The E-Mentoring Program
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Mentors - FAQs
Please click each question to see its associated answer.
How long does the mentoring relationship last?
How much time is involved in mentoring?
Are mentors and mentees the same gender?
What types of disabilities do the mentees have?
Is there ongoing support for both the mentor and mentee?
What if the mentoring relationship doesn't work out?
How confidential is the mentoring relationship?
What are the goals of the program?
Q: What is e-mentoring?
A: The E-Mentoring Program is an innovative program that connects students with disabilities to mentors who want to help them in their transition to college or employment. Students complete an online course that helps them prepare for their transition while communicating weekly with their mentor by e-mail. In addition to mentoring, the program offers assistive technology support to qualifying students.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: There is no cost to the mentor or mentee.
Q: How long does the mentoring relationship last?
A: Depending on the structure of the individualized E-Mentoring Program, typical programs last at least one school calendar year.
Q: How much time is involved in mentoring?
A: We ask the mentors in the program to commit to at least one hour per week. The mentor training will take 2 -4 hours to complete.
Q: How are mentors trained?
A: The majority of training is completed online. Mentors are asked to attend a Buckeye Mentoring HUB training as well. These trainings are on The Ohio State University campus and last for 2 hours.
Q: Are mentors and mentees the same gender?
A: It depends. Pilot programs have suggested that the mentees prefer the mentors to be of the same gender, but there have also been great mentoring successes with opposite genders. The pilot programs have shown that many successful mentoring relationships include participants who are willing to work hard at making a connection in the relationship.
Q: What types of disabilities do the mentees have?
A: There are many individuals with different types of disabilities that have participated in the E-Mentoring Program. These include: sensory disabilities, physical and mental disabilities, and invisible disabilities.
Q: Is there ongoing support for both the mentor and mentee?
A: Ongoing support is provided for both the mentor and mentee by the program instructor. The online communication is constantly monitored for “red flags” and potential pitfalls. Training can be updated and weekly support is provided via a group listserv to the mentors.
Q: What if the mentoring relationship doesn’t work out?
A: If a specific mentoring match does not work out after coaching and guidance from the program instructor, a re-match can be made.
Q: How confidential is the mentoring relationship?
A: The mentoring communication is kept confidential between the mentor, mentee, and program instructor. The program instructor has access to all online communication in order to assure the safety of all program participants.
Q: What are the goals of the program?
A: The E-Mentoring Program strives to help students:
- Plan for their transition and future educational or career goals.
- Improve self-esteem and social competence.
- Develop skills for everyday life.
- Increase academic motivation.
- Improve reading, writing, and technology skills.
- Enhance leadership and communication skills.
- Develop understanding of others' differences.
- Increase understanding of one's own values, priorities, and perspectives.