Becoming a Mentor in the New-Licensee Mentoring Program
1. What are the key responsibilities of mentors in the program?
Guided by a curriculum, mentors are responsible for supporting and providing feedback to mentees. Key mentor responsibilities include:
- Leading all group mentoring meetings and feedback sessions.
- Recording attendance at each meeting.
- Assessing and documenting mentee progress.
- Submitting grades for each assessment.
- Offering experience-based insights.
2. What is the expected time commitment for mentors?
Mentors' time commitment may vary depending on mentee needs. The program requires mentors to attend and lead 10 group mentoring meetings and feedback sessions. Each meeting will last 1.5-2 hours, and mentors will choose from pre-scheduled time options. Mentors are also required to commit 2-3 hours weekly to grade mentee assessment submissions.
The College estimates a maximum of 60 hours over the program duration.
3. Are the group mentoring meetings mandatory?
Yes, group and feedback meetings are mandatory. They are important touchpoints for mentor-mentee interaction and collaboration. Meetings also provide opportunities for mentors to discuss progress, address challenges, set goals and guide mentees.
There are 10 pre-scheduled meetings throughout the program, each focusing on specific program themes and objectives.
4. What resources are available to support mentors?
Mentors are provided with program resources and training materials. For example, in MentorCity, mentors have access to a Mentor’s Guide – Navigating Your Role, Assessment Upload Guide, Mentor’s Guide to the New-Licensee Mentoring Program and FAQ-Mentors.
Additionally, mentors can leverage their knowledge, expertise and professional network to provide valuable insights to support mentees.
5. What is the difference between being an instructor and a mentor?
The role of an instructor is to deliver the curriculum and teach specific skills. A mentor provides lived experience and practical insights to help mentees apply their learnings.
6. Are mentors permitted to connect with mentees outside of the program? What should a mentor do if a mentee requests assistance with a real-life case?
No, mentors are not permitted to give legal advice to mentees during the program. Mentors should review the Code of Professional Conduct, including Sections 15 and 28, for guidance on when to offer support.
Also, mentors must only use the College’s online learning platform for all information and communications with mentees throughout the program. In particular, mentors are prohibited from communicating with mentees by text message, personal email address or otherwise.
If you have further questions, contact mentoring-mentorat@college-ic.ca.