gap mentee handbook 2015-2016
DESCRIPTION
GAP Mentee Handbook 2015-2016TRANSCRIPT
2015-2016
GAP Mentee Handbook
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Contents WELCOME TO THE GLOBAL AMBASSADORS PROGRAM (GAP)! ...................................... 2
ABOUT THE GLOBAL AMBASSADORS PROGRAM (GAP) ................................................... 3
GAP Mission........................................................................................................................... 3
GAP Goals and Objectives ..................................................................................................... 3
Organization of GAP ............................................................................................................... 3
BEING A GAP MENTEE ........................................................................................................... 3
GAP Mentee Responsibilities ................................................................................................. 4
GAP Mentee Expectations ...................................................................................................... 4
Skills that You will Develop as a Result of Being a Mentee ..................................................... 4
GLOBAL AMBASSADORS PROGRAM ACTIVITIES ............................................................... 5
Summer GAP Pairing Responsibilities – “Ambassador Asks” ................................................. 5
Fall GAP Pairing Responsibilities – Ambassador Activities ................................................... 6
Completing “Ambassador Asks” and Ambassador Activities ................................................... 6
Fall Campus Events to Look Forward To ............................................................................... 7
GAP MENTEE REMINDERS ..................................................................................................... 8
When you meet your GAP Mentor, be sure to ........................................................................ 8
Cultural Differences Should be Respected ............................................................................. 8
Tips for GAP Mentors ............................................................................................................. 8
GAP Program FAQs ............................................................................................................... 9
GAP PAIRING RESOURCES ...................................................................................................10
CAMPUS RESOURCES ...........................................................................................................10
MENTORING DO’S AND DON’TS ...........................................................................................11
Campus Resources ...............................................................................................................13
GAP CONTACTS .....................................................................................................................13
Online Resources: .................................................................................................................13
GAP Contracts ..................................................................................................................... 14
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Welcome to the Global Ambassadors Program (GAP)!
Congratulations on your acceptance into UC San Diego and welcome to the Triton Family! The
Global Ambassadors Program (GAP) is a peer mentoring program designed to assist incoming
undergraduate international and out-of-state students in acclimating to a new environment and
making a smooth transition into university life. GAP Mentors provide friendly support in order to
engage our undergraduate non-resident students and help them create solid relationships within
the UC San Diego campus. The program will pair 1 incoming undergraduate international or out-
of-state student with 1 current UC San Diego student mentor in order to encourage cross-
cultural exploration and create a positive transition process for incoming students.
"Culture shock" is a real phenomenon experienced by many international and out-of-state
students as they come to UC San Diego and adjust to a new environment, climate, diet, culture,
country and/or state, and institutional rules and regulations. GAP Mentors share their
experiences and insights about campus life to help ease the transition and allow incoming
undergraduate non-resident students take advantage of all the resources and fun events that
UC San Diego has to offer!
GAP Mentors introduce incoming international and out-of-state students to life at UCSD
through:
Pre-arrival Communication
Peer Mentoring
Campus Life and Academic Workshops
Social Gatherings
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ABOUT THE GLOBAL AMBASSADORS PROGRAM (GAP)
GAP Mission
Global Ambassadors Program (GAP) is a bridge program that connects committed student
mentors with incoming international and out-of-state students to assist them with a smooth
transition into university life. GAP provides engaging cultural experiences, academic and social
support, and long-lasting friendships. By sharing experiences and insights, Mentors can
enhance the quality of the academic, social, and professional success of non-resident students.
GAP Goals and Objectives:
To help incoming international and out-of-state students smoothly transition into UCSD
campus life and effectively adjust to California culture
To introduce incoming students to campus resources that will assist in their academic,
personal, and professional success at UC San Diego
To help incoming students actively engage in student life activities and encourage
involvement in extra-curricular clubs to enhance student satisfaction level and sense of
belonging to UC San Diego
To allow an opportunity for leadership development and foster global understanding for
GAP Mentors
To facilitate foundations for long-term friendship and cross-cultural exploration between
GAP pairings
Organization of GAP
GAP Mentors (current UCSD students) are paired with incoming international or out-of-state
students and are encouraged to help their Mentees transition to life at UC San Diego and the
San Diego community at large.
