Last revised: August 8, 2016.
MentorNet User Agreement
This MentorNet User Agreement (the “Agreement”) applies to all Participants (a Participant refers to a Mentor or a Mentee) in the MentorNet Program (the “Program”).
Specific sponsored or customized programs (“MentorNet Communities”) within the Program may be covered by additional specific contract documents. "Contract Documents" shall mean the documents listed in this Agreement. Each of the Contract Documents is an essential part of the Agreement between MentorNet and Participants. Contract Documents are intended to be complementary and to describe and provide for a complete Agreement. In the event any conflict among Contract Documents, the order of precedence shall be stated explicitly.
Participation in the Program is voluntary and on an individual basis. To be eligible to participate in the Program, a Participant must be at least eighteen years old. By participating in the Program, you agree to be bound by the terms of the Agreement. If you do not agree to the terms of this Agreement, do not participate in the Program.
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I represent that I am at least eighteen years old.
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I understand and agree that, unless otherwise agreed in by MentorNet, each Mentor is acting in the Mentor’s individual capacity and is not acting as a representative of, or on behalf of, the Mentor’s employer, a professional society, a sponsor, MentorNet, or anyone else.
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I understand and agree that unless, otherwise agreed in by MentorNet, each Mentee is acting in the Mentee’s individual capacity and is not acting as a representative on behalf of the Mentee’s college or university, a professional society, a sponsor, MentorNet, or anyone else.
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I agree to complete the required User Profile before beginning my first mentorship. I represent that all information I enter in the User Profile is true or believed to be true. If I willfully enter any false information with deceptive intent, I acknowledge that MentorNet reserves the right to terminate my participation in the Program upon discovery of such false information. If I enter any false information through mistake, without any deceptive intent, I agree to correct such false information upon discovery of, or receipt of notification of, such false information. If I do not timely correct such false information, I acknowledge that MentorNet reserves the right to terminate my participation in the Program. If any information that I have entered should change, I agree to timely update such information. If I do not timely update such information, I acknowledge that MentorNet reserves the right to terminate my participation in the Program.
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I confirm that I have read and understood the MentorNet Codes of Conduct. I agree to abide by the terms of the applicable code of conduct (MentorNet Code of Conduct for Mentors or MentorNet Code of Conduct for Mentees) while I am participating in a mentorship. MentorNet shall notify me of the commencement date and the termination date of a mentorship. I acknowledge that MentorNet reserves the right to terminate my participation in the Program if I violate any of the terms of the applicable code of conduct.
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I confirm that I have read and understood the MentorNet Information and Privacy Policy. I agree to abide by its terms and acknowledge that, if I violate any of the MentorNet Information and Privacy Policy terms, MentorNet reserves the right to terminate my participation in the Program.
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I agree to complete any required MentorNet Training Modules before beginning my first mentorship. I acknowledge that MentorNet may periodically require that Participants complete new training modules within a specified period of time to continue participation in the Program.
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I expressly acknowledge and agree that I am participating voluntarily in the Program and that MentorNet is not responsible for my actions or the actions of other Participants.
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THE PROGRAM IS MADE AVAILABLE “AS IS” WITH NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, MENTORNET DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES.
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MENTORNET DOES NOT CONDUCT CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS ON ITS PARTICIPANTS.
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TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL MENTORNET BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, GENERAL, SPECIAL, COMPENSATORY, CONSEQUENTIAL, AND/OR INCIDENTAL, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF YOU OR ANYONE ELSE IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROGRAM, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, BODILY INJURY, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, AND/OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES RESULTING FROM COMMUNICATIONS OR MEETINGS BETWEEN PARTICIPANTS. THIS INCLUDES ANY CLAIMS, LOSSES, OR DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE CONDUCT OF PARTICIPANTS. TO THE EXTENT A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION FINDS MENTORNET LIABLE FOR ANY OF THE FORGOING, MENTORNET’S AGGREGATE LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED US$100.00
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This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California without regard to its principles of conflict of law. If any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable for any reason, it shall be deleted and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and affect. Each party hereto agrees to waive its right to a jury trial. Further each party agrees to bring any claim under this agreement within one (1) year from the date the claim arose. Each party acknowledges that neither party will bring, or participate in, any class action or other class proceeding in connection with any dispute with the other party. Further, neither party agrees to class arbitration or any arbitration where a person brings a dispute as a representative of other person(s).
