Position Description

The goal of Housing and Conference Services is to provide an intellectual and social residence community conducive to the pursuit of academic study, personal development, and that meets the changing needs of a diverse student population.  Residence Life supports student success by encouraging growth, educating character, and enhancing the university experience.

The Off-Campus Orientation Planner (OCOP) coordinates orientation and transition efforts for the first year off-campus student population, to advance the department’s Educational Priorities while aligning with the university’s Welcome Week Goals and Guiding Principles.

The OCOP reports to the Coordinator, Orientation & Assessment, but may take direction from the Residence Life Management Team (RLMT) regarding programming. The OCOP will also work with the Welcome Week Planning and Implementation Committee (WWPIC) to help plan and support university-wide Orientation programming efforts.

Throughout the school year, the OCOP will assist with assessment efforts and other orientation and transition-related activities.

Welcome Week Goals

• To make connections with McMaster, your faculty, your residence or off-campus society, and other students
• Develop your own identity as a Mac student, within your Faculty and in your residence or off-campus
• Be safe and feel safe, both physically and emotionally
• Connect with academic, emotional and University support systems
• Meet and connect with other student leaders who are positive role models

Welcome Week Guiding Principles

• Equality so that first-year students are offered the same rights, respect and support as those already in the Mac community
• Freedom of Choice so that even though first-year students are encouraged to participate in all events of the Week, they are always free to choose when and how to join in
• Celebration of Diversity so that differences in gender, race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation and religion are recognized and treated with respect and sensitivity, and the special needs of students with disabilities are also respected
• Respect for Individuality so that all students are free to be different and can expect to be treated with respect
• Privacy so that first-year students are entitled to private space and time; even in residence other students should enter their room only if invited

---

Job Summary

The primary purpose of the OCOP is to assist in the planning and coordination of university-wide orientation programming efforts focused on orientation and engagement of all off-campus first year students. The OCOP also provides administrative support and event logistical support for a variety of events and activities.

Accountabilities

• Assist with the planning, coordination and implementation events and activities.
• Assist with the selection and training of student leaders.
• Assist in the development of an Off-Campus Orientation schedule.
• Liaise with a variety of internal departments to coordinate events and activities.
• Provide information and support to volunteers.
• Coordinate various summer orientation events using prescribed event plans.
• Provide information and support to volunteers.
• Attend all required meetings and training sessions.
• Participate in the orientation and planning processes by the Student Success Centre and Housing.
• Coordinate Off-Campus Orientation rep suits designs and ordering responsibilities
• Coordinate the purchase, distribution, and effective use of departmental resources.
• Assist with the development, delivery, and analysis of assessment activities.
• Maintain comprehensive records of all Welcome Week plans, logos, schedules, etc.
• Monitor budgets, in compliance with University policies and procedures and under direct supervision
• Create and maintain a current list of contact information for Off-Campus Orientation Leaders.

Identify and report any inappropriate behaviour of Off-Campus Orientation Leaders to direct supervisor

Qualifications

Education: Full-time student status (full-time undergraduate student is defined as one who is taking courses equivalent to at least 18 units between September and April, or is enrolled in a full-time Co-op/outgoing Exchange program) and a minimum sessional (September-December) GPA of 6.0 must be achieved.

Experience: Previous experience with orientation at McMaster (or equivalent experience) considered an asset.

Assets: 

• Ability to anticipate problems, by using forethought and reasoning, and plan appropriately for their resolution
• Proven ability to establish and maintain excellent rapport with Welcome Week reps, in order to effectively lead the team throughout the summer and Welcome Week
• Excellent communication skills, including: listening, verbal, written, negotiation, facilitation and presentation
• Good computer skills in order to stay organized and productive
• Ability to juggle competing priorities and complete tasks in a timely manner
• Demonstrated positive attitude and proven initiative
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team
• Demonstrated maturity and ability to accept responsibility
• Demonstrated project management skills in the planning and implementation of large-scale events
• Experience building relationships and developing consensus within a diverse team of students, student staff and professional staff
• Proven ability to make sound decisions in stressful situations
• Must have an open mind and be flexible when working with others

Additional Information

• Abstain from consuming alcohol during McMaster Welcome Week Orientation Training and Welcome Week *Dates To Be Confirmed*
• Promote and uphold the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities (CSRR).

PT Hours: February 2021 – April 2021, September 2021 – April 2022
FT Hours: May 2021 – August 2021