This document outlines a staff development framework for Bonner National Fellows with the following purposes: gain information about how professionals value their work, develop strategies to support careers and plans, provide time for discussion of work challenges, and allow for renewal/reflection to prevent burnout. It divides professionals into brackets based on years of experience (0-5 years, 5-10 years, 10+ years) and identifies relevant skills, challenges, and training/development needs for each bracket. The document concludes by posing discussion topics for breakout groups according to experience level.

1. SHARING TO
SUSTAIN &
SUPPORT OUR STAFF
NETWORKING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
BONNER NATIONAL FELLOWS 2015-2017

2. PURPOSE
• Gain information about how network professionals value their work and their achievements,
• Develop strategies about how to support network professionals in their career and personal
plans
• Offer an intentional time for professionals to discuss challenges in their work, and
• Provide a space for renewal and reflection to prevent work burnout.

3. CONTEXT: THE STAFF DEVELOPMENT
FRAMEWORK
• 7 Brackets
• Skills and Talents, Knowledge, Habits
• Challenges,
• What type of training and professional development do you need?

4. SKILLS, TALENTS, KNOWLEDGE & HABITS
Bracket: 0-5 Years
• Work Ethic, Time Management, Developing Cultural Competency, Communication,
Leadership Opportunities, Understanding and Experience with the Bonner Program,
Self-Awareness, Networking, Self-Care
Bracket: 5-10 Years
• Multi-Program Management, Cultural Competency, Problem-Solving skills, Visioning and
Long-term planning, Student Advising, Assessment, Lead Critical Reflection, Writing Skills,
Initiative, High Energy, Patience & Perseverance,
Bracket: 10 + Years
• Connect with Colleagues at all Institutional Levels, Visioning and Strategic Planning,
Vocational Discernment, Financial Management, Managerial Skills, Systems Thinking,
Research Skills, Knowledge of Context, Community, & Campus, Resilience, Diplomacy,
Balance and Boundaries

5. CHALLENGES
Bracket: 0-5 Years
• Boundaries, Gaining and earning respect, confidence, limited professional experience and
network
Bracket: 5-10 Years
• Feeling respected by senior colleagues, confidence levels, getting access to educational
opportunities, Burnout, Unclear Job Descriptions, Finding Peers and Mentors
Bracket: 10 + Years
• Disenchantment, Questioning, Too Distant from Colleagues, Comfort with the status quo

6. TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Bracket: 0-5 Years
• Help in identifying career path, Space to connect with peers, consistent feedback, Opportunities to expand
skills, knowledge, and talents
Bracket: 5-10 Years
• Intentional and candid mentoring, exposure to current research, books, articles, and models, guidance
strategic planning and thinking, clarifying roles and responsibilities, negotiating at all institutional levels
Bracket: 10 + Years
• Listserv to share trainings and challenges, Consortium for Program Development, Connecting with
colleagues at the same level and experience, counseling skills, time to talk about balance

7. TODAY
• New Professionals (0-5 years)
• Mid-Level Professionals (5-10 years)
• Experienced Professionals (10 + years)

8. TALK BACK
New Professionals and Bonner Coordinators (0-5 years)
Topics to Discuss:
• Are the professional development needs from six years ago still relevant? Why/ not?
• What is rewarding about this work?
• What are the barriers, challenges that you face?
• What would a professional mentorship program look like?
• Do you anticipate being a higher education professional? Why/not?
• Provide at least five trainings you would like to receive at future Bonner Network events. *Be as specific as possible.

9. LET US KNOW
Mid-Level Professionals and Program Directors (5-10 years)
Topics to Discuss:
• Are the professional development needs from six years ago still relevant? Why/ not?
• What keeps you motivated to continue this work?
• What are the next steps in achieving your personal career goals?
• What are the challenges in staying in this field?
• How do you prevent burn out? What are your concerns for the future?
• Provide at least five trainings you would like to receive at future Bonner Network events. *Be as specific as
possible

10. INFORMATION, PLEASE
Experienced Professionals, Directors, and Senior Administrators (10-20 years)
Topics to Discuss:
• Are the professional development needs from six years ago still relevant? Why/ not?
• What advice do you have for new and mid-level professionals?
• What drives you in your work?
• How do you celebrate the small accomplishments?
• What are your concerns for the future?
• Do you think the field (civic engagement in higher education) has adequate professional standards? Why/not?
• Provide at least five trainings you would like to receive at future Bonner Network events. *Be as specific as possible.