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Housing & Conference Services

Living At McMaster

Off-Campus Orientation Assistant Job Description

This application will require you to submit a copy of your resume and cover letter.

For any questions, please contact applyrls@mcmaster.ca

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

The OCOA will support the OCOP in developing communications to first year off-campus students, the execution of summer programming and the development of other related programs throughout Welcome Week. The OCOA will act in a support role to the OCOP throughout Welcome Week, in order to assist in the implementation of the full week’s program.  The OCOA will support the Off-Campus Orientation Representatives (OCORs) and assist in the selection and training of the (OCORs).

Accountabilities

  • Participate in the orientation and planning processes coordinated by the Residence Life Office of Housing and Conference Services and by the University’s Welcome Week Planning and Implementation Committee as may be requested.
  • Assist the Residence Life Management Team and OCOP with the selection and training of the OCORs
  • Support the OCOP with the implementation of an appropriate OCOR recognition activity.
  • Assist in the development and execution of Summer Orientation and Welcome Week programming, under the direction of the OCOP
  • Oversee the successful organization and cohesion of Summer Teams, as assigned
  • Adhere to Social Media Guidelines and Expectations through Off-Campus/Building Facebook Groups.
  • Attend all meetings and training sessions required for the OCOA (including leading up to Welcome Week and throughout the academic year).
  • Submit program proposals and risk management event submissions according to prescribed guidelines and timelines.
  • Submit bi-weekly reports on progress throughout the summer, as outlined by the OCOP.
  • Update the orientation budget, in compliance with University policies and procedures.
  • Submit budget proposals, event planning updates and related reports to the ROP for approval.
  • Assist with the coordination Off-Campus Orientation rep suit ordering responsibilities
  • Provide feedback and coaching to OCORs to ensure an understanding of their role and responsibilities.
  • Identify, report and address any inappropriate behaviour of OCORs

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 Welcome Week, the Off-Campus Orientation Assistant may not hold another Residence Life Staff position or any other job positions during this time
  • 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).
  • Mandatory training & planning dates:
    • OCOA Welcome Meeting & OCOR Assessment Centre Prep: TBD
    • OCOR Selection: February 5th – 9th 2020
    • WW Planning Meeting: February 2nd, March 8th, April 29th 2020
    • Residence Life Staff Orientation (RLSO): Saturday April 4th 2020
    • Additional WW Planner Meetings: TBD
    • August Training: TBD