professional boundaries with a Mentee?
As a mentor you must act as a professional and understand your actions reflect yourself as well as Manhattanville College. The relationship you develop with students can assist or detract from their overall experience. When working with your mentee remember not to do the following:
- Take the place of the student's friends or family.
- Take sides on personal or family issues.
- Attempt to resolve personal or family issues.
- Criticize student's behavior or dress.
- Lend money or giving gifts.
- Forget to return a student's phone call.
- Miss/cancel appointments
- Impose personal values on students.
- Preach or lecture
- Discuss any issues that are uncomfortable for the student.
- Give up on the mentor/ student relationship.
- Become personally involved
A "Good Mentor" is someone who:
- Engages in a positive working relationship with the mentee.
- Gives attention to the mentee during appropriate meeting times
- Has a positive self-esteem about themselves.
- Reacts well to stressful situations.
- Tolerates frustrating situations.
- Listens well.
- Is stable. (Emotionally and physically)
- Is a positive role model and demonstrates leadership qualities.
- Upholds the College Code of Conduct
- Is punctual and meets on a weekly basis with the mentee
- Is willing to serve a minimum of one year in the program
- Is not judgmental.
- Is committed to their education and work related responsibilities.
- Accepts responsibilities.
- Reinforces student’s success.
How do I balance academic needs and my position as a mentor?
At some point each year, the issues of job responsibilities and academic demands may conflict with each other. The mentor program recognizes that the student staff’s academic responsibilities are extremely important since that is the primary reason why students are here. At the same time, student staff is hired to fulfill their job responsibilities and not just when it’s convenient to do so. In order to resolve this conflict mentors must use their time efficiently and plan in advance.
We expect that you will prioritize and manage your time. When you know you have important tasks to focus on, we expect that you have already planned when you will do your studying and that your job will not be sacrificed. If the balancing becomes too much to handle, we ask that you re-evaluate your commitment to your position and talk to your supervisor.
Who do I go to if any issues or concerns arise?
Any questions or concerns you have regarding your mentee(s) or the Mentor program please contact:
Antonio R. Santiago
Assistant Dean for Transfer Students
Founders Hall G-11
914-323-5220
santiagoa@mville.edu
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