Mentor Code of Conduct

This Code exists to:

• protect students and mentors
• maintain a safe and professional environment
• establish clear expectations and boundaries
• support high-quality mentoring practices
• ensure accountability across the program

Mentors are expected to provide structured, respectful, and constructive support to students through approved program activities.

Mentorship may include:

• university application guidance
• interview preparation
• feedback on written materials
• career and pathway discussions
• support with goal-setting and self-expression

Mentors are not expected to provide:

• legal advice
• immigration advice
• mental health treatment
• financial support
• emergency counseling services

Mentors must:

• treat students with respect and professionalism
• maintain appropriate boundaries at all times
• communicate clearly and constructively
• provide honest and responsible feedback
• support students without discrimination or bias
• act in the best interests of student safety and wellbeing

Mentors must not:

• engage in abusive, manipulative, or inappropriate behavior
• pressure students into personal, political, or religious views
• use humiliating or degrading language
• create emotional dependency

All communication with students must occur through approved program channels.

Mentors may communicate only through:

• the official platform
• approved video meeting tools such as Zoom or Google Meet

The following are prohibited:

• private social media contact
• messaging through LINE, WhatsApp, Discord, or similar services
• personal phone or text communication
• private email exchanges outside approved systems

Mentors must not attempt to bypass communication safeguards.

Mentors are expected to:

• prepare appropriately for sessions
• follow the objectives of assigned modules or activities
• maintain a professional and supportive environment
• document session progress where required
• provide actionable and constructive feedback

Mentors should support students in developing:

• self-awareness
• communication skills
• application readiness
• long-term educational and career direction

Mentors must not:

• meet students privately offline
• provide money, gifts, or personal financial support
• request personal favors
• engage in romantic or sexual behavior
• request sensitive personal information unrelated to the program

Any concern regarding student safety or wellbeing must be reported through appropriate safeguarding channels.

Mentors must treat student information responsibly and confidentially.

Information obtained through mentoring must not be shared outside authorized program contexts.

Confidentiality may be limited where:

• safeguarding concerns exist
• escalation is required
• disclosure is required by law

Before working with students, mentors must complete required onboarding and training.

Training may include:

• safeguarding and child protection
• communication and feedback practices
• program structure and progression models
• mentoring expectations and responsibilities

Mentors are expected to continue learning and improving throughout participation in the program.

Mentors may decline or request reassignment from a mentorship relationship where appropriate.

Examples include:

• scheduling limitations
• expertise mismatch
• conflict of interest
• safeguarding concerns
• inability to provide appropriate support

Requests should be communicated through official program channels.

Mentors must not abruptly discontinue communication with students without notifying the organization.

Mentors are expected to report concerns related to:

• student safety
• safeguarding issues
• inappropriate conduct
• harassment or abuse
• serious wellbeing concerns
• policy violations

Reports should be submitted promptly through designated safeguarding contacts.

Violations of this Code may result in:

• warnings
• suspension
• removal from the program
• restriction of platform access
• referral to legal authorities where appropriate

By participating as a mentor, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to follow this Mentor Code of Conduct.