Program Expectations
and
Guiding Principles

Program Expectations

  • In general, we do not restrict topics that mentors and mentees discuss as part of their relationships. However, in no circumstances should either party attempt to solicit the other party as part of business development or investment, unless initiated by the other party. Similarly, participants are expected to behave and treat one another professionally and avoid all forms of harassing behavior.

    All participants are expected to be prepared for their interactions. For mentees, this means having specific questions and topics you want to discuss or concrete “asks” for your mentor. For mentors, this means making time available for your mentee, following up in a timely manner on any items agreed upon, being in an appropriate place for the meeting, and avoiding distractions during it.

  • Pairs should establish how they want to meet/interact and there are no expectations or limitations from BAEG’s perspective.

  • Effective mentorship is built on consistent engagement. Therefore, we expect each pair to meet at least six times during the three-month pilot, with a total engagement time of at least three hours. This could mean meeting once every two weeks for at least 30 minutes, ensuring a minimum of one hour of interaction per month.

  • BEAM creates pairs based on various factors, including functional and developmental criteria sought and offered and a mutual willingness to be paired. In this spirit, all participants may decline an initial pairing for whatever reason. However, if a mentor or mentee declines a pairing, BEAM cannot guarantee the availability of an alternate pairing.

    If an ongoing pairing is not functioning well against the program’s guiding principles or if one party no longer wants to continue the relationship, either party can terminate the relationship and inform BEAM. Based on the parties’ feedback to BEAM, BEAM may choose what, if any, remedial action to take, including dismissing a participant from the program. If a relationship is terminated, BEAM cannot guarantee the availability of an alternate pairing.

For Mentors

Bruno Bear Statue in front of Sciences Library on Brown University Campus

Guiding Principles

  1. Clear Expectation Setting: Establish clear objectives, goals, and expectations for the relationship from the beginning to ensure both parties are on the same page.

  2. Focus on the Mentee: The primary role of a mentor is to support and guide the mentee. Always prioritize the mentee's needs and objectives over your own.

  3. Active Listening: Be an attentive and empathetic listener. Understand the mentee's goals, challenges, and concerns before offering advice or guidance.

  4. Advise, Don’t Decide: The mentees make final decisions and actions. A mentor encourages them to think critically and make decisions on their own, not create dependency on your guidance.

  5. Respect Confidentiality: Maintain the confidentiality of your conversations with a mentee. Trust is fundamental to the mentorship relationship.

  6. Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer direct feedback in a constructive and supportive manner. Help the mentee identify areas for improvement or investigation and suggest specific steps to address them.

  7. Share Knowledge and Experience: Share your insights, knowledge, and experiences, but always distinguish between facts and opinions. It's essential to clarify when you're offering subjective advice.

For Mentees

Top of Carrie Tower on Brown University Campus

Guiding Principles

  1. Own Your Development: The mentor is there to guide and support you, but you are choosing what advice and guidance to follow, making your own decisions, and driving your progress. 

  2. Effective Communication: Communicate your goals, expectations, and concerns to your mentor. Be specific and open about your needs.

  3. Active Participation: Actively engage in the mentorship relationship. Come prepared for your meetings, ask questions, and be open to feedback and guidance.

  4. Respect Your Mentor's Time: Value your mentor's time by being punctual, prepared, and respectful during meetings. Be considerate of their commitments.

  5. Seek and Act on Feedback: Be open to constructive feedback and willing to take action on it. Use feedback as a tool for personal and professional growth.