Texas Association of Collegiate Veteran Program Officials

TACVPO Mentorship Program

 

Introduction

The TACVPO mentorship program enables the cross institutional sharing of corporate knowledge and supports professional development of military affiliated program staff across the state.  While there is a plethora of resources available to support the development of military affiliated program staff, it is often difficult to determine the best place to turn or even what question to ask, especially when you are new to this area.

 

Mission Statement

The mentoring program promotes and supports caring relationships between peer mentors and new school staff members (mentees) working with military affiliated students. Peer mentors extend their knowledge and skills by providing necessary training and guidance to their mentees.

 

Vision Statement

We strive to assist mentees in developing the required knowledge and confidence to serve the military affiliated student community.

 

Objectives

Mentoring provides a special connection based on common goals, expectations, focus, mutual trust, and respect. The development of relationships between mentors and mentees promotes the transfer of knowledge among institutions as well as professional development of both mentors and the mentees.  

 

Specific Program objectives include:

  • Develop relationships between Texas educational institutions.
  • Provide institutional knowledge where staff changes, or other factors may have impacted staff/student success.
  • Provide a safe environment for mentees and mentors to freely share information with one another.
  • Implement continual improvements, incorporating feedback from participants.
  • Ensure mentors remain knowledgeable on relevant changes in federal or state guidelines.
  • All participants must adhere to program guidance and mission.

 

Resources

The TACVPO Mentoring Program is designed to be budget neutral.  The TACVPO board will provide required oversight and commitment of board members to support required program activities. Program management will rely on the established steering committee and volunteers to support the mentoring events and presentations.

Roles and Responsibilities

 

ROLE

RESPONSIBILITY

Program Manager

Primary program responsibility will be assigned to the TACVPO Second Vice President.

Responsibilities will include:

  • Oversee development, implementation, and evaluation of the program.
  • Seek input from member organizations.
  • Development and chair Steering Committee

Steering Committee (Advisory)

 

  • Define the goals and objectives for the mentoring program.
  • Assist with the development, implementation, and evaluation of the program.
  • Provide information to membership to encourage involvement.
  • Review and make thorough and consistent evaluations of the program’s progress.
  • Provide support to guide and direct efforts of mentors and mentees.
  • Create initial mentor/mentee pairings based on compatibility from application forms.
  • Conduct planned activities.
  • Develop criteria and selection process for initial membership of Standing Committee.

 

Standing Committee

  • Provide information to membership to encourage involvement.
  • Review and make thorough and consistent evaluations of the program’s progress.
  • Provide support to guide and direct efforts of mentors and mentees.
  • Create mentor/mentee pairings based on compatibility from application forms.
  • Conduct planned activities.
  • Strive to increase the perception of the mentoring program, increasing participation and program success.

ROLE

RESPONSIBILITY

Mentor

  • Support mentee with information related to military affiliated student support.
  • Provide access and information on available resources.
  • Introduce mentee to other organizations/institutions that may assist with their development or knowledge.
  • Maintain awareness of changes to state and federal requirements.

 

  • Share your experience and professional knowledge.
  • Stay accessible, committed, and engaged during the length of the program.
  • Offer encouragement.
  • Be a resource and a sounding board.
  • Keep your conversations confidential.

 

Mentee

  • Meet with mentor.
  • Provide feedback and recommendations for program improvement.
  • Be proactive about contacting your mentor and requesting meetings.
  • Assume responsibility for acquiring or improving skills and knowledge.
  • Be open and honest about goals, expectations, challenges, and concerns so others can help you.
  • Seek advice, opinion, feedback, and direction from the mentor.
  • Be receptive to constructive criticism/feedback and ask for it.
  • Keep your conversations confidential.
  • Respect the mentor’s time and resources.
  • Stay accessible, committed, and engaged during the length of the program.

 




 

 

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