1. Introduction

The Orapuh College of Scholars (OCS) is dedicated to nurturing an exceptional academic and professional environment through its three major programmes:

  • Orapuh Fellowship Programme (OFP)

  • Orapuh Postdoctoral Programme (Orapuh Postdoc)

  • Orapuh Scholar Master Class (OSMC)

A key element of these programmes is the role of mentors, who provide guidance, support, and inspiration to members, helping them to realise their full potential. This policy outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and procedures related to the role of mentors within OCS.

2. Purpose of the Mentorship Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Define the role and responsibilities of mentors.

  • Establish guidelines for mentor-member relationships.

  • Ensure that mentorship contributes positively to the academic and professional growth of members.

  • Promote a supportive, inclusive, and respectful mentoring environment.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all mentors involved in the Orapuh Fellowship Programme (OFP), Orapuh Postdoctoral Programme (Orapuh Postdoc), and Orapuh Scholar Master Class (OSMC).

4. Role and Responsibilities of Mentors

4.1 Guidance and Support

  • Academic Guidance: Provide advice on research design, methodology, and ethics.

  • Career Development: Assist members in setting career goals, identifying development opportunities, and professional networking.

  • Personal Development: Encourage work-life balance, resilience, and self-reflection.

4.2 Research and Scholarly Activities

  • Research Supervision: Guide members in research activities, ensuring ethical standards and high-quality outputs.

  • Publication Guidance: Support members in writing, submitting, and responding to reviews for academic publications.

  • Grant Application Support: Advise on identifying and applying for funding opportunities.

4.3 Feedback and Evaluation

  • Regular Meetings: Hold regular sessions with members to discuss progress and challenges.

  • Constructive Feedback: Provide timely, helpful, and actionable feedback.

  • Evaluation: Conduct periodic evaluations of members’ progress and submit necessary reports to the programme administration.

4.4 Professional Conduct

  • Ethical Behaviour: Uphold confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism at all times.

  • Respect and Inclusivity: Create an inclusive environment that respects the diversity of members.

  • Boundary Management: Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and avoid conflicts of interest.

5. Mentorship Process and Procedures

5.1 Mentor Selection

  • Eligibility: Must have significant expertise and a track record in research, teaching, or professional practice.

  • Appointment: Selected by programme administration based on qualifications and alignment with members’ needs.

  • Membership: Mentors are typically members of the Orapuh College of Scholars.

5.2 Matching Mentors with Members

  • Member Needs: Matching considers academic and professional goals of the member.

  • Compatibility: Efforts are made to align mentors and members based on research interests and working style.

5.3 Mentorship Understanding

  • Mentorship Plan: Mentor and member should collaborate to create a mentorship plan detailing goals and meeting schedules.

  • Documentation: The mentorship plan should be submitted to programme administration.

  • Note: Mentors are not required to sign any agreements or contracts.

6. Mentorship Evaluation and Accountability

6.1 Mentor Performance Review

  • Annual Review: Based on feedback from members, self-assessment, and overall programme outcomes.

  • Continuous Improvement: Mentors are encouraged to engage in professional development activities.

6.2 Addressing Issues

  • Conflict Resolution: Issues between mentors and members must be reported to the Orapuh Redress and Disciplinary Committee for mediation.

  • Mentor Accountability: Mentors are responsible to the Lead Mentor through the Chief Fellow.

7. Support and Resources for Mentors

  • Training: OCS offers mentorship training sessions and resources.

  • Community: Mentors have access to peer support networks to share best practices.

8. Confidentiality and Data Protection

  • Confidentiality: Mentors must protect the confidentiality of all member-related information.

  • Data Protection: Mentors must comply with OCS data protection guidelines when handling any personal information.

Mentors play a vital role in the success of OCS programmes. This policy ensures that mentorship at OCS remains ethical, supportive, and impactful, promoting the development of future leaders and scholars.

By adhering to this policy, mentors significantly contribute to Orapuh’s mission of fostering excellence in oral and public health education, research, and leadership.

Mentor Code of Practice

Mentors at the Orapuh College of Scholars (OCS) are expected to uphold the following principles and standards in their relationships with members:

1. Commitment to Member Growth

  • Support the academic, professional, and personal development of members.

  • Encourage independence, resilience, and critical thinking.

2. Ethical Conduct

  • Maintain the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

  • Avoid any form of discrimination, bias, or harassment.

  • Manage conflicts of interest responsibly.

3. Respectful and Inclusive Engagement

  • Foster a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment.

  • Recognise and value the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of members.

4. Effective Communication

  • Communicate clearly, respectfully, and in a timely manner.

  • Provide honest, constructive, and actionable feedback.

  • Establish clear expectations for the mentorship relationship.

5. Professional Boundaries

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.

  • Respect the autonomy and rights of members.

  • Avoid any relationships that could impair professional judgement.

6. Accountability

  • Be responsible to the Lead Mentor through the Chief Fellow.

  • Participate in evaluations and respond positively to feedback.

  • Seek guidance when facing challenges in the mentorship relationship.

7. Continuous Improvement

  • Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance mentoring skills.

  • Stay informed about best practices in mentorship and leadership.

By adhering to this Code of Practice, mentors contribute to building a vibrant, ethical, and transformative academic community at Orapuh College of Scholars.