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I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the terms of this Agreement.
MentorNet Codes of Conduct
General Information and Guiding Principles
The MentorNet Codes of Conduct govern the behavior of a Mentor and a Mentee during the course of their mentorship. The MentorNet Codes of Conduct include the MentorNet Code of Conduct for Mentors and the MentorNet Code of Conduct for Mentees. All Participants (a Participant refers to a Mentor or a Mentee) in the MentorNet Program shall read the MentorNet Codes of Conduct in its entirety to understand the standard of behavior expected by MentorNet from all its Participants and to know which actions constitute violations that shall be reported to MentorNet.
Guiding Principle for the MentorNet Program. The primary purpose of a mentorship is for a Mentor to foster the academic and professional success of a Mentee. Since the academic and professional life of the Mentee cannot be isolated from the personal life of the Mentee, however, the mentorship will likely address personal issues as well as academic and professional issues.
Guiding Principle for Mentors. The Mentor shall always strive to act in the best interests of the Mentee. In practice, any course of action will usually present specific advantages and specific disadvantages, and the optimum course of action will often not be clearly defined. Under no circumstances, however, shall the Mentor further other interests by intentionally advising the Mentee to follow a course of action that is clearly detrimental to the best interests of the Mentee; for example, the Mentor shall not place the interests of the Mentor, the Mentor’s employer, a professional society, a sponsor, or any other party above the interests of the Mentee.
Guiding Principle for Mentees. The Mentee is ultimately responsible for the Mentee’s own actions. The Mentor provides guidance for pursuing a specific course of action. This guidance will be based on the Mentor’s specific knowledge, specific experience, specific preferences, and specific biases. In practice, any course of action will usually present specific advantages and specific disadvantages, and the optimum course of action will often not be clearly defined. The responsibility for choosing a specific course of action belongs to the Mentee, not to the Mentor.
MentorNet Code of Conduct for Mentors
As a participating Mentor in the MentorNet Program, I agree to abide by the MentorNet Code of Conduct for Mentors. I agree that if I violate any rule of the MentorNet Code of Conduct for Mentors, MentorNet may suspend or terminate my participation as a Mentor in the MentorNet Program.
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<Rule M1. Confidentiality. Except as provided below, I shall not disclose to any third party any personal details of my communications with my Mentee without prior permission of my Mentee.
Exceptions:
(a)Code Violations. If my Mentee violates the MentorNet Code of Conduct for Mentees, I shall report the code violations to MentorNet staff at program@mentornet.net.>
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<Rule M2. Availability. I shall be available for a minimum of 15 minutes a week to communicate with my Mentee.>
Discussion. If the Mentor will be temporarily unavailable for a short period (for example, the Mentor leaves on a week-long business trip), the Mentor should inform the Mentee in advance. In specific instances, the Mentee may require substantially more time from the Mentor. If the Mentor cannot commit sufficient time to fulfill the Mentee’s needs, the Mentor should notify MentorNet so that MentorNet can try to match the Mentee with another Mentor.
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<Rule M3. Communications. In my communications with my Mentee, (1) I shall not use offensive language, and (2) I shall not transmit offensive images. Offensive language includes, but is not limited to, (a) profanity or verbal abuse directed towards the Mentee, (b) sexually suggestive comments directed towards the Mentee, and (c) derogatory remarks directed towards any individual or group of individuals based on religion, race, color, ethnicity, country of origin, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or sexual identity. Offensive images include, but are not limited to, (a) images that are sexually suggestive, lewd, or pornographic and (b) images that include offensive language, as described above.>
Discussion. “Communications” refers to communications via any media; for example, in-person, phone, mail, photographs, voice-mail, audio conferencing, video conferencing, audio recordings, video recordings, e-mail, electronic text messaging, computer files supplied on physical media, and computer files transferred electronically.
