RESIDENCE DON APPLICATION 2016-17 Application deadline: Monday, January 18, 2016 at 9am Application Submission: Steve Masse Assistant to the Dean, Residence Life 321 Bloor Street West Toronto, ON M5S 1S5 Important Dates: Group Interviews Sunday, January 24, 2016 from 10am- 1pm Second Round Interviews Week of February 1st Offers of Employment Mid/Late February Application checklist: o Application form o Reference form o Cover letter (one page maximum) o Current resume (two pages maximum)
Application Details In this document, you will find information regarding applicant requirements, interview process, and position descriptions for both Residence and Lead Residence Dons at Woodsworth College. Should you have any questions regarding this application, please contact: Steve Masse Assistant to the Dean, Residence Life (e) steve.masse@utoronto.ca Minimum Requirements Minimum requirements of Residence & Lead Residence Don applicants include: o Being a registered, full- time student at the University of Toronto for the 2016-17 academic year. o Having a minimum cgpa of 2.3 on ROSI at time of application. o Being able to perform as a Don for the entire 2016-17 academic year. o Able to attend the Don training program during the two weeks before Labour Day weekend. Due to the time- intensive nature of being a Residence Don, it is an expectation that after their own academics, students will consider their Don duties to be their top priority. As such, candidates with extensive co- curricular commitments, or who are involved in activities that may pose a conflict of interest with their Don position, should anticipate interview questions related to their ability to manage their time effectively and meet the position requirements. Woodsworth College reserves the right to offer positions conditional on a candidate reducing their co- curricular or employment commitments. The Selection Process The selection process consists of an initial screening, group interview, and individual interview. Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications, not all applicants will be granted an interview. The ADRL will be in touch with all applicants regarding the status of their applications. The Group Interview The group interview will last approximately 3 hours and take place January 24, 2016. The interview will consist of a series of activities including scenarios and role- playing that will allow candidates to demonstrate relevant skills and experiences. A telephone interview for people unable to interview in person can be arranged. The group interview team will be made up of members of the residence life staff. Successful applicants will be invited to a second interview with the Don Hiring committee.
The Second Interview The second interview will last approximately 30-45 minutes and take place the week of February 1, 2016. The Don Hiring committee will consist of the Dean of Students, the ADRL, and the Student Life Coordinator or Lead Residence Don. Final Selection After the interviewing has been completed, the Don Hiring committee will review all materials gathered during the selection process. This will include the application, cover letter and resume, interview team feedback from both interviews, and references. You will be notified of your application status by email shortly after the committee makes their decisions. If you wish to discuss the decision of the Don Hiring committee whether your candidacy was successful or not or receive interview feedback, you may contact the ADRL after the process is complete. Without revealing confidential Don Hiring committee and interview team information, they will share feedback about your interview or application. Position Details 1. TERMS Term of Employment: TBD Dons are required to move- in to Woodsworth Residence by TBD for the Don Training Program. This training program is not optional and all sessions must be attended. Residence Dons are required to remain on campus until the day after the last day of undergraduate Arts & Science examinations in both semesters. Residence Dons may be required to return to campus the weekend before classes commence after the winter break in January, and should be prepared to spend at least part of the mid- term break and long weekends on campus. All times away from campus must be discussed with and approved by the Assistant to the Dean, Residence Life (ADRL). This includes being away for more than 72 consecutive hours, and more than one weekend per month. Dons are only eligible for one week off during the period of this contract unless otherwise approved by the ADRL. 2. THE ROLE OF A RESIDENCE DON The role of a Residence Don at Woodsworth College is diverse and comprehensive. Residence Dons are expected to support the mission of Woodsworth College Residence in providing residents with a safe, secure, diverse, vibrant and cooperative residence community that is conducive to academic success and personal development.