**Note: Some Mentees may have two Mentors depending upon application requests. If you
have two Mentors, feel free to either work together or separate for some events and activities.**
BEING A GAP MENTEE
A mentor is defined by Merriam-Webster as a “trusted guide.” GAP Mentors are current UCSD
students who will be guide mentees through their adjustments to UC San Diego. Have
questions about UCSD? Nervous about coming to college? Want to make friends? Interested in
learning about campus life? Talk with your GAP Mentor! GAP Mentors will provide friendly
support in order to engage incoming undergraduate non-resident students and help them create
solid relationships within the UC San Diego campus. They will rely on their own personal
experiences and give you advice on how to be successful as a student at UC San Diego.
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Most of all, HAVE FUN! Enjoy getting to meet new people, learn about campus resources, and
engage in campus activities!
GAP Mentee Responsibilities:
GAP is a voluntary position for students to be paired with current UCSD students to receive
advice and be connected to campus life. GAP Mentee responsibilities are as follows:
Maintain regular contact with GAP Leads & assigned GAP Mentor
Maintain a strong academic standing and balance your responsibilities as a GAP Mentee
and UCSD student
Maintain communication with your GAP Mentor regularly via phone, e-mail, Facebook, or
whatever works best
Complete all required “Ambassador Asks” and Activities with your GAP Mentor
Attend as many campus events and resources with your GAP Mentor as possible
Ask your GAP Mentor questions, learn about campus resources, and attend campus
events
GAP Mentee Expectations:
YOU have signed up to participate as a GAP Mentee so we expect that you:
Follow and fulfill all GAP Program requirements
Befriend your GAP Mentor – Maintain regular contact!
Engage in meaningful conversations
Ask questions about campus life to your GAP Mentor
Accept advice from your GAP Mentor based on his/her personal experiences at UCSD
Attend as many campus events and resources with your GAP Mentor as possible
Maintain a positive attitude about GAP and UCSD!
Have fun!
Skills that You will Develop as a Result of Being a GAP Mentee:
1. Realize the value of community involvement and participation
2. Expand awareness of UC San Diego resources and San Diego attractions
3. Improve listening skills, communication skills, and networking skills
4. Boost confidence and build friendship across culture
5. Develop interpersonal communication skills
6. Enhanced self-efficacy of inter-cultural experience
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GLOBAL AMBASSADORS PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
GAP Mentors will provide frequent, informal guidance and social, academic, and educational
support to incoming student Mentees. GAP Mentors and incoming student Mentees are
expected to communicate over the summer and meet regularly throughout the fall quarter.
During these regular gatherings, mentees can pose questions and gain insight from their mentor
about campus life and resources.
GAP participants are encouraged to engage in as many activities as possible to enhance the
benefits and relationships gained from this mentorship program. GAP pairings will be required to
complete a set list of requirements over the summer (pre-arrival) and during fall quarter. Proof of
participation will include completion of an Ambassador Activity Album Report and a photo of
GAP pairings engaged at the activity or event (fall quarter only). The goal of completing these
activities is to introduce campus departments, encourage campus involvement, and build
trusting relationships. Pairings who have participated in the most Ambassador Activities at the
end of fall quarter will be awarded a prize and recognized for their outstanding efforts within the
GAP program!
Summer GAP Pairing Responsibilities – “Ambassador Asks”:
GAP pairings will introduce themselves and communicate “virtually” regularly over the
summer via phone, e-mail, Facebook, FaceTime, or whatever works best
Mentors will be responsible for contacting Mentees and addressing “Ambassador Asks”
topics prior to his/her arrival on campus in the fall quarter.
o Outreach Coordinators will send bi-weekly emails over the summer to GAP
Mentors informing them of the “Ambassador Asks” topic that needs to be
discussed with your Mentee.
“Ambassador Asks” Topics Include:
o Introduction & GAP Program Details
o Housing & Living in San Diego
o Campus Involvement, Events, & Activities
o Campus Resources
o Academics
o Career & Internships
o Welcome Week & Orientation
**Note: These are general discussion topics that will be addressed. Feel
free to ask your GAP Mentor about other topics of interest to you.”
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Fall GAP Pairing Responsibilities – Ambassador Activities:
GAP pairings will meet regularly and complete all Ambassador Activities with Mentee on
campus throughout the fall quarter
GAP pairings will maintain regular communication (ie: answer questions, offer support,
check on progress, invite to hang out, etc.)
