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Recruitment and Selection
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Campus Examples
Contents
Bonner Recruitment Media
One of the most important pieces of Bonner program recruitment and selection is accurate and widespread portrayal of Bonner in admissions printed media. Below, you will find examples of Bonner brochures, handouts, flyers, and booklets that are used to recruit committed Bonners.
- Christopher Newport
- Macalester College
- Kentucky Wesleyan College
- Siena College
- Stetson Recruitment Video
- University of Houston
- University of Richmond
- Ursinus College Video Spotlight
- Rutgers- New Brunswick Intro Video
- Wagner College Recruitment Video
- Rollins College 2020 Recruitment Video
- Brown University Promo Video
Bonner Applications
Bonner applications represent the first impression of an applicant and should be designed to give you the most pertinent information as concisely and effectively as possible. Below, you will find examples of Bonner applications from campuses in the Bonner network.
Bonner Scholar Program
Bonner Leader Program
- Brown University
- College of Charleston
- Mars Hill University
- Rutgers-Camden
- Slippery Rock University: You will find a scoring template for the applications that helps reviewers to make decisions around moving applicants to the interview stage. The next section includes two documents: Interview Questions and Interview Guide for applicants.
- The College of New Jersey
- University of Tampa: University of Tampa’s Bonner Application allows potential Bonners to illustrate their service and leadership experience by having applicants provide their resumes and share their views on inclusion and conflict resolution.
- University of Richmond
- Ursinus College
Bonner Interviews
The interview process is ordinarily the last step in the application process and can help your recruitment and selection team discern more nuanced aspects of potential applicants, such as willingness to learn, ethic of service, and commitment to the program. Below, you will find examples of interview questions that Bonner programs use to try and discern the best applicants for their program.
- Allegheny College: After participating in Sewanee's recruitment workshop at the Fall Bonner Network Staff Meeting, the Allegheny Bonner staff decided to create a Bonner Admissions and Recruitment Committee (BARC) made up of 6-7 current students to add student voice into the recruitment process for incoming first year Bonners. Interested students submitted an application with an essay about why they were interested and how they would add to the committee and were selected based on their commitment and engagement in Bonner. Students on the committee dedicated at least 1 hour per week towards committee meetings, and helped to shape the admissions process (i.e. application questions, interview questions as well as the structure of the interview, and ways to make it more welcoming and comfortable for the student interviewing). BARC members were able to contribute to the process by sharing their own experiences of interviewing for Bonner Program and what helped them and what could have made the experience better. They found that it was extremely helpful to have a current student in the interview process, because it invited a conversational element and reassurance for the interviewee in case they were nervous. Current students were able to add their perspectives and experiences at Allegheny and in Bonner and how Bonner helped them grow.
- Brown University
- Mars Hill University
- Maryville College
- Siena College
- Slippery Rock University:
- SRU Bonner Leader Interview Questions.pdf
- SRU Bonner Leader Interview Guide for applicants 22-23.pdf
- University of Tampa: University of Tampa’s Interview Questions cover a range of topics such as the interviewee’s work ethic, interest in developing specific skills, service and leadership experience etc., offering multiple opportunities to participants to highlight their strengths as well as areas in which they would like to grow
- Ursinus College
- Widener University
Selection Rubrics
- Berry College: The following categories are used by Berry College after their interviews to rank candidates on a five point scale (1 = least to 5 = most), with room for comments:
- Community Service Experience
- Interpersonal Skills
- Leadership Potential
- Communication Skills
- Depth of Thought
- Values/Fit with Bonner Program.
They also ask for written comments on each candidate's:
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- Overall impression given
- The College of New Jersey (TCNJ): They use two rubrics - one for application scoring and one for interviews. The application is a portfolio or video submission asking students to highlight the qualities assessed in this rubric.
- University of Richmond: The following document includes rubrics for three short essays that applicants submit as part of the application. The team members participate in a brief norming session to ensure that there is a common understanding of the rubric. Then each application is reviewed by two evaluators in an effort to minimize bias.
Have a Great and Accurate Web Presence
Today, many campuses rely on their online presence for recruiting. Many potential students check out colleges and universities on the web. Even parents spend more time doing so. Hence, it can be really important to work with your institution to ensure that your webpages are current, appealing and comprehensive.
For Bonner Programs, ensuring that students understand that the Bonner Program isn't just a check or scholarship, it's a robust four-year commitment is critical. For Bonner Scholars, who generally receive a large financial aid package and must qualify according to financial (income-based/EFC) guidelines, having this information can also be helpful. Check out how Guilford College describes the Bonner Scholars Program, with qualifications, descriptions of each year's experience and the developmental model, and financial assistance. Visit the live page to click on the drop down pages.
Use Text and Videos that Speak to Students
College of Charleston: Many programs take and modify text from the website and wiki to use on their webpages - and that is great! Some even include links to the Foundation and Wiki pages, as well as other social media, giving students a sense that they are part of a national effort. Look how the College of Charleston, a Leader Program, describes what Being a Bonner Means, how to become a Bonner, and uses catchy videos. Check them out here.
Montclair State University: Montclair State, like many schools, uses an online application process. During recruitment season, a link is put on the webpage. Like many applications, it includes short answer questions as well as basic contact and other student information. Many programs develop questions that build on the Common Commitments, hence asking students not only about their interest in or experience with service, but also about work ethic, other relevant family experiences, capacity for leadership, diversity issues, and thoughts about social justice. Contact information to the program director, like on Montclair's page, can be helpful to interested students.