Campus Connections Post CC Resources

Mentors are expected to maintain the character and conduct of a positive role model at all times for their mentee. This is particularly important in reference to social media (such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc). Mentors need to be conscious of how they are portrayed in photos, postings, and overall presentation on social media. If the mentor feels that they cannot meet this standard, they should not use this form of communication with their mentee. Mentors who use this type of communication must use this with great care including adjusting their privacy settings and evaluate in general the nature of the content they post on these sites. As a professional, this is an important practice in general.

Mentors should not establish unrealistic expectations or make promises they cannot keep. It is understandable if mentors cannot commit to a certain level of communication after the completion of the Campus Connections program and in fact no continued communication is expected. However, if a mentor does choose to continue communication, it is critical that the mentor be consistent and dependable.

Mentors should remember their role is a mentor and what that means. YOU are in a position of trust, a guide, and role model. You are NOT a counselor, therapist, friend, or someone to have an intimate relationship with. Being clear with yourself and your mentee is critical.

It is acceptable for mentor-mentee pairs to decide to NOT communicate after the completion of Campus Connections or at any time. In this instance, the mentoring relationship must be given a proper closing, with appropriate opportunities for saying goodbye. Mentors should model the healthy closure of a relationship. You will be given opportunities to do this in the final weeks of Campus Connections including letter writing, a graduation ceremony, and other goodbye rituals.

Mentors are expected to keep information that mentees share confidential, as is consistent with the  previous confidentiality agreement for during Campus Connections.

HOWEVER, if the mentee shares anything of concern (i.e. depression, abuse, suicidal thoughts, or harm to self or others) contact a Campus Connections leader immediately to get help with guidance in helping your mentee. This is the same as in the Campus Connections program with the requirement to tell the persons in charge immediately about issues of concern so that professional assessment and intervention can be implemented. This is a time when the information needs to NOT remain  confidential, even if it is several years or semesters after you were in Campus Connections.

If a situation ever does come up you should:

• Listen to the mentee fully and do not ignore the situation.
• Encourage your mentee to talk to their parents, a school counselor, teacher, or other trusted adult
  immediately.
• Contact Campus Connections professional staff for immediate assistance at (970) 492-4004 or (970) 988-9811.
• Inform your mentee of the emergency numbers that will be listed on the Campus Connections website, and encourage them to call.
• CALL 911 if you ever think a mentee is in any danger to self or others.
• CALL the mentee’s parents if you ever think a mentee is in danger to self or others.
• Do not UNDER REACT to worrisome situations TELL SOMEONE!

Mentors NEVER enter into any kind of an intimate or sexual relationship with a mentee. It does not matter if it is two, three, or ten years later, a mentor-mentee relationship can never be anything more.

If a mentee ever begins behaviors that are inappropriate (i.e. expresses liking or loving you, sexual interest in you, flirtation, etc.), put a stop to this immediately. Campus Connections professional staff members are available to brainstorm how to do this.

It is critical that mentees do not mistake your caring for romantic interest. Tell them right way that this is inappropriate and the relationship will be discontinued if they continue. Also let a Campus Connections professional staff member know immediately so we can guide you in successfully resolving the situation. In some cases it may be appropriate for the Campus Connections professional staff to intervene with parents and others as necessary. We can also get the mentee a new mentor if necessary and/or help you end the relationship. You don’t ever want to give off any signals that are in a romantic direction AT ALL.