---
title: 00. Frequently Asked Questions
---

**PROVIDING ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING THE MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME**

## 1. INTRODUCTION AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

### 1.1. Policy Overview

This Frequently Asked Questions Documentation (hereinafter referred to as "the FAQ") provides answers to common questions regarding our Mentorship Programme. This FAQ operates within our comprehensive legal and policy framework, incorporating our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Community Code of Conduct, Mentorship Programme Terms and Conditions, and all applicable legal protections by reference.

### 1.2. Purpose and Scope

This FAQ addresses common questions and concerns regarding programme participation, expectations, and procedures. For comprehensive programme terms and conditions, please refer to our [Mentorship Programme Terms and Conditions](/about/mentorship).

**IMPORTANT: This FAQ supplements but does not replace our comprehensive Mentorship Programme Terms and Conditions. All programme participants are required to familiarise themselves with and comply with all applicable policies.**

## 2. PROGRAMME COST AND FINANCIAL MATTERS

### 2.1. Programme Fees

**Question: Does the mentorship programme cost anything?**

**Answer:** No. Our Mentorship Programme is offered entirely free of charge. We do not collect tuition fees, academic fees, or any other programme-related charges.

**Additional Costs:**
- Participants may incur costs for third-party services such as hosting for application deployment
- All such costs are paid directly to third-party service providers
- Our organisation does not collect, process, or receive any payments related to these third-party services

**Voluntary Donations:**
- We welcome voluntary donations to support programme operations
- Donations are entirely optional and do not affect programme participation or outcomes
- For comprehensive information about donation options and policies, please refer to our [Donation and Support Policy](/about/donate)

## 3. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND SUPPORT

### 3.1. Self-Guided Programme Structure

**Question: How does the mentorship programme work?**

**Answer:** Our Mentorship Programme is designed to be self-guided and self-managed. The programme structure includes:

- **Self-Guided Documentation:** Comprehensive guides and templates for each stage of development
- **Resource Library:** Templates, examples, and checklists to support independent learning
- **On-Demand Support:** Programme leadership and community members available to answer questions when asked
- **Flexible Timeline:** Work at your own pace with no mandatory deadlines or review requirements

**Programme Philosophy:**
- Participants follow documentation and use provided resources independently
- Reviews and approvals are optional and available upon request
- Support is provided when participants ask for help, not through mandatory checkpoints
- **IMPORTANT: To get the most value from the programme experience, participants should actively ask mentors questions as much as possible. Mentors are available to help, but they rely on participants to initiate contact and ask for assistance when needed.**
- Community and peer support is encouraged throughout the programme

### 3.2. Response Time Expectations

**Question: How quickly will I get responses to my questions?**

**Answer:** The programme is designed to be self-guided, so you can progress independently without waiting for responses. However, when you do have questions:

- The Mentorship Programme is provided on a voluntary basis without compensation
- Programme leadership maintains multiple paid employment positions to cover personal expenses
- Response times may vary based on workload, availability, and other commitments
- Community members and alumni may also provide assistance

**Response Time Guidelines:**
- Most programme activities can be completed independently using provided documentation
- If you have questions, feel free to ask in the #⚗️│alchemy-lab channel
- If you have not received a response within 10 business days, you may send a gentle reminder
- Repeated communications at intervals of less than 10 business days may result in disciplinary action
- We appreciate your patience and understanding regarding response timelines

## 4. PROGRAMME WITHDRAWAL AND DISCONTINUATION

### 4.1. Voluntary Withdrawal

**Question: What if I change my mind?**

**Answer:** Participants may withdraw from the Mentorship Programme at any time without penalty or obligation.

**Withdrawal Procedures:**
- Participants must notify programme leadership of their intent to withdraw
- We request that participants provide a brief explanation for withdrawal to assist with programme improvement
- No fees, fines, or penalties apply to voluntary withdrawal
- Programme leadership will not pressure participants to remain in the programme

### 4.2. Temporary Breaks and Life Circumstances

**Question: I do not want to drop out, but I have a life situation going on...**

**Answer:** Temporary breaks from programme activities are acceptable and accommodated.

**Break Procedures:**
- Participants may request temporary breaks to address personal circumstances
- No activity requirements are enforced during approved breaks
- Participants must notify programme leadership of break requests to avoid unnecessary communications
- Programme leadership will respect break periods and adjust communications accordingly

## 5. PROGRAMME EXPULSION AND TERMINATION

### 5.1. Expulsion Circumstances

**Question: Will you kick us out at all?**

**Answer:** Programme participation may be terminated under specific circumstances as outlined in our Mentorship Programme Terms and Conditions.

**Grounds for Expulsion:**

**5.1.1 Inactivity and Non-Communication:**
- Failure to communicate for a period of two (2) weeks or more without prior notification
- Complete absence of response to programme communications
- Failure to notify programme leadership of breaks or absences
- Expulsion may occur to make programme capacity available for committed participants

**5.1.2 Code of Conduct Violations:**
- Violation of our [Community Code of Conduct](/community/coc)
- Failure to comply with community rules and standards
- Behaviour that compromises the safety and inclusivity of our learning environment
- Expulsion is necessary to maintain programme integrity and community safety

**5.1.3 Malicious Behaviour:**
- Intentional introduction of malware, viruses, or malicious code to programme repositories
- Development of projects designed to actively harm individuals or groups
- Any behaviour that poses security risks or legal liability
- Expulsion is necessary to protect programme participants and our organisation

### 5.2. Expulsion Procedures

All expulsion decisions are made in accordance with our Mentorship Programme Terms and Conditions and Community Code of Conduct. Participants subject to expulsion will receive appropriate notice and may access our appeals process as outlined in our [Appeals Process](/community/appeal).

## 6. ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND SUPPORT

### 6.1. Unanswered Questions

**Question: What if I have a question not covered here?**

**Answer:** For questions not addressed in this FAQ:

- Review the comprehensive mentorship documentation (01-10) for detailed guidance on each programme stage
- Check the resource library for templates, examples, and additional materials
- Contact programme leadership through the designated #⚗️│alchemy-lab channel in our Discord community
- Ask community members and alumni for peer support and guidance
- Programme leadership is available to answer questions when asked, but most activities can be completed independently
- Additional information is available in our comprehensive [Mentorship Programme Terms and Conditions](/about/mentorship)

## 7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND DISCLAIMERS

### 7.1. Reference to Comprehensive Liability Framework

**IMPORTANT: Comprehensive liability limitations, damage exclusions, and maximum liability caps are set forth in our Limitation of Liability and Indemnification Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference.**

### 7.2. Programme Disclaimer

This FAQ provides general information about our Mentorship Programme. However:

- Programme terms, conditions, and procedures may be modified at any time
- This FAQ does not create contractual obligations beyond those set forth in our formal programme terms
- Programme leadership reserves the right to make decisions regarding programme participation based on individual circumstances

## 8. CONCLUSION

This FAQ addresses common questions regarding our Mentorship Programme. For comprehensive programme terms, conditions, and requirements, please refer to our [Mentorship Programme Terms and Conditions](/about/mentorship).

All programme participants are expected to familiarise themselves with and comply with all applicable policies and procedures. Questions about programme participation should be directed to programme leadership through designated communication channels.

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*For questions about the Mentorship Programme or to suggest improvements, please contact programme leadership through the designated channels outlined in our Community Code of Conduct.*

:::tip[Helpful Links]
- [Join Discord](https://chat.nhcarrigan.com/) - Select the mentorship role to get started
- [Donate](https://donate.nhcarrigan.com/)
:::