University College is hiring two Residence Dons for the 2023-2024 Academic Year!
Application Details
Minimum requirements:
- Must be a registered, full-time student at the University of Toronto for the 2023-24 academic year in good academic standing
- Must be able to perform as a Don for the entire 2023-24 academic year, including Pre-Service Training during the two weeks before Labour Day weekend, as well as in-service training throughout the year
- It is recommended for Dons to have prior residence and/or group living experience, along with an interest to create a supportive living and learning environment for diverse students
Additional assets include:
- Leadership experience coordinating or supervising a team of students
- Program or event coordination
- Experience facilitating groups, educational workshops or meetings
- Experience providing personal, academic or social support to students
- Involvement in building inclusive communities for diverse students
University College is committed to fostering diversity on our Student Life team and prioritizing U of T’s equity principles within our communities. We welcome applicants that will contribute to expanding and diversifying the student experiences within our team.
Residence Dons are expected to prioritize the position as their primary co-curricular and employment commitment for the duration of their role, in addition to their academic responsibilities. Candidates with extensive co-curricular commitments, or who are involved in activities that may pose a conflict of interest with the position (i.e. Orientation co-chair or executive, University College Residence Council, etc.) should anticipate interview questions related to their ability to manage their time and meet the position requirements. University College reserves the right to offer positions conditional on a candidate reducing their co-curricular or employment commitments.
Recommendations for Applicants
The application and interview process is designed for you to demonstrate your interest, experience and passion for the Don positions. Being well-prepared for the interview process will help you demonstrate your aptitude and interest in the position. Please consider the following when preparing for your application and interview:
- Consider your unique, personal strengths and experiences that would benefit the UC community
- Browse the University College website, especially the “Life at UC” section
- Consider speaking with a past or current Don about the role
- Think about questions you want to ask the interview team
- Visit the Career Centre or UC Success Commons for cover letter, resume, and interview tips
- Watch the Information Session. See details below:
"So You Want To Be A Don or CoCo" - Information Session
Click here to watch the recording of this info session
Details on Available Positions
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Residence Don
The role of the Residence Don is diverse and comprehensive. Dons are expected to actively engage in forming and developing a cohesive residence community supportive of the academic and personal goals of University College students. It is expected that the conduct of the Don will serve as a role model for residents. Residence Dons are responsible for advising and assisting residence students, for maintaining reasonable levels of conduct, safety, and security, and for encouraging residence activities, events, and programs. The Don’s involvement in residence life includes:
- Helping to create a supportive, inclusive residence community that encourages involvement and mutual respect to meet the needs of all students to study, learn, and live
- Assisting students with conflict resolution and effective communication
- Establishing supportive relationships with all residents through one-on-one conversations, programs and on-going interactions
- Supporting students with personal, academic, financial, inter-personal or social concerns
- Responding to crisis situations
- Supporting the orientation of new students to residence and university life
- Supplying information on residence life, facilities, and university services
- Working with the house executive to provide a range of social activities and events
- Working with the Residence Life staff to develop and facilitate educational residence programming
- Working closely with other Dons, with House Executives and the UC Residence Council on matters of mutual concern during monthly house meetings, or at alternate times, as necessary
- Assisting the residence administration as required; representing the interests of University College and other members of the university administration
Time Commitment & Responsibilities
All Residence Don positions have standard responsibilities, as well as creative freedom to help foster a residence community focusing on their strengths and community needs. Dons should expect to work approximately 10 - 15 hours a week, though each week will be unique based on residence programs, on-going student support and new student concerns.
Here is a breakdown of what you could expect over the course of a month as a Residence Don:
- Student Support (12 - 25 hours/month)
- Responding to on-going and new student concerns
- Mediating House issues and complaints
- Student outreach & engagement
- Overnight on-call shifts
- Student One-on-Ones (8 - 12 hours/month)
- Intentional student support meetings
- Residence Programs (12 - 18 hours/month)
- House Talks
- Residence community building program
- Passive information board
- Residence wide programs & Theme Weeks
- Meetings (8 hours/month)
- House meetings
- Full team meetings
- Building team meetings
- Staff support meetings
The preceding is a general description of the Don duties, and does not include many of the specific duties and responsibilities of a staff member. The University College Residence Don role is a unionized position that is represented by the USW Local 1998 - College Residence Dons Bargaining Unit. Wages, Benefits and Deductions for this position are outlined in Article 18 of the collective agreement. https://people.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/MOA_USW_College-Residence-Dons-Unit.pdf
Living Learning Community (LLC) Don
University College offers four distinct Living Learning Communities (LLC) within residence houses. Each LLC connects students with similar interests and/or academic pursuits. Students in an LLC will experience directed programming facilitated by Residence Dons and other students in the community. Applicants can indicate their interest in one (or more) of the following LLCs:
- Health and Wellness
- Global Perspectives
- Arts and Culture
- Life Science
Current Hiring Process (June, 2023)
We are currently hiring 2 residence dons for our 2023-24 Residence Don Team.
If you are a present U of T student, please complete this form to apply.
If you are an external candidate (not presently a U of T student but will be attending in the fall), please complete this form to apply. In addition, please email your resume and cover letter to Jennifer.hinton@utoronto.ca.
Applications open June 5th at 12 PM and close June 18th at 11:59 PM. Candidates with strong applications will be invited to a panel interview which will take place between late June and early July.
Start your application
If you are a present U of T student, please complete this form to apply.
If you are an external candidate (not presently a U of T student but will be attending in the fall), please complete this form to apply. In addition, please email your resume and cover letter to Jennifer.hinton@utoronto.ca.
Applications open June 5th at 12 PM and close June 18th at 11:59 PM. Candidates with strong applications will be invited to a panel interview which will take place between late June and early July.
Recording of Video
Watch the recording of our CoCo/Don Hiring Information Session!