We're hiring! University College 2024–2025 Don and Community Coordinator Applications
Application Details
Minimum requirements:
- Must be a registered, full-time student at the University of Toronto for the 2024–25 academic year in good academic standing
- Must be able to perform as a Don or Community Coordinator for the entire 2024–25 academic year, including Pre-Service and during Orientation as well as in-service training throughout the year. Note: due to university academic calendar revisions, Don and Community Coordinator training is tentatively scheduled to start August 12th, 2024
- It is recommended for Dons to have prior residence and/or group living experience, along with an interest in creating a supportive living and learning environment for diverse students.
- It is recommended that Community Coordinators have prior experience in living off-campus along with an interest in creating 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 team and prioritizing U of T’s equity principles within our communities. We welcome applicants who will contribute to expanding and diversifying the student experiences within our team.
Residence Dons and Community Coordinators 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 (e.g., 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/Community Coordinator positions. Being well-prepared for the interview process will help you demonstrate your aptitude and interest in the position. Please consider the following in 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 current Don or Community Coordinator about the role
- Think about questions you want to ask the interview team
- Visit the Career Centre or sUCcess Commons for cover letter, resume, and interview tips
- Attend an Information Session. See details below:
"So You Want To Be A Don or CoCo" - Information Sessions
We will be hosting 2 info sessions to provide those interested in the Don and CoCo role an opportunity to learn more about the roles, ask questions, and speak to present Dons and CoCos. Our info sessions are scheduled for the following times:
December 5th, 7:00 PM (Virtual) - Watch a recording of our virtual info session at the bottom of the page!January 9th, 5:00 PM (Virtual on account of emerging weather). Click here to join the Zoom session, passcode 101480 January 9th, 4:30 PM - UC Union Building, Front Room (79 St George Street, Room 100A)
Career Education Resume and Cover Letter Workshop for Interested Applicants
We know the process of applying to a job can be intimidating, especially if you have never done it before. Because of this, the Office of the Dean of Students has invited Career Exploration and Education to provide workshops to interested applicants. We will be offering three workshops on the following topics:
January 10th @ 12 PM: Resume and Cover Letter Workshop.- January 17th @ 12 PM: Interview Skills Workshop
https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/86722317273
Meeting ID: 867 2231 7273
Passcode: 561729
Details on Available Positions
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Community Coordinator
The role of the Community Coordinator (CoCo) is comprehensive and diverse. CoCos are expected to engage students actively by informing and developing an off-campus student community around the Commuter Student Centre (CSC) and the Clark Reading Room and virtually. CoCos are expected to help assess off-campus student needs and to develop programs to meet them. It is expected that the conduct of the CoCo will serve as a role model for students. The CoCo is responsible for building relationships with and advising and assisting off-campus students, for maintaining reasonable levels of conduct, safety and security in the CSC, for planning and encouraging off-campus student activities, events and programs, and for promoting these to the off-campus student population. The CoCo works closely with the UC Off-Campus Commission (UCOC) and staff in the Office of the Dean of Students with the aim of cultivating a supportive environment within the student life experience of off-campus students.
The Community Coordinator is intensively involved in supporting student life for off-campus students in a wide variety of ways that include:
- Orienting new students to university life and providing social opportunities for them to meet others
- Becoming well acquainted with off-campus students and establishing a relationship of mutual respect, trust and friendship
- Acting as a resource for students with personal, academic, financial, social or other concerns, whenever possible
- Supplying information on student life, facilities and referral services including medical, counselling, and financial aid
- Creating and sustaining a welcoming atmosphere of mutual respect, assuring that appropriate noise levels and an inclusive culture is fostered within off-campus student spaces such as the CSC and the Clark Reading room, so that the rights and needs of all students to study, learn and socialise are met
- Disseminating information and encouraging participation in UC and Off-Campus Student Life activities; initiating and sponsoring programs which help students to learn by being involved in all phases of student life; encouraging students to socialize and grow through the experience of student involvement
- Working closely with the other dons, with the UCOC, and staff in the Office of the Dean of Students
- Relaying important information to students and presenting the interests of University College and other members of the Senior Administration
The preceding is a general description of the CoCo’s duties, and does not include many of the specific duties and responsibilities of a staff member. CoCos are paid an hourly wage of $22.47 and work up to 10 hours per week. Complete job descriptions are available upon request.