Residence Dons are expected to foster a learning environment that is both challenging and supportive; that provides structure and encourages feedback to community members and encourages application and integration of individual talents and interests. Residence Dons are expected to encourage all students to contribute in a meaningful way to student groups, to university governance, and to the larger urban community. It is expected that the conduct and lifestyle of the Residence Don will serve as a role model for residents. Residence Dons are responsible for advising and providing referrals to residents; for maintaining reasonable levels of conduct outlined in the Residence Occupancy Agreement and Residents Handbook; and it is required that Residence Dons be visible in the residence community and be available and approachable for residents. Residence Dons are a part of the Residence Life staff. It is expected that Residence Dons will communicate openly and effectively with other members of the Residence Life staff. Residence Life staff members are expected to challenge and support one another and encourage feedback and application and integration of individual talents and interests; and contribute in a meaningful way to the staff. It is important that Residence Dons recognize that what they do as individuals impacts the entire Residence Life staff team and residence community. Residence Dons work closely with the Lead Dons, Assistant to the Dean, Residence Life (ADRL), the Dean of Students, the Assistant to the Dean, Residence Administration (ADRA), the Residence Facilities Coordinator, the Residence Council, the Front Desk Porters, and Woodsworth College staff and faculty in developing and participating in programs that are engaging and supportive of living and learning environments within the residence. The Residence Don is intensively involved in Residence life in a wide variety of ways that include, but are not limited to the following: Resident Transition Orient new students to residence and university life. Aid students in personal, and academic development. Supply information and referrals on residence life, personal support services, and academic support services to residents. Disseminate information and encourage participation in residence activities, and initiate and sponsor educational and social programs. Create and sustain a living environment that is conducive to academic success and personal development. Community Building Become well acquainted with and establish a relationship of mutual respect with residents. Work closely with other Dons, College Governments (Woodsworth Residence Council, Woodsworth College Student Association), the Front Desk Porters, and the floor/house representatives and councils in matters of mutual concern.
Attend all regularly scheduled team meetings, building meetings, Floor/House Council meetings, and other community meetings and events as instructed by the ADRL. Assist with the response to student code violations, liaison between students and the Residence Office, assist with room changes, be on- call regularly, and other administrative duties that may be required. Emergency Response Respond to first aid emergencies, supervise emergency evacuations, and manage crisis situations. Woodsworth College Represent the interests of Woodsworth College and the University of Toronto. 3. SPECIFIC DUTIES Within the broad definition of the role of Don, there are a number of very specific responsibilities of which a Residence Don should be aware. They include, but are not limited to the following: Residence Dons are expected to: Prior to Moving- In Attend a mandatory orientation/welcome meeting in March/April. Communicate with the residence life staff and the Residence Council over the summer months. Communication Check and respond to email and voicemail daily, check mailbox daily. Post all approved posters on floors within 48 hours. Set- up communication with the residents on your floors (email lists, Facebook groups, MSN, phone distribution lists, etc.) Wear staff clothing for: Move- in day, Orientation week events, on- calls, and in emergency situations Attend weekly full team and divisional staff meetings Regularly meet with the Lead Dons and/or ADRL and report incidents, activities, circumstances, and conditions of concern and or interest to the Lead Don and/or ADRL in a timely fashion Schedule monthly one- on- one meetings with the ADRL Report maintenance problems promptly to the appropriate offices Training & Development Actively participate in end- of- August training. Returning Dons are expected to run sessions during divisional training. Attend in- service training. This includes sessions in the Fall and Winter terms. Attend other professional development sessions as they arise throughout the year. Attend January training/retreat weekend.
