Annual Report – Programmatic Section

Please complete this template below to share programmatic highlights.  The entire report can be three pages or less.  Please share information and highlights, in a letter-like or reporting format, that addresses the following three categories and provides a synopsis of your Bonner Program this year.

Implementation of Student Development: 

How did you implement the developmental model this year within your co-curricular and service activities? (suggested one page text):

1. The role of trainings, courses, & meetings 

          Our program is a two year program.  First Year students have a four hour orientation during the spring semester that they are selected.  We cover information regarding what the Bonner Foundation is, what Americorps is, the requirements of the program, how money is distributed, and the process for being assigned a site.

          For the first time this fall semester, we held an all day retreat for all Bonners together.  We did some icebreakers, teambuilders, and discussed what service is as it relates to Spartanburg.      

          During the academic year Bonner Leaders meet weekly in their class groups (i.e. First years togethers and Second Years together).  We utilize various training modules from the Bonner Website.  We also provide stress relief activities and opportunities for reflection and discussion about their sites.

         Currently, we do not offer any courses for Bonner Leaders.  We are looking at providing a list of reccommended courses, but have not yet developed this tool. 

         The biggest struggle we have faced is finding a time for all Boners to meet, and also make the meetings meaningful and worthwhile.  This is a challenge that we are continuing to analyze and improve on.

1. First Year Trip

          Converse College has never offered a first year trip as a component of the Bonner Leader program.  We are unable to justify planning a trip solely for Bonner Leaders, when we have not yet maxed out our other service trip opportunities available to all students.  We made the decision that this fall and spring, our Bonner Leader budget will cover the fees associated with already existing service trips.  All Bonner Leaders have the opportunity to go on fall break and spring break trips.  We have three students going on the fall break trip this October 11-13.

1. Second Year Exchange

          This is a component of the Bonner Program that we have not yet implemented.  We would love to explore this component further in the upcoming year.

1. Third Year (and beyond) Leadership Roles

          For the first time, we have chosen a Senior Bonner Intern.  Amanda Chassereau completed the two year program in May.  She is responsibile for planning group service opportunities as well as social outings.

1. Senior Capstone & Presentation of Learning

          This is not a component we currently utilize, nor have we considered implementing it.  One possible route for us to take is have the second year Bonners present their senior projects to the campus wide community.

Implementation of Community Partnerships: 

Please share a summary of your work with community partners, touching in particular on the following categories (suggested one page text):

1. Orienting and managing community partnerships (orientation, site visits, meetings, strategic planning)

          For the past two years, I have met with agencies at their sites to discuss bringing a Bonner Leader to their organization.  We want them to have an understanding of the responsibilities and requirements for a Bonner Leader, and we want to make sure there will be direct and meaningful service for our students.  Also, in past years Bonner Directors have meet semesterly with the agencies and the students to ensure that the partnership is a success.  However, this is not a practice we have used in the last year.  For the future, we wish to re-implement the semesterly meetings as well as provide a summer orientation for agencies. 

1. Partners as co-educators and other unique initiatives (including new academic linkages)

          One issue that we have faced is that often times site supervisors do not give enough time to their Bonner Leaders.  As a result, our Bonner Leaders often feel overworked and unable to vocalize their problems with the supervisors.  I work continually on a one-on-one basis to help students vocalize their problems to their supervisors.  I would love to have a discussion with a Bonner Foundation representative about finding solutions for this challenge.  Currently, we do not make intentional connections with academics.  We do assign our Bonner Leaders to sites that in some way are connected with their majors and career paths. This is an area of improvement for our program.

1. Integration of site-based or issue-oriented teams

          We have a two year program model, and do not currently have teams assigned at service sites.  One of our long term goals is to turn our Bonner Leader program into a four year model, and this is one of the componenets to that strategic plan.

Campus-wide Culture and Infrastructure: 

Please describe key elements and progress in the development of campus-wide infrastructure and the role of the Bonner Program in enhancing (or being enhanced by) campus-wide culture and participation in service, touching on the following (suggested one page text):

1. Key relationships and activities involving faculty and academic connections.  In particular, what work was done with relevant coursework, a minor, or other curricular integration.

          In my role as Director of Leadership and Service, I work with faculty to incorporate service learning into the classroom.  However, Bonner Leaders are not currently utilized in this academic role. 

1. Key relationships and activities involving other departments or divisions on campus (for example for recruitment, student wellness or retention, financial aid, and so on).

          Bonner Leaders are often leaders in other service organizations on campus.  They utilize their close connections with their agency to promote service opportunitie and to connect other students and student organizations with service opportunities.   Last year's Bonner Leader at The Haven Hosue, a family homeless shelter, was in a sophomore honor service society (Crescent).  Through her connection with The Haven House, Crescent was able to raise over $4,000 for the non-profit and completley redecorate two rooms.   Other Bonner Leaders have been able to recruit many volunteers for their organizations.

1. Unique initiatives (such as events or strategic planning) that have enhanced institutionalization of service and civic engagement on campus.