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E. Communication
Consistent and reliable communication is a fundamental
challenge for any organization, especially one like
the Bonner Scholars Program which involves so many different
people both inside and outside the campus community.
Bonner Scholars must effectively communicate with other
Bonners, program directors, coordinators, support staff,
campus administrators from the president to financial
aid officers, non-Bonner students on campus, potential
Bonner Scholars, connected families, as well as local,
state and national agencies who host service placements,
and communities at large are in contact with Bonner
Scholars. Experience shows that no matter how well you
think you are communicating, there is always room for
improvement.
Four popular ways to improve communication are: (1)
Bonner Scholar Handbook; (2) Email, (3) Web Site, and
(4) Bonner Scholar Newsletter.
1. Bonner Scholar Handbook
As mentioned in the previous section, many core orientation
objectives are met by offering a “Bonner Handbook”
to new and returning Bonners. The handbook is used as
a reference tool for participants of the program and
can also serve as a physical supplement to orientation
materials and activities. The structure of the handbook
varies from program to program; however, the basic contents
should address the fundamental aspects of the program.
Typical contents of a Bonner Scholar Handbook include:
- Welcome Letter from Program Administrators
- Mission and Vision Statements
- Bonner Foundation Background
- History of the College’s Bonner Scholars
Program
- Program Structure
- BSP Rules
- Contact Names and Numbers
- Sample Forms
2. E-Mail & Listservs
A Bonner Scholars Program e-mail discussion list can
be used to promote communication goals. There are currently
a number of discussion lists with information on experiential-learning
and community service. General reports on advances and
issues in the field are posted on these virtual bulletin
boards. Numerous job announcements are also circulated
in this manner. Subscription is free and e-mail listservs
should be seen as a viable way to increase sharing and
discussion within the service community. Again, visit
the Bonner Foundation’s web site (www.bonner.org)
for these references.
3. Web Site
Each Bonner Scholar Program is encouraged to have a
special section of their school web site devoted to
publishing information about the scholarship and participants.
These sites are increasingly the first place prospective
applicants visit to better understand the program. They
also serve to increase awareness and scope of Bonner
Scholar participants, its mission, and activities.
4. Service Newsletter
Bonner Scholars have produced periodic newsletters
on many campuses. Sometimes program issues and announcements
are made through the newsletter so that Bonner meeting
times can be devoted to enrichment activities for the
Bonners.
Resource Documents
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