Program Mentor for the BASE Program

Position Title: Program Mentor for the BASE Program 

Goal of the Position: To develop relationships and support students in the BASE Program by promoting independence, positive peer relationships, decision-making, and personal development.

Role: The program mentor’s role is to support their mentees by:

• Meeting with their mentee once a week for one hour for a pre-determined activity
• Supporting the mentee’s development through questioning, goal setting, and planning
• Empowering the mentee to resolve issues by providing guidance towards problem solving and decision making
• Acknowledging the mentee’s strengths and talents and encourage them to find ways to use them
• Being an active listener and providing feedback when appropriate
• Serving as a positive role model
• Connecting them to appropriate campus resources
• When available, attending BASE group events with their mentee to help them engage socially in a group setting

Responsibilities:

• Program mentors will participate in the early move-in process, assisting their mentee(s) in adjusting to campus like or returning to campus as an upperclassman
• Program mentors will meet with their assigned BASE Program participant once a week for one hour, scheduled using the Penji app.
• During this hour, mentors and mentees will engage in an activity they both agree on (study together, eat lunch, attend a campus event together, etc.).
• During their weekly activity, they will conduct a check-in with the BASE Program participant, create goals, offer any life skills or problem-solving guidance, and connect them to any appropriate campus resources.
• After the weekly activity, they will complete a short report that briefly covers your weekly activity
• They will maintain confidentiality of mentees
• They will participate in check-ins with the BASE Program Coordinator at least twice per year
• They will keep the BASE Program Coordinator updated with any concerns or problems
• They will seek assistance if questions arise that they cannot answer

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA
• A desire to help peers navigate the demands of college
• A willingness to provide emotional, social, and practical support within limits
• Knowledge of one’s boundaries and the ability to set limits with others
• A willingness to learn and implement current and best practices in working with a neuro-diverse population

Time Commitment and Details:

• Mentors must commit to a minimum time commitment of one hour per week per mentee.
• Mentors may spend additional time with their mentee(s) as needed, but no more than six hours per week.
• The day and time of the weekly activity is determined by the program mentor and mentee to allow them to find a time that works with both schedules.
• Mentors should be available by phone/email contact within reason.
• Mentors must engage in a minimum of two check-in meetings with the BASE Program Coordinator per semester.
• Program mentors may be required to arrive to campus 1-3 days before first-year fall semester move-in.
• Program mentors will be expected to work both Fall and Spring semesters. They are not expected to work over breaks.

Supervision/Training:

• Program mentors will be supervised by the BASE Program Coordinator.
• Program mentors will have a training at the beginning of both Fall and Spring semester (paid).

Benefits:

• A wonderful addition to your resume
• Great experience for those pursuing Special Education, Secondary Education, Mental Health Care, Occupational Therapy, or Academic Advising.
• Learn more about yourself and engage in personal growth
• Contribute to the Bridgewater College community