Berhampore Girls' College Mentorship Policy Document
Objective:
This Mentorship Policy outlines the framework for implementing both Cross Mentoring and Direct Mentoring at Berhampore Girls' College. The objective is to provide structured guidance to students by leveraging the knowledge, skills, and experience of faculty and peers. This policy aims to foster academic excellence, personal growth, career development, and leadership skills among students.
1. Types of Mentoring
a. Cross Mentoring
Definition: Cross-mentoring involves pairing students with faculty or senior students from a different department or discipline. This provides mentees with a broader perspective, fosters interdisciplinary learning, and enhances their problem-solving skills.
Benefits:
Exposure to different academic perspectives.
Enhanced networking opportunities across departments.
Promotes peer learning and collaboration.
Target Group:
Senior students mentoring junior students from a different stream.
Faculty members mentor students from a department other than their own.
b. Direct Mentoring
Definition: Direct mentoring involves a one-on-one relationship between a student and a faculty member from the same department or a senior student. This approach focuses on the direct development of academic and professional skills related to the student’s field of study.
Benefits:
Focused academic and career guidance.
Builds strong, long-term mentorship relationships.
Personalized attention to individual academic challenges.
Target Group:
Faculty members mentor students from their departments.
Senior students are mentoring juniors from the same academic program.
2. Roles and Responsibilities
a. Mentor Responsibilities
- Guide academic and career planning.
- Assist in setting realistic academic and personal goals.
- Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Facilitate access to resources, such as internships or research opportunities.
- Offer emotional and motivational support.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
b. Mentee Responsibilities
- Take ownership of their personal and academic growth.
- Regularly communicate with the mentor and seek advice.
- Be open to feedback and constructive criticism.
- Actively participate in mentorship meetings or activities.
- Respect the time and effort invested by the mentor.
3. Mentorship Program Structure
a. Mentorship Pairing
Cross Mentoring: Students are paired with mentors from different departments based on availability and the student’s area of interest.
Direct Mentoring: Students are paired with faculty members or senior students within their own department.
b. Duration of Mentorship
Cross Mentoring: Typically lasts for one academic year, with the option to extend based on mutual agreement.
Direct Mentoring: This may last the entire student’s academic program, but formal reviews will be conducted annually.
c. Mentorship Meetings
Frequency: Mentors and mentees should meet at least once a month.
Format: Meetings can be held in person or virtually, depending on availability.
Documentation: Mentees should maintain a log of meetings and key takeaways to track progress.
4. Selection criteria for Mentors and Mentees
a. Mentor Selection
Faculty Mentors: Should have at least three years of teaching experience and be willing to dedicate time to mentorship.
Senior Student Mentors: Must be in their final year or have an exemplary academic record and demonstrate leadership skills.
b. Mentee Selection
All students are eligible to participate in the mentoring program. Mentees will be matched with mentors based on their academic interests, career goals, and personal development needs.
5. Program Evaluation and Feedback
Feedback Mechanism: Mentees will be asked to complete feedback forms at the end of each academic term to evaluate the effectiveness of the mentorship.
Program Review: The mentorship program will be reviewed annually to ensure alignment with students' needs and institutional goals. Based on the feedback received, adjustments will be made to improve the process.
6. Code of Conduct
Both mentors and mentees must maintain professionalism, respect, and confidentiality in all interactions.
Any conflicts or grievances should be reported to the Mentorship Program Coordinator for resolution.
Discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.
7. Confidentiality and Ethics
Personal or sensitive information shared within the mentorship relationship should remain confidential.
Mentors should avoid any conflict of interest and maintain an ethical approach throughout the mentoring relationship.
8. Support and Resources
Berhampore Girls' College will provide necessary resources, such as training workshops, templates for goal setting, and regular check-ins to support both mentors and mentees.
Additional academic or career counselling services may be available as needed.
9. Mentorship Program Coordinator
A designated faculty member will serve as the Mentorship Program Coordinator, responsible for overseeing the implementation, resolving conflicts, and ensuring the program’s success.
10. Contact Information
For any queries or concerns regarding the mentoring program, students and faculty may contact the Mentorship Program Coordinator at:
Email: mentorship@berhamporegirlscollege.ac.in
Phone: +91 8016474054
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 10.30 AM 4 PM
Conclusion:
The Cross Mentoring and Direct Mentoring programs at Berhampore Girls' College aim to create a supportive and collaborative academic environment where students can thrive. The college hopes to enhance students’ academic performance, career readiness, and personal growth by fostering meaningful mentor-mentee relationships.
