Residence Life Coordinator

This position is covered by United Steelworkers “All Employee” Bargaining Unit

Terms:

POSITION SUMMARY

The St. Michael’s College Residence houses just under 700 students within five distinct residence communities.  Reporting to the Dean of Students (DOS) and working closely and collaboratively with the Assistant Dean, Residence Life (ADRL), the Residence Life Coordinator (RLC) is responsible for coordinating and monitoring the living environment of the SMC dormitories to ensure students have a positive residence experience.  The RLC promotes and fosters community development, academic success, and the personal growth of students though program development and implementation, as well as by supporting the work of 18 residence dons.

Specific duties include providing mentorship and guidance to the various residence councils, addressing residence life concerns as they arise, offering appropriate referrals and supports to students experiencing challenges, investigating policy violations, and enforcing the terms of the occupancy agreement.   The RLC will work with other departments to ensure the quality if of the residence experience is maintained.  The RLC is part of the on-call team and is expected to respond to urgent situations that arise outside of regular business hours as required.  Although the RLC is intended to eventually become a ‘live-in’ position currently, the RLC is expected live off campus but in close enough proximity to respond to after-hours situations in a timely manner.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Students.

• In collaboration with the residence dons and in consultation with the ADRL, organize and facilitate the Residence Orientation for first year residents.
• In coordination with the Dean’s Office, track arrival dates of incoming students who arrive after move-in day, to ensure they are connected to their don and supported.
• Develop and oversee the Welcome Ambassador program that enlists volunteers (e.g. Double Blue Crew; SMRC; etc.) to meet students who are moving into residence after move-in day to orient them to campus and show them to their room.
• Facilitate and implement programming aimed at promoting personal growth, community responsibility and academic success among residence students.
• Maintain current knowledge about various offices and resources at SMC and UofT to assist students with a wide variety of residence life and personal issues.
• Provide resource information, counselling, individual support and referrals for students who are experiencing difficulties.
• Respond to urgent residence issues that occur outside of regular business hours and provide written reports to apprise the rest of the on-call team and Dean of Students.
• Meet with students who have been involved in policy violations and make recommendations and/or apply appropriate disciplinary action.
• Create and chair a Food Service Committee that is representative of the residence population (e.g. various constituencies, vegetarian, Halal, etc.). The committee should meet at least three time per semester to address issues of concern and make recommendations for improvements.

Student Government

• Provide guidance and mentorship to the St Mike’s Residence Council (SMRC) as well as the various House Councils so that they can fulfill their duties and successfully serve their constituents.
• Develop and provide leadership training opportunities for the SMRC and various house counsels with priority training times in May and September.
• Assist the SMRC and Loretto House Council in organizing their community building events throughout the year (e.g. Dean’s Cup; Formal Dinners; Pub Nights, Impact Month, Mary Ward Dinner, etc.)
• Provide guidance and leadership in assisting the SMRC in updating and/or improving the SMRC constitution.
• Oversee the SMRC elections to ensure they are run fairly and that all associated rules and regulations are followed.

Don Team

• In collaboration with the ADRL, develop, plan, implement and attend the Don/Senior Don Training programs that takes place annually each August.
• Help to edit and update the Don Training Handbook.
• Accompany the Don on Duty teams during their rounds in early September to ensure all dons have consistent training and knowledge of how to address issues of concern; arrange additional training sessions as needed throughout the year.
• Meet with the Don Team on a regular basis to facilitate information exchange, program planning, problem solving, and staff development.
• Alongside the ADRL, supervise and evaluate the work of the dons, providing additional training and mentorship when necessary.
• In collaboration with the ADRL, plan and present at the Don Information Sessions to inform potential candidates about what the role entails and how to apply.
• Participate in the Don Hiring process including vetting applications, organizing the hiring carousel, and sitting on the interview panel.
• In collaboration with the ADRL, provide regular check ins with the dons to support their development, learn about issues affecting their constituency, and provide guidance and advice on how to address complex situations.
• Work with the dons to investigate policy violations, making recommendations to the ADRL for appropriate disciplinary action when required.
• Regularly view Don Incident Reports and follow up on issues identified as required.
• Oversee the Don on Duty schedule to ensure that rounds of the various residence buildings are being performed in the evenings.
• Meet with assigned group of dons monthly to review and approve programming initiatives; assist dons who require guidance on creating programming to meet the needs of their community.

Other

• Assist the ADRL with the preparation of the residence life budget.
• Develop monthly active and passive programming on issues of importance to the university community.
• Help plan, promote, and attend off campus residence initiatives and field trips (e.g. Niagara Falls, Toronto Island, Christmas Village.
• Attend Dean’s Office weekly meeting and bi-weekly meetings with the ADRL.
• Serve on various committees related to residence life at both SMC and the UofT.
• Assist with the hiring of the Summer Don Team and provide guidance, support, and assistance with their programming.
• Investigate damages within the residence buildings and make recommendations for appropriate restitution.
• Keep the ADRL and DOS informed of significant residence problems and/or issues.
• Other duties and special projects as required.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Shared office space. Flexible working hours to accommodate student schedules; occasional evening and weekend hours required.

EDUCATION

• University degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

EXPERIENCE

• Must possess at least two years of related experience in a residence or comparable setting. Demonstrated experience in student life programming, supervising others, and handling discipline cases. Experience with the University of Toronto (UofT) environment and protocols an asset.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Computer. Strong computer skills required including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel), social media and desk top publishing. Familiarity with StarRez database an asset.
• Other. Must have proven leadership in a university or related setting, supervisory experience, and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication, public speaking, and mediation skills required. Experience providing guidance/para-counselling in a university setting and conflict resolutions skills are essential.   Ability to effectively manage a complex set of competing priorities in an unpredictable and often stressful environment.  Must be able to support students who come from a diverse range of backgrounds and have the ability to relate well to their needs and concerns.  Must be highly organized, detail oriented and be committed to continually improving the residence life experience for our students.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Open office.  Work schedule must be flexible to accommodate student life events that take place during evenings and weekends.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

The University of St. Michael’s College is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal people of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, people who take a religiously informed view of human experience, and others who may contribute to further diversification of ideas.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you require accessibility accommodation, please contact Human Resources at hr.stmikes@utoronto.ca.