Mentor Application-Contract
(in MS Word)

"Mentors are the foundation of the AIR program."

The AIR program was designed with the ideal that student participants could interact and seek out guidance from college mentors on higher education and their college and university experiences. This ideal is to show the high school students that the mentors themselves come from diverse backgrounds that are similiar in some ways to themselves and not so similiar others. We do not expect our mentors to come from impoverished backgrounds to show motivation but we want to show that our mentors are there (in college) now and are willing to obtain a degree, that in itself is motivation. In other words, it not our backgrounds that causes our successes and failures but it is our outlook and motivation to succeed and that is what we look for in mentors to show the student.

It is essential that the AIR program have good mentors who are enthusiastic and willing to sacrifice their time so that the AIR program is successful.
As mentors we have the opportunity to help promote the success of the high school students both within the high school and the Community College and University environment. The success of the program relies to a large extent on the mentors dedication and willingness to work with the high school students. Therefore, the AIR program requires that the mentors meet a certain standard to help ensure the success of the high school students. These requirements are as follows:

Section 3-001 Whom may be a Mentor

Any Junior College student, University Student, Alumni of any accredited University.

Section 3-002 Junior College and University Mentors

Junior College and University students must be enrolled in at least 3 units.

Section 3-003 Mentor Conduct during AIR meetings with student participants

Mentors should hold themselves to be proper and act with reasonable conduct while in meetings with high school students. Mentors should not:

· Pass notes, talk or whisper to anyone else while someone is talking.
· Eat during the mentor/student meetings so as to cause a distraction to the meeting.
· Use profanity or make derogatory comments to any participants.
· Make any lewd comments or acts toward any participant.
· In any way belittle, put down, act as to treat the students or other participants as inferior.

Section 3-003 Mentor Conduct during AIR meetings with student participants (Continued)

The AIR program in our attempt to remain professional at all times cannot allow any of the proceeding to occur at any time. Mentors should use reasonable behavior under varying circumstances. Do not overreact to certain situations that may cause a reaction from the students. We want to guide the teens into a certain mode and behavior that is acceptable within the higher education arena. Sometimes the students have not had the socialization opportunities as do a majority of those who seek out higher education.

Section 3-004 Application

All mentors must fill out appropriate mentor applications including:

• Emergency contact numbers and course load if a student mentor.

Section 3-005 Contract

All mentors must understand the responsibilities and guidelines of the AIR Program. An orientation will be given to all mentors at the start of each semester. Upon completion of orientation, all mentors must sign a contract demonstrating an understanding of the rules, guidelines and responsibilities of the AIR Program

Section 3-010 Tardiness

Mentors must be on time to all the meetings unless they provide advance notification to Session leader or Administrator.

Section 3-011 Student Mentors and work and class load

Mentors taking more than 15 units or working should evaluate if they can effectively manage both their academic pursuits and be a mentor. Higher education is both important to those attending as well as to those who may soon have that opportunity.

Section 3-012 Approval for use of AIR Program name

In an effort to ensure AIR Program integrity we ask that any use of the AIR Program name, or an association with, be requested through the AIR Programs Board.

 

Section 3-006 Attendance of Meetings

The mentors must make all meetings unless proper notice is given. The mentors are allowed up to two excused absences for general AIR meetings. If continued absences occur, the mentor should evaluate whether they should continue with the program.

Section 3-007 Proper Notification of Absence

Mentors must notify the AIR program Session leader or Administrator by phone call, e-mail, or conversation during the previous AIR meeting or at AIR planning meeting.

Section 3-008 Mentors as Session Leader

Each session will have a session leader that will help run the session. They start the introductions and lead teamwork exercises. He or she will:

Ensure that the sign in sheet is turned in to the administrator. Make sure the time schedule is kept throughout the meetings. Ensure that the students are properly monitored both outside and within the program before and after the program, as long as they are on the campus.

Section 3-009 Mentors as Chaperones

The mentors may be asked to be a chaperone for the busing of students. The mentors may alternate week to week on who will do this.