Academy Mentors
Academy Mentors offer guidance, advice and feedback to institutions in the Assessment Academy and Student Success Academy. Mentors work with institutions throughout the Academy experience to assist the development of projects related to assessment or student success.
Primary Mentors
Mentors and Academy teams are matched based on the background of the mentor and the needs of the teams.
Responsibilities of the Primary Mentor include but are not limited to the following:
SparQ
Primary Mentors and their assigned Academy teams interact throughout the Academy experience using SparQ, the Academies’ online tool for tool for project management and resource sharing.
The role of the Primary Mentor in SparQ is to:
- Read and respond to updates submitted by assigned Academy teams.
- Provide a Results Response to each assigned Academy team at the end of the program.
- Track additional points of contact with Academy teams.
Mentor Consultations
Through virtual meetings scheduled at key points in the Academy cycle, the team consults with the Primary Mentor to discuss the development of its project and prepare for the final year of the Academy.
The role of the Primary Mentor in the consultations is to:
- Review the Academy team’s progress.
- Offer feedback and strategies for developing and sustaining the Academy Project and continuing efforts after the Academy experience is complete.
Event Facilitation
Mentors may also be invited to offer Academy teams guidance and feedback as facilitators at Academy events. Event Facilitators are chosen prior to each event based on the need of HLC and participating Academy teams.
The role of the Event Facilitator is to:
- Read materials provided by each assigned Academy team to understand where the institution is with the development or implementation of its project.
- Use exercises, prompts and questions to facilitate discussions on project development.
- Participate in opening and closing sessions, conversations and presentations on special topics, and poster sessions.
- Participate in evening debriefs with HLC staff.
Service
Periodically, HLC seeks new Primary Mentors. The ideal mentor has experience in the assessment of student learning or student success efforts and has been working in the field for at least five years.
Training
Prior to being assigned to work with Academy teams, Primary Mentors must complete in-person training on mentoring and event facilitation. After the initial training, mentors are expected to complete biennial in-person training as well as periodic webinar trainings to remain current on policies and procedures.
Honoraria
Mentors and Event Facilitators receive honoraria from HLC for completing specified Academy activities. The institution reimburses mentors for travel and lodging expenses for any trips made to the institution as part of the Academy program.
