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Housing & Conference Services

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Residence Orientation Assistant Job Description

Deadline to apply was Monday, January 30 at 9:00 a.m.

For any questions, please contact applyrls@mcmaster.ca

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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 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 between September and April, or is enrolled in a full-time Co-op/outgoing Exchange program) and a minimum sessional average (September-December) GPA of 6.0 must be achieved.

 Experience:

  • Previous experience with orientation at McMaster (or equivalent event coordination and leadership experience) considered an asset.

Assets: 

  • Excellent communication skills: listening, written, verbal, facilitation, negotiation, and presentation.
  • 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 positive attitude and proven ability to motivate and support others
  • Demonstrated maturity and ability to accept responsibility in a leadership capacity.
  • Demonstrated event coordination skills in the planning and implementation of large-scale events or programs
  • Demonstrated good judgment and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a larger team.

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 Advisor 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 – mid-August; September – October
  • Full-time hours: mid-August to end of Welcome Week (dates TBD)

Department and project description

Housing and Conference Services’ mission is to provide distinctive and progressive student and client experiences which enable our community’s health and well-being, and the pursuit of academic and personal goals in a safe, comfortable, inclusive environment which advances learning and service excellence.

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