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<Rule M4. Topics for Discussion. If my Mentee expresses unwillingness, reluctance, or discomfort in discussing any topic that I have raised, I shall promptly cease pursuing that topic.>
Discussion. The specific personal issues and the degree of personal detail that are appropriate for discussion will depend strongly on the specific Mentor, the specific Mentee, and the specific circumstances. Therefore, MentorNet does not provide a comprehensive list of appropriate and inappropriate topics and does not provide guidance on the degree of personal detail to be shared: The Mentor and the Mentee should agree on the topics that they are comfortable discussing and on the degree of personal details that they are comfortable sharing. The Mentor, for example, may appropriately initiate discussion of personal topics such as problems with family and friends, religion, and death. The Mentor should, however, approach such topics cautiously and ask the Mentee whether the Mentee wishes to pursue such topics. If the Mentee expresses unwillingness, reluctance, or discomfort in discussing a specific topic, the Mentor shall promptly cease pursuing that specific topic.
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<Rule M5. Personal Relationships. I shall not pursue a romantic or sexual relationship with my Mentee. >
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<Rule M6. Meetings in Person. If my Mentee does not wish to meet in person, I shall not insist on a meeting.>
Discussion. If circumstances permit, in-person meetings between the Mentor and the Mentee can be beneficial for developing personal rapport, and the Mentee can often benefit from visiting the Mentor’s workplace. It is appropriate for the Mentor to invite the Mentee to meet in person; but, if the Mentee does not wish to meet in person, then the Mentor shall not insist on a meeting.
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Medical, mental-health, or legal advice should be provided by a qualified professional. Even if the Mentor is coincidentally a qualified professional (for example, if the Mentor is a physician, psychologist, or attorney), the Mentor shall not provide medical, mental-health, or legal advice to the Mentee: Within the MentorNet Program, the Mentor provides guidance for the academic and professional development of the Mentee. The Mentor should advise the Mentee to seek the assistance of another qualified professional.
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Mentors shall refrain from providing advice on topics in which they have little or no knowledge. Incorrect advice can have detrimental consequences. For example, a CV for a Mentee seeking an academic position is different from a resume for a Mentee seeking an industrial position. Thus, a Mentor who has experience only with CVs for academic positions should not advise a Mentee on writing a resume for an industrial position. Instead, the Mentor should seek the assistance of a colleague who does have experience with resumes for industrial positions (before contacting a colleague for assistance, the Mentor should first receive permission from the Mentee). If the Mentor does not have an appropriate colleague, then the Mentor should inform the Mentee that the Mentee needs to seek advice from someone knowledgeable. In particular, academic and industrial practices can vary substantially from country to country. Thus, if the Mentor has experience only with US practices, and if the Mentee is seeking a position in Germany, then the Mentor should either ask the assistance of a German colleague (after receiving permission from the Mentee) or advise the Mentee to seek advice from someone knowledgeable.
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The Mentor is a volunteer and shall not charge a fee for serving as a mentor. Even if the Mentor is employed such that the Mentor normally charges fees for services related to mentorship (for example, if the Mentor is a professional career coach who normally charges fees for preparing resumes), the Mentor shall not charge the Mentee any fees during the period of mentorship.
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An internship, paid or unpaid, can provide valuable experience for the Mentee. If the internship is paid, then the Mentee obviously derives a financial benefit. If the internship is unpaid, then the internship is appropriate only if the Mentee acquires valuable experience or new skills; for example, if the Mentor is providing guidance, training, and review. If the internship is unpaid, then the internship is not appropriate if the Mentee is only performing a service for the Mentor or other party (such as a sponsor). For example, if the Mentee is a skilled programmer and the Mentor requires the services of a skilled programmer, the Mentor shall not request the Mentee to provide programming services without compensation.
MentorNet Code of Conduct for Mentees
As a participating Mentee in the MentorNet Program, I agree to abide by the MentorNet Code of Conduct for Mentees. I agree that if I violate of any rule of the MentorNet Code of Conduct for Mentees, MentorNet may suspend or terminate my participation as a Mentee in the MentorNet Program.
