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. Here you will find information on what we expect out of our mentors.

Confidentiality

Even though the kind of work we are doing is just tutoring and mentoring, please be mindful of what you may hear.  Trust is such an important part to the mentor/mentee relationship, and if the student is deciding to divulge information to you, they are trusting you with that information.  This information, with a few exceptions, is not meant to be shared with third parties.  As tutors and mentors, we have to keep our students protected.  It is important to keep what you hear to yourself.  Please do not mention the students name or private information with anyone outside of AIR.  The only exceptions of this rule are if you hear about any abuse to the students.  You are a mandatory reporter to child abuse and if you suspect any abuse going on, please direct your concerns to the designated reporter or youth service specialist.

“At Risk” Youth

A lot of the students that you will be dealing with are “at risk.”  “At Risk” youth can be defined as a student who is, “low achievement, retention in grade, behavior problems, poor attendance, low socioeconomic status, and attendance at schools with large numbers of poor students” (Morris, 2000, p.4).  Remember that you may not reach each student that you work with.  Do not feel discouraged!  If you reach only one, then it is all worth it.  With these students, it takes time to earn their trust.  Do not give up!

Responsibilities

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, and act as to treat the students or other participants as inferior.

Show up early

Attend all meetings unless you have given proper notification. You are allowed to miss two meetings.

If you are taking more than 15 units, perhaps you should evaluate your school work load and if being a mentor is going to hinder your success in our classes. We know that school comes first and we want you to succeed in your classes. Please do not hesitate in talking to us if you are overwhelmed!

You may be asked to chaperone on field trips.

Dress appropriately when showing up to student meetings. You are a role model so please dress the part.