Bonner Scholar Handbook | E-Mail | Web Site | Wiki | Service E-Mail Newsletter

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. This wiki has tons of examples and opportunities on how to better communicate throughout our national network.

 

Four other popular ways to improve communication are: (1) Bonner Scholar Handbook; (2) Email, (3) Web Site, and (4) Bonner Scholar Newsletter.

 

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:

Check out our virtual Student Handbook on this same wiki: Student Handbook Live.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.