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<Rule P1. Confidentiality. Except as provided below, I shall not disclose to any third party any personal details of my communications with my Mentor without prior permission of my Mentor. Exception: Code Violations. If my Mentor violates the MentorNet Code of Conduct for Mentors, I shall report the code violations to MentorNet staff at program@mentornet.net
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<Rule P2. Availability. I shall be available for a minimum of 15 minutes a week to communicate with my Mentor.>
Discussion. If the Mentee will be temporarily unavailable for a short period (for example, to study for exams), the Mentee should notify the Mentor in advance. The Mentor is reserving time to participate in a mentorship: The Mentor’s time is wasted if the Mentee does not also reserve time to participate in the mentorship.
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<Rule P3. Communications. In my communications with my Mentor, (1) I shall not use offensive language, and (2) I shall not transmit offensive images. Offensive language includes, but is not limited to, (a) profanity or verbal abuse directed towards the Mentor, (b) sexually suggestive comments directed towards the Mentor, and (c) derogatory remarks directed towards any individual or group of individuals based on religion, race, color, ethnicity, country of origin, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or sexual identity. Offensive images include, but are not limited to, (a) images that are sexually suggestive, lewd, or pornographic and (b) images that include offensive language, as described above.>
Discussion. “Communications” refers to communications via any media; for example, in-person, phone, mail, photographs, voice-mail, audio conferencing, video conferencing, audio recordings, video recordings, e-mail, electronic text messaging, computer files supplied on physical media, and computer files transferred electronically.
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<Rule P4. Topics for Discussion. If my Mentor expresses unwillingness, reluctance, or discomfort in discussing any topic that I have raised, I shall promptly cease pursuing that topic.>
Discussion. The specific personal issues and the degree of personal detail that are appropriate for discussion will depend strongly on the specific Mentor, the specific Mentee, and the specific circumstances. Therefore, MentorNet does not provide a comprehensive list of appropriate and inappropriate topics and does not provide guidance on the degree of personal detail to be shared: The Mentor and the Mentee should agree on the topics that they are comfortable discussing and on the degree of personal details that they are comfortable sharing. The Mentee, for example, may appropriately initiate discussion of personal topics such as problems with family and friends, religion, and death. The Mentee should, however, approach such topics cautiously and ask the Mentor whether the Mentor wishes to pursue such topics. If the Mentor expresses unwillingness, reluctance, or discomfort in discussing a specific topic, the Mentee shall promptly cease pursuing that specific topic.
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<Rule P5. Personal Relationships. I shall not pursue a romantic or sexual relationship with my Mentor.>
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<Rule P6. Meetings in Person. If my Mentor does not wish to meet in person, I shall not insist on a meeting.>
Discussion. If circumstances permit, in-person meetings between the Mentor and the Mentee can be beneficial for developing personal rapport, and the Mentee can often benefit from visiting the Mentor’s workplace. It is appropriate for the Mentee to invite the Mentor to meet in person; but, if the Mentor does not wish to meet in person, then the Mentee shall not insist on a meeting. Additionally, some employers have restrictions on visitors to the workplace.
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Medical, mental-health, or legal advice should be provided by a qualified professional. Even if the Mentor is coincidentally a qualified professional (for example, if the Mentor is a physician, psychologist, or attorney), the Mentee shall not request the Mentor for medical, mental-health, or legal advice: Within the MentorNet Program, the Mentor provides guidance for the academic and professional development of the Mentee. The Mentee should seek the assistance of another qualified professional.
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<Rule P8. Financial Assistance. I shall not ask my Mentor for money.>
Discussion. In general, the Mentor should avoid giving money to the Mentee. In specific circumstances, the Mentor may volunteer to give money to the Mentee (for example, to assist the Mentee in paying fees for attending a conference). Under no circumstances, however, is it appropriate for the Mentee to ask the Mentor for money.
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<Rule P9. Career Assistance. I shall not expect my Mentor to find me a job.>
Discussion. For a Mentee who is about to graduate and is seeking employment, much of the discussions with the Mentor will of course focus on career opportunities. It is appropriate, for example, for the Mentee to ask the Mentor to assist in writing a resume and to review a resume. It is also appropriate for the Mentee to ask the Mentor for advice on conducting interviews and for advice on job-search strategies. It is not appropriate, however, for the Mentee to expect the Mentor to act as a job placement service and to circulate the Mentee’s resume as a matter of course. Under specific circumstances, the Mentor may volunteer to circulate the Mentee’s resume among the Mentor’s colleagues and to inquire whether there is a suitable job opening; however, such assistance is strictly at the discretion of the Mentor, and the Mentee shall not expect, or demand, that the Mentor perform such actions as a requirement of the mentorship.