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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
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Program Don
The role of the Program Don builds upon the Residence Don responsibilities to be leaders in developing residence-wide programming to build a cohesive residence community connecting students across all residence buildings and houses. In addition to the general responsibilities of a Residence Don to support residence students, the Program Don role includes:
- Initiating, developing and implementing residence-wide social and educational programs
- Creating opportunities for students to connect around academic interests and program of study
- Supporting the development of residence-wide theme weeks and activities
- Developing creative events and programs to engage diverse students around shared experiences and identities (i.e. international students)
- Supporting Residence Life social media management and content creation
- Liaising with the University College Residence Council, UC Lit and other student groups
- Liaising with relevant college and university staff, student groups and other resources to support residence programming
The Program Don role is ideal for those wishing to take a leadership role in program development and implementation. Program Dons will work together, in collaboration with other Dons, residence life staff and independently throughout the year.
The preceding is a general description of the Program 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
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Head Don
In addition to fulfilling the duties of a Residence Don, the three Head Dons take on a leadership role in each of their residence buildings. This includes developing a cohesive building don team, organizing and leading bi-weekly building team meetings, providing advice and support to their team members as needed, facilitating communication between the building team and residence staff, attending bi-weekly Head Don meetings with the Manager, Residence Life to provide information and feedback, assisting with planning and problem-solving, and coordinating programming and training.
Head Dons also assist with don training and the facilitation of peer lead sessions. The Head Don role is ideal for those wishing to take a leadership role and/or to pursue a career in higher education, residence or student life.
The preceding is a general description of the Head 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
Current Hiring Process (December 1st, 2023)
We are currently hiring for our 2024–25 Residence Don and CoCo Team.
Applicants with a U of T Email address, please submit this form to apply.
Applicants without a U of T Email address, please submit this form to apply in addition to emailing your Resume and Cover Letter to Jared Boland at jared.boland@utoronto.ca.
All applications due by January 14th, 2024 at 11:59 PM.
Applications for the 2024 - 2025 Residence Don and CoCo Team are now closed.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of a first-round mini interview. Successful candidates from this round will be invited to participate in a group interview. All interview components will be held virtually. Due to the volume of applications, not all applicants will be granted an interview. A member of the Hiring Committee will be in touch with all applicants regarding the status of their applications.
The Mini Interview
Successful candidates will be invited to record and submit an approximately 10-minute video response to 3 questions from January 19th to January 23rd. The Office of the Dean of Students will be in contact with successful candidates to advance to the group interview.
The Group Interview
The group interview will last approximately 3.5 hours and take place on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 (exact time TBA). The interview will consist of a series of activities, including scenarios and role-playing, that will allow candidates to demonstrate relevant skills and experiences. The group interview team will be made up of staff from the Office of the Dean of Students. Alternative interviews will be granted under extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the Hiring Committee. *If you are unable to attend the Group Interview due to religious reasons, we will be happy to make necessary accommodations.
Final Selection
After group interviews have been completed, the Don/CoCo Selection committee will review all materials gathered during the selection process, including your application, cover letter and resume, mini-interview, group interview, and references. You will be notified of your application status by mid-March.
Start your application
Applicants with a U of T Email address, please submit this form to apply.
Applicants without a U of T Email address, please submit this form to apply in addition to emailing your Resume and Cover Letter to Jared Boland at jared.boland@utoronto.ca.
All applications due by January 14th, 2024, at 11:59pm.