Job Summary:

Reporting to the Residence Orientation Planner (ROP), the ROA will assist in the selection and training of approximately 145 Residence Orientation Representatives (RORs) who will help to organize and implement the orientation plan.

Specifically, the ROA is responsible to support the development and implementation of an Orientation Plan for assigned residence hall(s) in collaboration with the RORs and Residence Life Staff. The ROA will support the RORs affiliated with the residence hall(s). When planning events, the ROA will address our First Year Curriculum goals and advances the department’s Educational Priorities to ensure alignment with the Welcome Week Goals and Guiding Principles.

Accountabilities:

• Participate in the orientation and planning processes coordinated by the Residence Life Office of Housing and Conference Services and by the University’s Orientation Committee, as may be requested.
• Assist the Residence Life Area Coordinators (RLAC) with the coordination of Move-In for the assigned residence hall(s).
• Assist with the development of an orientation schedule of events for their respective Residence Hall(s) in conjunction with the ROP and Residence Life Staff (RLS).
• Oversee development of programs for building-specific events and campus-wide events, delegating to Residence Orientation Reps (RORs) for implementation
• Develop and submit program proposals and risk management event details according to required timelines.
• Submit budget proposals, event planning updates and reports to the ROP for approval.
• Attend all meetings and training sessions required for ROAs.
• Maintain effective communication with all other WW staff and RLS.
• Assist with the coordination of Residence Orientation rep suit designs in consultation with the ROP.
• Assist the Orientation and Assessment Coordinator and ROP with the selection and training of RORs.
• Provide feedback and coaching to RORs to ensure an understanding of their role and responsibilities.
• Identify, report and address any inappropriate behaviour of RORs.
• Work with the ROP to balance residence-specific and campus-wide programs, including safe travel plans.
• Ad hoc duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Education: Full-time student status (full-time undergraduate student is defined as one who is taking courses equivalent to at least 18 units 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 PowerPoint)
• Demonstrated good judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a larger team.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Demonstrated responsibility and staff/volunteer supervisory skills.
• Demonstrated management skills in the planning and implementation large-scale events.
• Working knowledge and/or experience building consensus within a diverse team of students, student staff and professional staff.

Additional Information:

• Must abstain from consuming substances during McMaster Welcome Week Orientation Training and Welcome Week *Dates To Be Confirmed”
• Promote and uphold the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities (CSRR).
• Given the demands of the position during August and Welcome Week, the Residence Orientation Assistant may not hold another Residence Life Staff position during the same term (i.e. ROA in the year may not start the Fall semester as a CA in the same year).
• Part-time hours: February to Mid – August; September – October
• Full-time hours: Mid – August to end of Welcome Week (dates TBD)