If I observe any Participant behaving in a manner that violates the MentorNet Code of Conduct for Mentors or the MentorNet Code of Conduct for Mentees, I shall promptly report my observations to MentorNet staff at program@mentornet.net.
MentorNet Information and Privacy Policy
I. Information Collection and Use
MentorNet is the sole owner of the information collected on the MentorNet website. MentorNet will not sell, share, or rent this information to other parties in ways different from what is disclosed in this document (MentorNet Information and Privacy Policy).
II. User Profiles
(a) Creating a User Profile
To join the MentorNet Program as a prospective User (a “User” refers to a Mentor or Mentee), a User must first create a User Profile. To create a User Profile, a User can log in via an existing account on one of several available social platforms, including, but not limited to, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google Gmail. A User can also log in by creating an account on the MentorNet website.
If a User logs in via a social platform, some attributes of the User's initial profile may be derived from the public information that the User has specified as accessible by applications that use the social platform. The User should refer to the privacy policy of the appropriate social platform on its website for the most up-to-date terms. This list is provided for the User’s convenience and is not intended to be exhaustive:
If a User logs in via a social platform, MentorNet may, but not necessarily, auto-populate some fields (such as name, photo, e-mail address, and affiliation) of the User’s initial profile. The User, however, is responsible for confirming the accuracy of this information and making any necessary corrections.
Upon first login, a User completes an initial profile with answers to a series of questions. These answers provide information that includes, but is not limited to, personal information (for example, name and e-mail address); demographic data (for example, ethnicity and gender); professional and academic credentials (for Mentors); enrollment status and name of college or university (for Mentees); preferred attributes of potential matches; and interest or comfort in discussing specific issues (for example, work-life integration). MentorNet uses this information to determine the User’s eligibility to participate in the MentorNet Program and to recommend Mentors to Mentees. MentorNet may publically post aggregated demographic data about its participants on the MentorNet website; this aggregated demographic data is not linked to any personally-identifiable information. Refer to the Sharing of Information section of this document for details on MentorNet Sponsors and the conditions under which some information in a User Profile may be shared with MentorNet Sponsors and other parties.
(b) Updating a User Profile
At any time, a User may log in and edit information in the User’s User Profile.
(c) Removing a User Profile
At any time, if a User no longer wishes to participate in the MentorNet Program, the User may remove the User’s User Profile by contacting MentorNet staff via e-mail program@mentornet.net.
(d) Hiding a User Profile (for Mentors)
If a User is a prospective Mentor, and if the User wishes to suspend the User’s participation in the MentorNet Program, the User may log in and hide the User’s User Profile. The User Profile remains stored on the MentorNet database, but it is not used to make match recommendations and cannot be viewed by Mentees. If the User later decides to participate again, the User may log in and unhide the User’s User Profile.
III. Cookies
A cookie is a small piece of data sent from a website and stored in a web browser (for example, Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Chrome) while the User is browsing that website. The cookie is stored in memory on the device (for example, computer, tablet, or smartphone) on which the browser executes. MentorNet uses cookies to maintain user session data, including, but not limited to, times at which the website is visited. Usage of a cookie, however, is not linked to any personally-identifiable information while the user is on the MentorNet website. Once the User terminates the browser, the cookie is deleted. If a User rejects the cookie, the User will not be able to use the MentorNet website.
IV. Log Files
MentorNet uses IP addresses to analyze trends, administer the website, track user movement, and gather broad demographic information for aggregate use. IP addresses are not linked to personally-identifiable information.
Sharing of Information
(a) Sharing of Information within the MentorNet Program
MentorNet uses the profile information associated with each Mentor and each Mentee to make intelligent recommendations on potential matches. The Mentee is initially presented with the User Profiles of up to three (3) potential Mentors, from which the Mentee can select one as a potential match. The Mentee sends an invitation to the selected Mentor. When a Mentor receives an invitation from a Mentee, the Mentor is then able to view the Mentee’s User Profile.
