Plenary Session II:
Mentoring Across the Cultures
Moderator:
Betty Neal Crutcher, Ph.D. Wheaton College Norton, Massachusetts
Rationale: Problems in the U.S. Educational System
Minority students lack full access to higher education. Even when they enter college, the educational system privileges majority students. Cross-cultural mentoring is one proven response. My own life experience reinforces these points.
My Definition
Mentoring involves an ongoing, intentional and mutually enriching relationship between two individuals. The mentor, who is usually more experienced, interacts intensively with another to guide that individual’s intellectual and personal development. This guidance occurs over time and regularly and is not done for personal gain.
Traits of a Good Relationship
Key traits: selflessness, listening, honesty coupled with acceptance, persistence Mentors and mentees should spend time understanding each other’s social background. They should work to cultivate their own virtues, values and vision.
Today’s Presenters
Dr.
Karen Carleton Dr. Tyrone Spady
Findings for Research Question 3:
What are the benefits & challenges of serving as a mentor?
Challenges
Mentors must devote much of their own personal time and energy to the relationship. Mentors navigate numerous boundaries (pragmatic, cultural, intellectual, social, personal). Cross-cultural mentors must navigate the additional boundaries of a cross-cultural relationship.
Benefits
Cross-cultural mentors enjoy many intrinsic and extrinsic benefits (cultural proficiency, lifelong relationships, personal satisfaction). These relationships benefit the mentor as well as the mentee.
Summation
Concluding remarks See handout of article on mentoring Questions & answers
Contact Information
Dr. Betty Neal Crutcher
Crutcher_betty@wheatoncollege.edu kcarleton@umd.edu spadyty@mail,nih.gov
Dr. Karen Carleton
Dr. Tyrone Spady