GAP pairings will check-in in regularly with Outreach Coordinators & GAP Leads
Ambassador Activities Include:
ALL 10 of the Ambassador Activities must be completed by the end of fall quarter! You may
complete them at your convenience around your GAP pairing schedules.
Attend 1 Welcome Week activity
Attend 1 Triton Fest event
Attend 2 Outreach Coordinator Events
Attend and eat lunch at an International Friday Café
Attend 1 UCSD sporting event
Go to 3 Campus Resource Centers
o Career Services, Cross Cultural Center, Women’s Center, Black Resource
Center, LGBT Center, Raza Resource Center, Veterans Student Center,
Undocumented Student Center
Visit the Academic Advising Office in your college
Completing “Ambassador Asks” and Ambassador Activities:
● GAP pairings must complete ALL “Ambassador Asks” Topics (over summer) and
Ambassador Activities (fall quarter)
● After each Ambassador “Asks” Discussion and Activity is completed, GAP Mentors will
complete an Ambassador Activity Album Report to keep track of your pairing progress
o Summer Pre-Arrival Ambassador Activity Album =
http://tinyurl.com/GAPSummer2015Album
Complete online form reviewing what topic was discussed with GAP
Mentee, what you learned about your GAP Mentee, and what campus
resources you can introduce him/her to
o Fall Ambassador Activity Album = http://tinyurl.com/GAPFall2015Album
Complete online form reviewing what Ambassador Activity was completed
with your GAP Mentee along with picture proof of GAP pairing engaged in
the activity
● ALL Ambassador Activities are required, but GAP pairings are encouraged to get
together as much as possible over the fall quarter!
● GAP pairings with the most Ambassador Activity Reports will WIN A PRIZE at the
end of fall quarter!
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Fall Campus Events to Look Forward To:
Outreach Trivia Nights - Tuesdays at 7:00 - 9:00pm in Home Plate Cafe (ERC)
FOOD, FACTS, FRIENDS, & FUN! Come meet new people and test your knowledge of various
trivia categories! Free entry to all UCSD students, teams of 4, and prizes for winning team!
Make this a weekly event and turn up the competition!
Passport to Culture - Thursdays at 3:00 - 4:00pm in i-House (Region announced weekly)
This weekly series highlights a different country or state each week. Current international and
out-of-state students serve as expert panelists to share their experiences in each region while
students listen and enjoy a traditional meal from the highlighted region. The program is
designed to help students learn about other cultures and give them a chance to enhance their
global understanding. Great opportunity to hear about other countries, especially if you're
thinking about traveling or studying abroad!
Triton Fest
Get excited about TRITON FEST! FREE late night UCSD campus events on Friday and
Saturday nights of Weeks 1-3! Events include free food, games, music, friends, and fun! Las
year’s Triton Fest featured obstacle courses, comedy shows, haunted trails, derby races,
concerts, and more! All students welcome!
International Education Week
In the Fall, the International Center will be holding International Education Week, a week
dedicated to a broader global focus. Make sure to attend some of the workshops and events
with your Mentees!
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GAP MENTEE REMINDERS
Please make sure you make every effort to communicate and attend campus events and
resources with your GAP Mentor. At these events and other activities that you do with your
Mentor please keep the following items in mind:
When you meet your GAP Mentor, be sure to:
Pronounce and spell their name correctly.
Show interest by reading about their home country/state and culture.
Allow students to be themselves in a casual atmosphere.
Be patient and understanding of communication difficulties and cultural differences
Share your own culture and personal experience.
Introduce your new friends to other students, faculty, family and friends.
Share a positive outlook about California and American culture.
Try new experiences and immerse yourself into San Diego culture.
Cultural Differences Should be Respected
Please be sensitive to and respectful of:
Cultural differences in the way your Mentor expresses his/her feelings, his/her approach
to situations, and his/her understanding of personal relationships.
Gender differences: please be aware that some cultures delineate gender roles and that
things such as an evening meal together between a male and a female can be seen as a
date. (Please Note: GAP IS NOT A DATING SERVICE!)
Answering questions about your country/state and culture without arrogance or
defensiveness, and help with problems they may have encountered upon their arrival.
