Parallel activities
Introducing a Buddy System
A Buddy System will be introduced at the Warsaw Seminar. The members of the Bologna and Tempus Expert group have a shared goal. However, because the membership is dynamic and constantly changing, as well as consisting of people with diverse culturally and socially diverse backgrounds, the task of the group is often not explicit particularly to new members. A buddy system provides a way to address the group task as well as building and maintaining group cohesion. It intends to do this in a structured non hierarchical way, aiming to build relationships within the group, foster better communication, circulate ideas, share good practice and accelerate the benefits of membership between members. It is anticipated that a Buddy System will creates a more constructive use of time and assist people working together across national boundaries, contributing to improved communication and the creation of a group culture.
What is a Buddy System?
Buddy systems are common in many organisations, the armed forces, education, sports and hobbies. Two people, typically with differing levels of experience and background take responsibility to work together to meet the aims of the group.. Both are equals and each person may share their knowledge, skills and experience with the other. They can assist others to progress their work as Experts by working together, helping to find their own goals and provide mutual guidance in developing their role. By offering interpersonal support a buddy system enables both individuals to achieve their full potential. It is a facilitative professional relationship which is not counselling and not therapy. Being a buddy can be as simple as merely saying hello and being welcoming, sending a welcoming email, or talking about how to implement ideas. The content is normally decided by the buddies.
Starting the scheme
The system will kick off at the Warsaw Seminar and it is intended that the system will be ongoing. To start, buddies have been designated and you will have been advised of your buddy in advance and you will also find your buddies name on the back of your badge. Structured activities will be introduced at the meeting which will provide an opportunity for you to meet with your Buddy and contribute ideas to how the system could effectively operate going forward. These activities will be introduced at the seminar and opportunity for feedback will be provided. Comments are welcome at any time to conference@unica-network.eu with copy to a.gibbs@napier.ac.uk.
Andy Gibbs (Bologna Expert)
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Apart from the Buddy System, some other parallel initiatives have been scheduled for the Warsaw seminar:
During the coffee and lunch breaks of day 1, a poster session will be held. A selected group of National Teams of Bologna Experts will be represented and share good practice with the audience. We would like to encourage the seminar participants to visit the poster session at some point during the day. Why not invite your buddy to come along?
As announced in the programme, a time slot for the participants is scheduled on day 2 between 11 and 12am. It will offer the audience an opportunity to address the plenary with issues related to the seminar theme and/or the role of the Bologna and Higher Education Reform Experts in general. During the introduction to the seminar, participants will be explained how they can take part in this session.
| Attachments |
|---|
 Introducing a Buddy System.pdf (55.65 KB) |
LIST OF BUDDIES19.10.2009 nomail.pdf (68.12 KB) |
Plakat_BolognaProzess_AT 2009.pdf (1.22 MB) |
poster_02c_FINAL.pdf (528.01 KB) |
UK Poster FINAL 08 Oct 09.pdf (60.03 KB) |
 img026.jpg (1.5 MB) |
