FAQ on how to become a mentor

A mentor is a student who volunteers to spend time with a student with a disability with the goal of providing interpersonal support, guidance, role modeling, and friendship.

Q: How much time should I spend with my mentee?

Fortunately, that is up to you!  We ask that you commit to at least contacting your mentee twice a month through phone calls, emails, and face to face activities.  You can certainly do more if you have the time!

Q: What types of activities should I do with my mentee?

Think about things you do with your friends… campus activities, sporting events, shopping, movies, out to eat, grab a coffee, or just study together.

Q: What are my responsibilities as a mentor?

• Attend a Mentor Training
• Respond promptly to phone calls, emails and invitations from your mentee
• Talk with the mentor coordinator once a month to discuss plans and receive support
• Contact your mentee over the Fall and Spring semesters to provide advice, support and activities to help acclimate them to college life
• You are invited to attend various mentor meetings and program-wide events  to get ideas about activities and check in with other mentors

Q: Why should I be a mentor?

You can share your experiences and help others avoid similar obstacles.  It is also a chance for you to develop and improve your organizational and leadership skills.  And, lastly, because it’s FUN!!!  You may find that you get more from the relationship than you give! 

Q: Can I bring a friend when I am with my mentee?

Yes!  Feel free to share your mentor experiences with your friends and encourage them to become a mentor, too!

Q: What should I do if I have any problems with my mentee?

Please feel free to contact the Mentor Coordinator at any time by email or phone to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. The Mentor Coordinator is also available to meet with you and provide any additional training or support you may need.

Q: What challenges might I face when being a mentor?

Creating a new relationship can be awkward at first.  If you put in more effort to communicate with your mentee in the beginning, it will be easier to get to know him/her and establish a connection that may develop into a lasting friendship.  After getting to know your mentee, it will be easier to just “hang out” as friends.

You may need to help your mentee get past his/her “shyness” since college will be a new experience!   This means that you may need to take the initiative to call, email, or text FIRST and encourage your mentee to try new things.  You are his/her link to an enriching college experience, so go for it!

For more information on post secondary education opportunities for students with intellecutal disabilities, go to http://uscm.med.sc.edu/cdrhome/postsecondaryeducation.html