Tips for GAP Mentors
1. Be patient: Building trust takes time. Your GAP Mentor is here to support you, answer
questions, and be your guide on campus.
2. Respect Boundaries: GAP Mentors have volunteered their time to help incoming non-resident
students with transitioning to campus life. They are excited to answer your questions and hang
out with you, but please be courteous of their time as they are students, involved in other
student orgs, etc. which may take up some of their time.
3. Understand Different Viewpoints: Even if you do not share your Mentor’s point of view, try to
appreciate it—it shows you care.
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5. Be Respectful and Celebrate Differences: Working with a person from a different background
broadens one’s horizon and deepens your understanding of other people and cultures.
6. Stick with it! Be honest with yourself when you commit to becoming a GAP Mentee.
7. Have fun! – Get to know your GAP Mentor and enjoy the activities that you’ll do together!
GAP Program FAQs:
When does the program start?
GAP Mentors will be paired with a Mentee around the middle of June and are expected to
contact his/her assigned Mentee immediately. GAP pairings will have the opportunity to
communicate over the summer (June-September) via phone, email, Facebook, FaceTime,
skype, etc. to discuss specific topics and answer all Mentee questions. GAP pairings will be
expected to meet regularly throughout fall quarter to build a lasting relationship and complete all
required Ambassador Activities.
How much time is required?
You can expect to dedicate a 1-2 hours per week over the summer (June-September)
communicating with your GAP Mentor depending upon your interest and number of questions
about a certain topic. During the fall quarter, you can anticipate committing to 2-3 hours per
week to spending time with your GAP Mentor and completing all required Ambassador
Activities.
Who will I have as a GAP Mentor?
GAP is a bridge peer-mentoring program designed to encourage cross-cultural exploration and
create a positive transition process for incoming international and out-of-state students. GAP
Mentors are paired with Mentees based on college, major, interest, and knowledge of campus
resources. The Outreach Coordinators will also be matching GAP pairings based on a number
of other factors including personality and shared interests.
What if my GAP Mentor is not responsive to outreach or requesting things that the Gap
Mentee is not comfortable assisting with?
The GAP experience should be rewarding for both the Mentor and Mentee! If the GAP Mentor
is not responsive to the Mentee’s request to communicate and get together, the Mentee should
contact the Outreach Coordinators who will talk with the GAP Mentor to assess his/her interest
and the reason why they are unresponsive.
If a GAP Mentor is asking things of the Mentee outside the scope of the program, such as a ride
to the airport/mall or storage of their things over summer break, the Mentee can share with their
Mentor that they are unable to assist with these issues and encourage them to talk to the
Outreach Coordinators for assistance. A Mentee asking to stay at the home of a Mentor over
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breaks (or vice versa) is also outside the scope of the program and not sanctioned by the GAP
Program.
Sources:
“Peer Mentor Handbook.” International Student Experience Exchange. DePaul University
Office for International Students and Scholars, n.d. Web. 3 Aug. 2014.
<http://oiss.depaul.edu/docs/ISEE_Peer_Mentor_Handbook_2013_FINAL.pdf>
MENTOR RESOURCES
Make your Activities Count!
After each Ambassador Activity is completed, GAP Mentors will complete an Ambassador
Activity Album Report to keep track of your pairing progress
Summer Pre-Arrival Ambassador Activity Album =
http://tinyurl.com/GAPSummer2015Album
o Complete online form reviewing what topic was discussed with GAP Mentee,
what you learned about your GAP Mentee, and what campus resources you can
introduce him/her to
Fall Ambassador Activity Album = http://tinyurl.com/GAPFall2015Album
o Complete online form reviewing what Ambassador Activity was completed with
your GAP Mentee along with picture proof of GAP pairing engaged in the activity
Post the photo on social media with #GAPUCSD2015 (optional)
CAMPUS RESOURCES For the best list of campus resources - please see the following websites:
http://nonresidentinfo.ucsd.edu/
http://icenter.ucsd.edu/ispo/ucsd-resources/
http://parents.ucsd.edu/resources/
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MENTORING DO’S AND DON’TS
DO
Get help when you need it
Interact with students
Plan fun activities
Be friendly
Be timely with paperwork
Keep the coordinators informed
Use other mentors as resources
Show care and concern for others
Be outgoing
Remember to attend all scheduled events
DON’T
Don’t date your mentor
Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed
Don’t drink with your mentor/mentee
Don’t do illegal drugs with your
mentor/mentee
Don’t ignore messages from your mentor
Don’t break laws
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Don’t share private information
Don’t hide from Outreach Coordinators
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GAP CONTACTS
Outreach Coordinators:
Please contact the Outreach Coordinators if you have any questions, concerns or ideas!
