This comes from actual written documents, such as a job description. In the case of mentors our constitution, by-laws, and the actual signing up to be a mentor is our express authority. The second source of authority is implied . It is authority that grows out of expressed authority and suggests room for interpretation regarding the boundaries of authority. For example, no job description outlines everything that is done in any job, but certain responsibilities are implied based on the duties listed.
Apparent authority is the source of authority that can cause problems.
This refers to authority that others may think you have, but that you do not have. For example, suppose Student Sally comes to talk to you as a mentor and tells you that she would like to substitute one course for another, and you are not Sally's official academic advisor. You listen and nod appropriately and perhaps ask why Sally wants to make the switch and tell her that her reasoning seems sound. Sally leaves, thinking that you have given her permission to switch courses. When degree audit comes, Sally is short one course.