(b) Sharing of Information with MentorNet Sponsors
MentorNet does not charge Users any fee to participate as a Mentor or as a Mentee. A MentorNet Sponsor is an entity that donates funds to support the MentorNet Program, that pays fees to access specific services, or that has access to specific services as agreed upon in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MentorNet.
(i) Non-Personally-Identifiable Information
Under the following circumstances, MentorNet will share some non-personally-identifiable information with MentorNet Sponsors:
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If the User is participating as a Mentee in the MentorNet Program, and if the Mentee is matched with a Mentor who is an employee of an employer that is a MentorNet Sponsor or becomes a MentorNet Sponsor, MentorNet will provide the name of the college or university, major or intended major, and degree program of the Mentee (but not the name and contact information of the Mentee) to a representative of the Mentor’s employer.
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If the User is participating as a Mentee in the MentorNet Program, and if the Mentee is matched with a Mentor who has specified in the Mentor’s User Profile that the Mentor is associated with an entity (for example, a professional society) that is a MentorNet Sponsor or becomes a MentorNet Sponsor, MentorNet will provide the name of the college or university, major or intended major, and degree program of the Mentee (but not the name and contact information of the Mentee) to a representative of the Mentor’s associated entity.
(ii) Personally-Identifiable Information
Under the following circumstances, MentorNet will share some personally-identifiable information with MentorNet Sponsors:
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If a User is participating as a Mentor in the MentorNet Program, and if the Mentor’s current employer as specified in the Mentor’s User Profile is a MentorNet Sponsor or becomes a MentorNet Sponsor, MentorNet will provide the Mentor’s name, e-mail address, and match status to a representative of the Mentor’s employer.
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If a User is participating as a Mentor in the MentorNet Program, and if the Mentor has specified in the Mentor’s User Profile that the Mentor is associated with an entity (for example, a professional society) that is a MentorNet Sponsor or becomes a MentorNet Sponsor, MentorNet will provide the Mentor’s name, e-mail address, and match status to a representative of the Mentor’s associated entity.
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If a User is participating as a Mentor in the MentorNet Program, and if the Mentor has specified in the Mentor’s User Profile that the Mentor is an alumnus or alumna of a college or university that is a MentorNet Sponsor or becomes a MentorNet Sponsor, MentorNet will provide the Mentor’s name, e-mail address, and match status to a representative of the Mentor’s alma mater.
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If a User is participating as a Mentor in the MentorNet Program, and if the Mentor is associated with a MentorNet Community, MentorNet will provide the Mentor’s name, e-mail address, and match status to a representative of the Sponsor of the MentorNet Community.
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If a User is participating as a Mentee in the MentorNet Program, and if the Mentee is a student enrolled at a college or university that is a MentorNet Sponsor or becomes a MentorNet Sponsor, MentorNet will provide the Mentee’s name, e-mail address, major or intended major, degree program, and match status to a representative of the Mentee’s college or university.
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If a User is participating as a Mentee in the MentorNet Program, and if the Mentee has specified in the Mentee’s User Profile that the Mentee is associated with an entity (for example, a professional society) that is a MentorNet Sponsor or becomes a MentorNet Sponsor, MentorNet will provide the Mentee’s name, e-mail address, major or intended major, degree program, and match status to a representative of the Mentee’s associated entity.
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If a User is participating as a Mentee in the MentorNet Program, and if the Mentee is associated with a MentorNet Community, MentorNet will provide the Mentee’s name, e-mail address, major or intended major, degree program, and match status to a representative of the Sponsor of the MentorNet Community.
(c) Sharing of Information with Various Other Parties
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Reporters may be interested in interviewing Users about their experiences with the MentorNet Program. If a User gives permission in the User’s User Profile to be interviewed by reporters, MentorNet may provide them with the User’s name, e-mail address, and phone number.
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MentorNet may hire outside evaluation firms to evaluate the MentorNet Program. If a User gives permission in the User’s User Profile to be contacted by outside evaluation firms, MentorNet may provide them with the User’s name, e-mail address, and phone number.
