What the ideal post-graduation relationship looks like
The deep personal connection volunteers and students make with each other is arguably the best part of being in the SBC community. However, as volunteers may remember from the code of conduct we covered during the volunteer orientation process, maintaining a professional boundaries is critical.
SBC wants to honor the relationship between you and your alum; as such, we will be organizing both in-person and Zoom events specifically for alums. We recommend that you use these times to connect with your alum - this way, we can maintain a professional boundary while remaining a mentor to them.
Why is maintaining a boundary so important?
It is up to the adult to maintain a boundary to prevent potential hurt feelings. Adults know that they shouldn’t reach out at midnight just because someone said “reach out to me whenever you want.” Children take you literally and can feel disappointed or betrayed when you try to impose a boundary retroactively.
Be clear about the fact that you will not be seeing them weekly now that they are graduating from the program, but that you are excited to see them at future SBC events for alums.
What should I refrain from doing?
The general wisdom is that you should avoid doing anything that would be considered strange for a former school teacher and a student to be doing together. Specifically, please refrain from:
Taking your alum anywhere in person without adult supervision.
We recommend that you continue to contact SBC to arrange any in-person hang-outs.
Connecting with your alum on social media.
Giving them advice on non-academic issues.