The Nisonger Center at OSU

The E-Mentoring Program | E-Mentoring

Use the following mentor links to learn more about the E-Mentoring Program:

Mentor Benefits

E-Mentoring Online Course

Mentor Testimonials

Online Mentor Application

Online Mentor Training

FAQ’s

Mentors

Why be a mentor?

As a mentor to a student with a disability, you can make a difference. The many benefits of becoming a mentor include

Enhancing your own leadership and communication skills.
Establishing a lasting relationship with a student as a guide and advocate for their transition from high school to college and/or work.
Developing a greater understanding and perspective of others’ differences.

A student and her mentor sitting at a table eating pizza

Who is a mentor?

A mentor can be a caring adult who would like to help a young person think critically about their future. We recruit mentors from many places; college campuses, places of employment, community groups, churches, etc. Many are referred by mentors already in the program. Read the testimonials of mentors in the program.

What will I do as a mentor?

After completing the application, background check process, and required training, you will volunteer to correspond with a student via e-mail for one academic year. The e-mail address you will use is secure and monitored through the e-mail system selected by the program instructor. The program consists of students with disabilities from local high schools and community programs. The E-Mentoring Program also has occasional social opportunities where you will be able to meet the students face-to-face during planned activities.

We ask mentors in the program to

Positively encourage the students’ transition goals.
Be a friend and supporter.
Introduce students to new experiences and ideas.
Communicate with students only through the secure e-mail system or during planned program activities.

Time Commitment:

Training and Orientation: 3 to 5 hours prior to program start
Weekly e-mail correspondence: 1 hour per week
Planned social program activities: 6 to 8 hours per year

What do I do next?

If you think you’d like to be a mentor, complete the application and background check forms. After the forms have been submitted, a program instructor will contact you regarding the mentor training. Keep in mind that the screening process takes time. Our program is concerned with the safety and well-being of our participants. While you wait to be matched with a student, continue to read through the information provided on this website.