Shawna Held
Muir, Marshall, Roosevelt Colleges
H&SS 2121
858-534-3895
Shawn (Fore) Fawcett
Sixth, Warren and Revelle Colleges
Pepper Canyon Hall Room 218
858-822-6978
GAP Lead:
Layna Lowe
GAP Lead
*Please note that due to the nature of our jobs, email is the best way to reach us. Responses to
emails sent on weekends will be delayed until Monday. Thank you!
Online Resources:
Facebook:
“UCSD Non-Resident”
“UCSD_Nonresident_Outreach”
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Global Ambassador Program (GAP) Mentor Contract
I, _________________________(print name), accept a volunteer position as a GAP Mentor for
the period beginning May 2015 and ending December 2015.
In accepting this appointment, I agree to fulfill all the responsibilities described in the GAP
contract. Due to the time commitment and dedication required to fulfill the duties of a GAP
Mentor, the following terms must be adhered to:
Please read and initial each line:
Professionalism & GAP Mentor Guidelines
_______I will arrive to all trainings, events, and other GAP activities drug and alcohol free.
_______I will follow all university policies and procedures while serving as a GAP Mentor.
_______I will read, review, and follow the GAP Mentor Handbook.
_______I will maintain a positive example including appropriate language and behavior for new
students, their families, faculty, and staff, during GAP activities and events.
_______I will be sensitive and respectful to the individual needs and culture of my GAP Mentee.
_______I will refer mentees to professional staff if their needs go beyond the scope of my role
as a GAP Mentor.
_______I will be punctual to ALL trainings, retreats, and other GAP activities.
_______I will connect my Mentee to their peers, faculty, staff, and campus resources.
_______I will check my email frequently and will respond to emails from professional staff and
Mentee(s) within 48 hours.
_______I will contact my Mentee(s) weekly and meet with Mentee(s) on an ongoing basis
_______I will maintain the UCSD Principles of Community
Attendance at Events and Programs
_______I will attend one MANDATORY GAP Mentor training
_______I will complete all required “Ambassador Asks” conversations with my GAP Mentee
over the summer
_______I will complete all required Ambassador Activities with my GAP Mentee throughout the
fall quarter
_______I will attend as many campus events and resources with my Mentee as possible
_______I will submit Ambassador Activity Album Reports after completing “Ambassador Asks”
and Activities with my GAP Mentee to keep track of our pairing progress
Important Notes:
Failure to fulfill the responsibilities of this position may result in revocation of your
position as a GAP Mentor.
Signatures by the parties below indicate acceptance of the terms of this contract as outlined.
Name of GAP Mentor Date Signed
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Global Ambassador Program (GAP) Mentee
Contract
I, _________________________(print name), accept a volunteer position as a GAP Mentee for
the period beginning May 2015 and ending December 2015.
In accepting this appointment, I agree to fulfill all the responsibilities described in the GAP
contract. Due to the time commitment and dedication required to fulfill the duties of a GAP
Mentee, the following terms must be adhered to:
Please read and initial each line:
Professionalism & GAP Mentee Guidelines
_______I will arrive to all events and other GAP activities drug and alcohol free.
_______I will follow all university policies and procedures while serving as a GAP Mentee.
_______I will maintain a positive example including appropriate language and behavior during
GAP activities and events.
_______I will build a trusting relationship with my GAP Mentor
_______I will ask my GAP Mentor to help me navigate campus life and introduce me to
campus resources.
_______I will be sensitive and respectful to the individual needs and culture of my GAP Mentor.
_______I will contact my Mentor(s) weekly and meet with Mentor(s) on an ongoing basis
_______I will maintain the UCSD Principles of Community
Important Notes:
Failure to fulfill the responsibilities of this position may result in revocation of your
position as a GAP Mentee.
Signatures by the parties below indicate acceptance of the terms of this contract as outlined.
Name of GAP Mentee Date Signed