Introduction

In the Greek myth, Mentor is an old man (Odysseus)，become the teacher and friend of of his son。Mentor means, today，an enlightening master，a teacher and a friend、loyal、wisdom with concern。In Greek history《奥德赛》scenes，Goddess of wisdom and art as a Mentor advises Odyssesus and his son。Mentor then widely accepts as loyalty, reliable and wisdom。

 

Today，Mentor program in college, mentorship in corporations，naming Mentor，in practice, we invite an experienced, senior staff and friend，to advise the young entrants with suitable ideas，bringing in insights。In the college, teacher extends care through wisdom, guidance in the college life。Mentor uses their experience，listens to the youngsters’ worries on a regular basis, advises timely, minimizes detours for the youngster.In search of knowledge or adversities, mentors support the youngster as they confronts obstacles in diversities, stimulates their growth and development. Our dreams today can be the past experience of the mentors, their belief and values.

 

This program operates at UIC (Mentor Caring Programme, MCP)，is an important network that ties students, mentor who represents the college, bridging with senior students as peer mentors, maintains good relationships. At the same time, Mentor will share their precious experience, nurture and promotes the personal growth of the students. Student intakes the guidance and concern from the Mentors, adjust smoothly to the international education module of UIC.

 

This year (2014-2015)，All new students join MCP；they are in one of the 118 groups，guides by a mentor who is a teacher in their own program。Mentor will conduct individual interview, telephone contact and email to keep close concern with the new students, care about their living within the campus, offer support and help. There are 2 to 3 peer mentors who are the senior students of the program, selected and trained to become (Peer Mentor)，liaise the Mentor and Mentees contact, and assist in organizing various activities.

 

MCP objectives

Bridging the communication between the College and the students.

Facilitating the personal growth and development of students by providing concern,   guidance, advice and support.

Enhancing mentors’ effectiveness in communicating with mentees, understanding their problems and needs, and giving help.

Establishing a warm and caring atmosphere in the UIC campus so as to cultivate a sense of belonging.

 

Mentor Roles

 

Observer: To understandthelearningand daily life of mentees, and to identify any problem encountered bythem that needs assistance.

 

Care-giver: To establish a mutual and effective communication with mentees, and toestablish a trusting relationship between mentor-mentee and among mentees so as to create a concerning and supportive atmosphere for facilitating mentees motivation to seek help when needed.

 

Advisor:To give guidance and advices to mentees on their learning and living in UIC.

 

Mediator:Act as the bridge between school and students.

 

Resources Provider: Provide useful information to facilitate the mentee’s adaptation to college life.

 

Peer Mentors

 

Year 2 students;

On voluntary basis;

Make application to CPGU-SAO before the MCP starts, endorsed by the Deans;

Receive training organized by CPGU.

College Role

 

（1）   Support：Student Affairs Office（SAO）offers support and resources to coordinate and administer the entire program

 

（2）    Resources：Provide training and support for Mentors and Peer Mentors

 

Responsibilities of Peer Mentors

 

Provide support, assistance, sharing and advice to new students for their better adaptation to college life;

Provide assistance and support to the mentor in carrying out the MCP;

Under the mentor’s guidance, organize group activities for their members for relationship building.

 

Responsibilities of Mentors

 

See their mentees individually for at least once per semester.

 

Meet the MCP group at least once per semester

 

Keep in touch with the peer mentors on matters relating to the mentees and his/her MCP group.

 

Give guidance, and attend the activities of his/her MCP group organized by peer mentors.

 

Assess the performance of the peer mentors of his/her group and make recommendation to award a certificate to peer mentors.

 

Report to Division / Programme about the progress of the work of MCP at the end of each semester.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MCPRelationship between Mentor and Mentees

 

It is a professional relationship in helping tasks。Egan（2002）states that the best working relationship is the important part of the helping process. Patterson（1985）remarks that relationship is in itself crucial within a process to help people. Good Mentor- mentee relationship is a great platform for students in their interpersonal and emotion learning. Egan recognizes the values define through the helping process is critical. Thus the Mentor’s values influences the Mentees’ values. A Trusting relationship has 3 basic attitudes: （1）congruence,（2）unconditional positive regard，（3）empathic understanding（Corey,1996）

 

Congruence

 

The more the therapist is himself or herself in the relationship, putting up no professional front or personal facade, the greater is the likelihood that the client will change and grow in a constructive manner.

 

Unconditional positive regard

 

creating a climate for change is acceptance, or caring, or prizing.

 

Empathic understanding

 

Mentor senses accurately the feelings and personal meanings that the mentee is experiencing and communicates this understanding to the student.