Skip to McMaster Navigation Skip to Site Navigation Skip to main content
McMaster logo

Housing & Conference Services

Living At McMaster

Off-Campus Orientation Representative Job Description

For any questions, please contact applyrls@mcmaster.ca

This job is posted in the Resident Housing Portal under the “Employment” tab. Click the appropriate application type.

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.

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 OCOR reports directly to the Off-Campus Orientation Advisor (OCOA). The OCOR will also take direction from the Off-Campus Orientation Planner (OCOP) and the Residence Life Management Team (RLMT).

The OCOR is responsible for assisting with the organization and implementation of Welcome Week events for the assigned off-campus community, the residence-wide community and at the campus-wide level. During Welcome Week, the OCOR is responsible for assisting with the residence move-in process, as determined by the Department of Housing and Conference Services, and for supporting the Welcome Week Planning & Implementation Committee.

Accountabilities

  • Support and seek to achieve the goals of Welcome Week.
  • Demonstrate positive role modelling for all first year and off-campus students by maintaining a positive attitude and engaging in responsible decision-making.
  • Provide leadership and support to first-year students, easing their transition to university.
  • Refer all situations of an emergency/crisis or sensitive nature involving students to the appropriate University Representative (e.g. Residence Life Area Coordinator, Security Services, etc.)
  • Promote responsible attitudes towards academic achievement by encouraging and accompanying students to academic preparation events and activities.
  • Promote positive school and residence spirit, and a sense of community to all first-year students
  • Adhere to Welcome Week Guiding Principles, Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities, and all other municipal, provincial and federal laws and statutes.
  • Adhere to Social Media Guidelines and Expectations through community Facebook Group.
  • Attend all meetings and training sessions required for the Off-Campus Orientation Representative.
  • Maintain regular communication throughout the summer (weekly/bi-weekly e-mail) with the OCOA.
  • Assist OCOA with implementing Welcome Week and community programming.
  • Assist with the Residence Move-In process.
  • Lead first year off-campus students to and from Welcome Week activities.
  • Assist OCOA with effective wrap-up of resources and ensure spaces used during Welcome Week are returned to normal condition.

Qualifications

Education: Full-time student status (full-time undergraduate student is defined as one who is taking courses equivalent to at least twenty-four 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: 

  • Excellent communication skills: listening, written, verbal, facilitation, negotiation, and presentation.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to effectively train and supervise a variety of volunteers and student staff.
  • Computer skills – proficiency with Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel and Power Point)
  • Demonstrated good judgment and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a larger team.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills.
  • Demonstrated management skills in the planning and implementation large-scale events.
  • Working knowledge and/or experience building consensus within a diverse group of students and student staff

Additional Information

  • Given the demands of the position during August and Welcome Week, the Residence Orientation Representative may not hold a Residence Life Staff position during the same term (i.e. OCOR in 2019 may not start the year as a OCCA in 2019-2020).
  • Abstain from consuming substances and 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).
  • Attend mandatory training session in April, August, and one-off dates TBD during the remainder of the academic year
    • Residence Life Staff Orientation (RLSO): Saturday April 4th 2020
    • Additional WW Planning Meetings: TBD
    • August Training: TBD