Buddy

Definition:

A buddy is someone who informally partners with another person to grow a skill, work on a project, or to help in professional growth. Buddies use their unique perspectives, stories, and strategies to provide mutual support and encouragement as they move forward in their careers. A buddy is there to offer support and encouragement. Their role is not to give advice or to take on problems and try to fix them. Instead, the buddy is there to help you look to the future and think about the tools you need to get the results you want.

Expectations:

  • Each pair begins by designing a set of expectations of the buddy program which they both agree upon. This includes communication expectations of how the two hours of communication each month will be designated (one a week, once every other week). This could be face to face, by email or Zoom, by phone, or by a combination of these. The buddy will commit to being in touch at least once every other week for the duration of the program.
  • The buddy will develop a supportive relationship with his/her buddy and share information about his/her own successes, failures, career choices and life experiences, as appropriate.
  • Two hours a month working as a buddy pair, e.g., video conferences, lunch meetings, e-mail, telephone conversations, etc.
  • One professional development activity per duration of the program where you attend in-person or virtually with your mentee. The program will provide a list of suggested activities, e.g. Educause ELI events, topic-specific webinars
  • One professional development 30-minutes series events that is hosted by the Advisory Committee.
  • One reflection that will be posted to a collaborative platform that the Advisory Committee will introduce during the kick-off session.

Commitment:

  1. Establish an ongoing relationship with your buddy based on mutual respect and trust.
  2. Commit to regular contact (email, phone, online, and/or face-to-face)  with your buddy, making sure to be on time and prepared.
  3. Practice confidentiality when working with your buddy.
  4. Reflect on your experience as a buddy in a journal, log or another form that will be shared with your committee member twice during the length of the program.
  5. Complete an end-of-semester survey and a buddy feedback activity on your buddy experience.