Background & Purpose | Benchmarks | Examples of Excellence & Innovation | Campus Examples & Resources
Background and Purpose:
An important aspect of the Bonner Scholars program is for students to engage in meaningful reflection related to specific experiences as well as their larger Bonner experience. As students transition from the “experience” to the “example” stage (generally between the sophomore and junior year), there is a logical opportunity for intentional conversation focusing on reflective evaluation of their experience as well as visioned planning for their next level of involvement as a servant leader in the BSP. When making life choices (such as college persistence, choosing a major, identifying a career path), it is important for Bonners to acknowledge the costs of these choices and to embrace the gifts and opportunities these choices allow.
Perhaps the essence of the recommitment process can best be captured by asking this question:
‘Is what I’m doing or about to do with the Bonner Program
getting me closer to my objective?’
The renewal process affords a student the opportunity to celebrate the continuation of his or her commitment to the Bonner Scholars Program.
The Bonner Foundation has defined the process of recommitment and renewal as:
“a time of reflection and celebration that inspires students to deepen their
commitment to and increase their energy for leadership and service.”
Through guided individual and/or small group discussions, Bonners will discuss what is at the core of their commitments. This transition stage should take place at the mid point of their college experience (sophomore and junior years) and should focus on the need for re-committing to and re-energizing for the BP vision as they move towards graduation from school and from the program. A recommended timeframe for this two-phase process is to focus on re-commitment near the end of the sophomore year and renewal at the beginning of the junior year.
Benchmarks:
An effective Recommitment and Renewal process will include the following components:
Recommitment Phase
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Guided Reflection and Self-Evaluation – consistent format for all Bonners on a campus that includes time to revisit their Bonner Application (this can be done during a class meeting or sophomore retreat, or in one-on-one meetings)
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Intentional conversation with peers
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Process for receiving constructive feedback and affirmation from Bonner Coordinator and/or Director and/or others identified as appropriate – includes an acknowledgement of the difficulty of the student experience and dialogue about what it will take to successfully complete the college journey
Renewal Phase
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Affirmation – opportunity to reaffirm the students’ contributions and growth and the ways that they have added value to the Bonner program
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Celebration event – a formal or informal festive gathering with refreshments of Bonners and other invited individuals
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Some form of ritual – rite of passage that will connect Bonners to one another and to the BSP through a shared experience
Examples of Excellence and Innovation:
Incorporate methods for evaluation into the Recommitment process.
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Developing evaluation skills is an important aspect of career preparation. To that end, an opportunity for structured self-evaluation as well as feedback from others (site supervisor, Bonner Coordinator or Directors) is beneficial. This will also assist in the identification of goals for the upcoming years.
Schedule a recommitment interview with each student and incorporate personal reflection and goal setting.
Celebrate students’ recommitment with a renewal event.
Campus Examples and Resources:
Mars Hill College conducts a recommitment program planned by the Bonners. Their program always includes food, a group activity, and a recommitment service. Before the event students are asked to brainstorm what they are willing to recommit to. This is then developed into a list (similar to a behavior contract) to be used in the recommitment ceremony. During the ceremony, students form a circle and discuss the challenges of being a Bonner and why they persist. Bonners then sign a master copy of the list of commitments and are then given a copy to keep. Resource Link to Mars Hill’s Recommitment Program.
“Guided Reflections for Recommitment” is a resource than can be used to encourage students to intentionally consider their Bonner experience. This tool can be given to students prior to a 1-on-1 meeting late in their sophomore year and used to guide dialogue about their recommitment. Resource Link to “Guided Reflections for Recommitment.”
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