Mentor Expectations

Download the file: Mentor Expectations (Word)

Expectations for Internship Creation:

(For More Information see How to Create a UMaine Cooperative Extension Internship Experience)

  1. Mentors will create a checklist of any additional training(s) their Interns will need to know in order to do their internship. (See the Intern Orientation page for a list of required Student Worker Trainings.) 
  2. Mentors will provide a learning contract if Interns are receiving academic credit. Refer to Mentor and Intern FAQs for more information.
  3. Mentors will provide Interns with on-site training and expectations.
  4. Mentors will create learning objectives for the internship. Refer to Mentor and Intern FAQs for more information.

Expectations for Management and Support:

  1. Mentors will create a check-in plan and protocol with Interns.
  2. Mentors will create a plan for regular communication.
  3. Mentors will create a work agreement plan with Interns.
  4. Mentors will provide project-specific training (if applicable). 
  5. Mentors will perform a Formal Evaluation (if applicable), and an Exit Interview of their Intern. (Formal Evaluations will be done: If Intern is seeking academic credit or if Intern wishes to have a formal evaluation for a real-life experience). See Sample Questions for clarity on Exit Interviews and refer to How to Create a UMaine Cooperative Extension Internship Experience for help. 

Expectations for Goal Setting:

  1. Mentors should provide opportunities that enhance learning objectives and build 21st Century skills, such as communication, problem solving, and critical thinking.
  2. Mentors will work with interns to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals and check in on those goals during the internship.

Expectations for Skill Development:

  1. Mentors will help Interns identify skills gained or used during their Internship that can be applied to future academic or career aspirations. 
  2. Mentors will clearly disclose to interns how the skills they will learn during the internship could benefit them in their future career.
  3. Mentors will help Interns in identifying their strengths and accomplishments during the internship.

Expectations for Feedback:

  1. Mentors will help to create an atmosphere that fosters Interns to express their thoughts and/or feelings as it relates to the work of the Internship.
  2. Mentors will provide Interns with a neutral person to check in with if they have concerns about their internship. (This can be the Internship Coordinators.)
  3. Mentors will provide Interns with timely, detailed, explicit, and non-personal feedback on the project the Intern is completing. Feedback should include things the Intern is doing well and things requiring improvement.

Other Expectations:

  1. Mentors will help Interns facilitate the Internship Project.
  2. Mentors will provide Interns with their contact information and contact information for important staff relating to internships. (Examples include but are not limited to: Internship Coordinators, Office Support Staff, Site Emergency Contacts…)
  3. Mentors will be required to report on the overall success and effectiveness of their internship program to the Internship Committee. 
  4. Mentors will communicate effectively and efficiently with the Internship Committee and with the Intern.
  5. Mentors will ensure that Interns have an event calendar for their internship experience.