Community Development Be visible, available and approachable within the residence community. Be present on your floors. Participate in orientation events, as approved by the ADRL. Host House meetings monthly. House Council/Committee: o Promote and administer House Representative elections o Coach the House Representative in forming house council, running house council meetings, and promoting and running house meetings o Set- up House Council/Committee and their expectations o Meet with the House Representative/Council regularly (bi- weekly recommended). Residence Council: o Attend Residence Council events throughout the year o Act as a dry monitor for a minimum of one Residence Council event throughout the year Meet with upper year residents from your area and set expectations Meet with each suite at least bi- monthly. Work either the Fall open- house or the Spring open- house tour days Ensure maximum participation for the Resident Feedback survey Programming Dons are expected to complete a minimum of the following per academic quarter (September/October, November/December, January/February, March/April): o 2 House social programs o 1 Inter- house program o 1 Developmental program o Monthly house meetings (or equivalent) Building & Resident Safety Uphold the Residence Occupancy Agreement and Residents Handbook Perform on- call duty on a regular rotating basis When on- call: o Pick- up phone by 9pm, and be on call until 9am the following morning o Do rounds of the building a minimum of twice per night o Immediately report emergency situations to the proper Residence Staff or University personnel Complete suite checks monthly or when requested Administrative Perform check- in/check- out duties as assigned Complete all required documentation on time and in a timely manner Complete all other administrative duties as assigned
4. THE ROLE OF A LEAD RESIDENCE DON Our two Lead Residence Dons function as regular Residence Dons with additional responsibilities within the portfolios of programming and team support. These portfolios may each be assigned to a specific Lead Residence Don, or shared amongst both. The division of these responsibilities will be at the discretion of the ADRL. Programming Portfolio Chair monthly team meetings focused on programming. Coordinate and provide leadership with regard to building- wide programs (active and passive). Ensure the residence life program and individual Dons are meeting programming goals by managing program reports and providing constructive feedback when necessary. Meet with Dons individually to provide mentorship regarding programming efforts and challenges. Team Support Portfolio Chair monthly team meetings focused on professional development. Coordinate monthly floor meetings, including the development of learning outcomes and curriculum Lead the planning and execution of monthly team socials. Create and manage the Don- on- call schedule. On- Call & Community Standards Assist Dons in the mediation of conflicts between suitemates and amongst residents. Assist with the management of behavioural issues in residence, as assigned by the ADRL. Perform second tier on- call duties, acting as emergency support for the Don- on- call as required. Training & Administration Assist with the development, editing, and updating of training and resource materials. Assist with the organization and facilitation of training sessions (August, October, and January). Other Responsibilities Liaise between Dons, the ADRL, and the Dean of Students. Provide support, mentorship, and guidance to Residence Dons. Act as a positive role model for all Dons and students at Woodsworth Residence. Participate in residence life staff hiring and performance management decisions. Additional duties as assigned by the Dean of Students, ADRL, or residence office staff. 5. RESTRICTIONS There are a number of restrictions placed on the Residence Don. The following conditions are intended to address balancing the demands of the position with the demands and responsibilities of personal and academic life.
Residence Dons are not permitted to accept other employment or take on additional commitments with external organizations which would take them away from campus for long or regular periods of time without obtaining the approval of the ADRL in advance Residence Dons must be registered full- time students at University of Toronto unless a prior arrangement has been secured with the ADRL Residence Dons are not permitted to hold a position with a recognized campus student council. Residence Dons must refrain from any conduct that could result in a situation where his/her personal interests conflict with the interests of students in Woodsworth College Residence. * The position description above is subject to change. Successful candidates will be presented with an updated and complete position description before accepting their offer of employment.
Application Form Applications must be complete, signed, and submitted by Monday, January 18th at 9am to be considered for the interview process for a Residence Don position at Woodsworth College Residence. Please drop off your completed application to the residence front desk, addressed to: Steve Masse, ADRL 321 Bloor Street West Toronto, ON M5S 1S5 Applicant Information: Lead Residence Don Residence Don Applicant name: Student number: College & Faculty in 2015-16: Program in 2015-16: Year in 2015-16 Current cgpa: Current Contact Information: Street address: Apt. City: Prov. Postal code: Primary phone: Email address: Summer Contact Information: Same as above Street address: Apt. City: Prov. Postal code: Primary phone: Email address: By signing below, I agree to allow the ADRL at Woodsworth College to verify my academic standing. I also acknowledge that information obtained through this application process will not be released to applicants and the information will be considered confidential. Signature: Date:
Reference Form As part of your application, we require that you provide us with at least two references. Your references should be able to speak to your work ethic, professionalism, and general qualifications for the Don position. By completing this form you are giving us permission to contact these references should we decide to proceed with your application. Reference 1 Name: Title: Relationship to Applicant: Length of Relationship: Phone No: Email: Reference 2 Name: Title: Relationship to Applicant: Length of Relationship: Phone No: Email: Reference 3 Name: Title: Relationship to Applicant: Length of Relationship: Phone No: Email: Reference 4 Name: Title: Relationship to Applicant: Length of Relationship: Phone No: Email: