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MENTORING AT
OSU-MARION
PROJECT ProUD AchieveMent
SUPERVISING
FACULTY:
Ben McCorkle - English Professor -
Email
Chris Daddis - Psychology Professor -
Email |
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So,
you’re thinking about being a mentor . . .
The
Ohio State University at Marion has an expanding
program that benefits students in the public school
system and OSU – Marion students too. A Big
Brothers/Big Sisters staff member will guide you
through the process of volunteering, meeting your
Little and then be available for any questions that
you may have regarding your mentoring experience.
You will meet with your little in a school setting
for one hour each week. You’ll be able to earn 1
credit per quarter of independent study by attending
your mentoring sessions regularly, coming to a few
meetings, and writing a two-page report about your
mentoring activities at the end of each quarter.
You’ll have a great time making a huge difference in
a young person’s life, gain great skills, and earn
academic credit, all at the same time!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What age are the students?
Mentors may choose to work with children from
Kindergarten to high school. We can place you in an
elementary building within Marion City Schools
during the school day, at Grant Middle School in an
after school setting or at Tri-Rivers helping high
school students stay on track.
What kind of training will
I receive before I begin mentoring?
Big Brothers/Big Sisters (BBBS) will provide an
initial training session and a handbook to guide
you. BBBS will match you with a student (a
“little”). At our quarterly mentor meetings, we will
sometimes have short training sessions as well, and
you’ll have an opportunity to learn from other OSU-M
mentors.
How often will I meet with
“my kid”?
We’ll expect you to meet once a week, for about an
hour.
What do I have to do when I
meet with “my kid”?
Your main task is to be supportive and encouraging
to this young person. You’ll be a friend, someone to
communicate with, and someone who shows the child
how much YOU enjoy learning. You’ll help with school
work too – with guidance from the child’s classroom
teacher.
Can I take “my kid” to
events and places outside his/her school?
No, we are required to stay in the school setting.
This is a safety measure that protects both the
children and us. (Big Brothers/Big Sisters does have
a “traditional match” program that allows outside
activities, but this requires further screening and
a one year commitment to the program.)
How do I know if school is
cancelled or “my kid” is absent on the day I’ll be
mentoring?
You will be able to contact the Coordinator from Big
Brothers/Big Sisters and or call the school itself.
The Coordinator and school will have your contact
information so they can let you know of changes.
What do I do if I have to
miss a mentoring session?
Let BBBS and your “little’s” school know (ahead of
time if possible).
Which instructors at OSU-Marion
are offering the independent study courses?
Right now, the instructors are Ben McCorkle
(English), Chris Daddis (Psychology) and Dr. Frank
Proano (Spanish). Other instructors will be offering
this one credit course as we grow the program.
How do I sign up for
mentoring and for the independent study course?
That’s easy: email or call Cindy Creasap at Big
Brothers/Big Sisters, (ccreasap_bbbs@yahoo.com -
740-386-6008). Explain why you want to enroll and if
you want credit in English, Psychology or Spanish.
She will contact the registrar’s office to get you
enrolled and arrange an orientation and interview
time.
What’s the difference
between mentoring and tutoring?
Tutoring means helping someone with school work.
Mentoring includes some tutoring, but stresses your
friendship and support of the young person in a
non-authoritative, encouraging, consistent
relationship. Mentoring strengthens a young person’s
motivation and social skills.
May I sign up for mentoring
more than once?
Yes! In fact we encourage our mentors to consider
forming a relationship that lasts throughout the
school year whenever possible. Ideally,
relationships will carry over from year to year
while you attend OSU – Marion and beyond.
Does mentoring have any
effect on my career opportunities?
Yes. When prospective employers look at your resume
and see that you have been a mentor, it helps them
understand that you are a caring and reliable
individual. They understand you have initiative,
leadership ability, and a willingness to help
others. Then too, for those going into education or
social service work, mentoring is a great way to get
a “feel” for such work.
Contact Big Brothers/Big Sisters
740-386-6008 *
bbbsmarion@yahoo.com to enroll today!
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