VI. Links to Third-party Web Sites and Dealings with Advertisers and Sponsors.
The MentorNet website may contain links to websites of third parties, including without limitation, advertisers and sponsors, which are not under the control of MentorNet. MentorNet is not responsible for the content of any linked website or any link contained in a linked website, or any changes or updates to such websites. MentorNet provides these links only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply that MentorNet endorses or accepts any responsibility for the content on such third-party website. A User’s correspondence or dealings with, or participation in promotions of, advertisers or sponsors found on or through the MentorNet website (including payment and delivery of related goods or services, any personal information or opt-in contact information voluntarily given to advertisers and sponsors, and any other terms, conditions, warranties or representations associated with such dealings) are solely between the User and such advertiser or sponsor. MentorNet will not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage of any sort incurred as the result of any such dealings, including the sharing of the information the User supplies to MentorNet with advertisers or sponsors, or as the result of the presence of such advertisers on the MentorNet website. MentorNet is not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites. Users should be aware of when they leave the MentorNet website and should read the privacy policy of each and every website that collects personally-identifiable information. This document (MentorNet Information and Privacy Policy) applies solely to information collected by MentorNet under the mentornet.net and mentornet.org domain names.
VII. Surveys
Periodically, for example at the beginning, mid-point and end of mentorships, MentorNet may request information from Users via surveys. Survey information will be used for the purpose of evaluating the MentorNet Program. Participation in these surveys is completely voluntary. If a User does not respond to a survey, however, MentorNet may contact the User via e-mail to follow up.
VIII. Security
MentorNet undertakes commercially reasonable precautions to protect User’s Information from loss, misuse and unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration or destruction. Despite these precautions, resolute hackers may wrongfully gain access to your Personal Information. Although such unauthorized access is unlikely, MentorNet wants to inform you of this risk and advise you that MentorNet is not liable for any damages caused by such unauthorized access.
IX. E-mail Options
Users in the MentorNet Program may “opt in” to receive extra-programmatic communications, i.e., communications not directly related to their current, past or future mentorships, from MentorNet. Users who opt in are automatically added to the MentorNet mailing list. This mailing list is managed by a subscription service (for example, Salesforce, Cvent, Constant Contact or MailChimp). MentorNet may send newsletters from the subscription service. The subscription service will also, on occasion, send information that is provided by MentorNet Sponsors, that is related to MentorNet’s mission (for example, announcements for scholarships, fellowships, internships, skills-development programs, and job opportunities), or that is related to fundraising and donations. Users may manage their subscriptions via the subscription service and may opt out of receiving some specific e-mails.
There are, however, two specific types of e-mails that all Users agree to receive when they join the MentorNet Program, and they may not opt out of receiving these e-mails. These e-mails are invitations to participate in MentorNet evaluation and service announcements. Therefore, Users who request not to receive any e-mail from MentorNet will have their User Profiles removed.
X. Service Announcements
MentorNet sends service announcements to all Users. As discussed above, Users cannot unsubscribe from service announcements, which contain important information about service changes, problems, outages, and other issues. MentorNet may communicate with Users via e-mail or phone to provide requested services and to address issues related to Users’ accounts.
XI. Notification of Changes and Acceptance of User Agreement
MentorNet reserves the right to modify the MentorNet User Agreement, the MentorNet Codes of Conduct, the MentorNet Information and Privacy Policy, or other Contract Documents at any time, so MentorNet encourages Users to review our website frequently for such notices. A User’s continued use of any portion of our website following posting of the updated privacy statement will constitute the User’s acceptance of the changes.
XII. Revision Date.
This Agreement was last revised on August 8, 2016: Consolidated MentorNet User Agreement, MentorNet Codes of Conduct, and MentorNet Information and Privacy Policy into one unified document. Changed all occurrences of “gender” to “gender or gender identity”. Removed “fundraising solicitations” from email communications that users must agree to receive.
Previous versions: March 11, 2015. August 8, 2014. August 3, 2014.
March 11, 2015. (Changed "Protege" to "Mentee").
August 8, 2014: Aligned order of rules for Mentors and Mentees in Codes of Conduct for easier understanding. No changes to content.
Previous version: August 3, 2014.
The MentorNet for Health Sciences and Careers serves students pursuing degrees in health sciences from accredited institutions in U.S. Students have priority access to health-care professionals who serve as mentors.
Fill out the form below, review and accept the terms of service, then click JOIN. Students are encouraged to use their .edu email to register.
