Student Mentorship Program

Terms of Reference

Members of the Divisions believe that mentoring of students is an essential objective within their Terms of Reference. Mentoring is a two-way street with benefits for students and CAG. The objective of this Program is to support the informal, professional mentoring of students to complement formal, advisor-student relationships on local campuses.

The following strategies may enhance the visibility of students in the CAG, promote their involvement in the Association, provide divisional experience, and serve to retain them as long-term members.

1. The Division Chair assumes the responsibility for the mentoring of students within the Division. This activity may be delegated to members of the Division.
   1. Association membership form: to include an optional space for student members to indicate the division within which a student wishes to meet and network. Only one division may be selected. ¹
   2. From the membership forms, the number of student members, their names, and contact information will be forwarded to Division Chairs by CAG staff. Each Division Chair will then extend invitations to students within the respective division to participate in the activities of the Division and to become involved in the mentorship program.²
2. Mentoring activities:
   1. To correspond and/or meet informally with interested students to discuss issues associated with the Division’s substantive content; for example, discussions could take place at the ASEM, by direct e-mail correspondence, or on the Discussion Forum of the CAG Student Connection website.
   2. To discuss issues that arise in representing the Division membership at the Board level of the Association.³
      • For example, to participate in the development of position papers, policy statements, and opinions on key issues in gerontology as directed by the Board.
   3. To discuss substantive issues as they relate to student work but do not conflict with the advisor-student relationship.
3. ASEM activities:
   1. Students are given the opportunity to participate with the Division Chair in the review and blocking of abstracts for the ASEM.
   2. Students are provided with the opportunity to assist the Division Chair or delegate responsible for organizing and implementing the Division meeting at the ASEM.
   3. Students are invited to attend the Division meeting at the ASEM by the Chair.²

¹ The time consuming nature of the Chair's role in this endeavour, and the possible duplication of activities suggest that a student be permitted to select only one division.
² If possible, this invitation will be extended by email.
³ The confidentiality of Board discussions is acknowledged and valued; and students would be expected to sign the same confidentiality agreement as do Board members.