2024-25 Academic Year

The Office of Residence and Student Life is pleased to open the recruitment process for our 2024-25 academic year volunteer student leadership positions.  

Questions about the hiring process can be directed to the Office of Residence and Student Life by email at: new.studentlife@utoronto.ca. In your email, please include: your name, student number, the positions you are applying for, and any specific questions or concerns. 

Application Form 

When you are ready, click below to begin your application. The application period begins Monday, March 11, 2024 at 9:00AM EST.

Orientation Volunteer Recruitment

Mentorship Volunteer Recruitment

Positions and Descriptions

We strongly encourage applicants to review the position descriptions below.

Orientation Positions

Orientation Executives

Orientation Executives (OEs) work with the Orientation Coordinators and the New College Orientation Planning Functional Group to plan, prepare, and deliver New Roots, New College’s Traditional Orientation program. In addition to working as a team with the Orientation Coordinators and the Orientation Planning Committee, Executives will be primarily responsible for one portfolio in addition to supporting the other portfolios that make up the Executive team. The bulk of the work of these roles is completed between May and September, with some final reporting required in September and October.

Orientation Executives must attend summer planning meetings in-person on campus and must attend Orientation Leader training. This training includes:

  • JOLT (Joint Orientation Leader Training) as assigned during summer, including asynchronous sessions and synchronous sessions
  • IAR Training (Identify, Assist and Refer) as assigned during summer (online module)
  • NCOLT (New College Orientation Leader Training) in mid-late August

Key Responsibilities

  • Responsibilities vary by portfolio. Please see portfolio details below.

Remuneration

  • Orientation Executive roles are volunteer positions that are awarded an honorarium of $1000 at the completion of contract tasks.

Other Details

  • Number of Positions: Variable
  • Application Deadline: April 8, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST
Portfolio: Programs

The Programs Executives design and develop logistics for event programming as part of New Roots Orientation, focusing on developing learning outcomes for all. This position has long working days as Orientation approaches and through Orientation week. This includes:

  • Planning events and programs that includes centralized and partnered events from start to finish, tasks may include booking speakers, ordering supplies, and reaching out to external groups.
  • Completing risk assessment program proposal for each event
  • Organizing food logistics for meals and snacks during Orientation Week programming
  • Tracking finances and spending with assistance from the Executive team and Orientation Coordinators
  • Securing bookings with outside vendors as it relates to materials and/or activities that are part of the program.
  • Preparing supplies and clear instructions for Event Leaders to set-up programs/events
  • Serving as first point of contact for Event Leader team
  • Collaborating with the Orientation Coordinators and other Executives to develop a sequenced schedule for programs.
Portfolio: Marketing & Promotion

The Marketing and Promotions Executives develop, market and monitor the (social) media presence for New Roots Orientation. This position has long working days as Orientation approaches and through Orientation week. This includes:

  • Contributing to the production of the program’s visual identity (logo, branding, schedule etc.) in collaboration with the Orientation Graphic Designer and the rest of the Orientation team
  • Working with the Orientation Graphic Designer to develop logos and social media templates
  • Moderating social media content and working with Orientation Influencers to create engaging real-time posts
  • Communicating key pieces of information (registration, ticket pricing, contests, schedule etc.) to incoming students via email (including through mass-mailing services such as MailChimp) and social media (Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook). 
  • Editing and updating the New College Quercus Orientation page
  • Providing suggested updates to the New College website and student guide as it relates to Orientation programming
  • Engaging incoming students through developing interactive and informative social media campaigns.
  • Serving as first point of contact for Orientation Influencer team
  • Long working days as Orientation approaches and through Orientation week
Portfolio: Volunteer Management

The Volunteer Management Executives are responsible for the logistics of program support and staffing as well as the development of a caring Orientation Leader team (Peer Leaders, Event Leaders, Orientation Influencers). This position has long working days as Orientation approaches and through Orientation week. This includes:

  • Working with the Orientation Coordinators and the Orientation Executive team to develop staffing plans and to create a staff logistics package for the New Roots Orientation program. 
  • Organizing socials and team-building opportunities for Executive and leaders through the summer and into Orientation week
  • Engage with leaders throughout summer and Orientation Week to maintain active communication with all volunteers
  • Develop group-time logistics and activities and work with Peer Leaders to ensure they know them
  • Working in partnership with ORSL staff to manage the team database to determine and update assignments throughout the summer and into September. 
  • Executing internal communication with all members of the Orientation Team.
  • Serve as first point of contact for Peer Leaders
Orientation Leaders
Orientation Peer Leaders

Orientation Peer Leaders act as leaders and role models to incoming students during New Roots Orientation and New Journeys International Orientation. This role might be right for you if: you love being in groups, being a conversation-starter, and being a mentor to students who may be looking for guidance and support.

Orientation Peer Leaders must attend Orientation Leader training. This training includes:

  • JOLT (Joint Orientation Leader Training) as assigned during summer, including asynchronous sessions and synchronous sessions
  • IAR Training (Identify, Assist and Refer) as assigned during summer (online module)
  • NCOLT (New College Orientation Leader Training) in mid-late August

This position has long working days as Orientation approaches and through Orientation week. These days can be up to 12 hours long (10am-10pm) during Orientation Week with breaks, free meals and more low energy moments throughout.

Key Responsibilities

  • During New Roots, Peer Leaders are assigned a group of students. Peer Leaders are responsible for welcoming these students and facilitating connections, conversations, and fun!
  • Peer Leaders may answer questions of incoming students, share resources and help make referrals to services on campus.
  • Peer Leaders assist with Residence Move-In Day by helping incoming students in finding their residence rooms and assist with bags where possible
  • Peer Leaders work as a collaborative peer team with Event Leaders and Orientation Influencers

Other Details

  • Number of Positions: Variable
  • Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST
Orientation Event Leaders

An Event Leader’s (ELs) purpose is fostering an environment that supports the start of incoming students’ development by contributing to tasks that are required for the program to run efficiently and effectively. This role might be right for you if: you prefer clear-set tasks, like hands-on work and responsibility over tasks (rather than responsibility for a group/people), you might prefer less-social work, and like to help-out where needed.

Orientation Event Leaders must attend Orientation Leader training. This training includes:

  • JOLT (Joint Orientation Leader Training) as assigned during summer, including asynchronous sessions and synchronous sessions
  • IAR Training (Identify, Assist and Refer) as assigned during summer (online module)
  • NCOLT (New College Orientation Leader Training) in mid-late August

This position has long working days as Orientation approaches and through Orientation week. These days can be up to 12 hours long (10am-10pm) during Orientation Week with breaks, free meals and more low energy moments throughout.

Key Responsibilities

  • Taking leadership in event and program set-up and take-down in consultation with the Executive team and as described in provided logistics package
  • Set-up and take-down of meals and snacks
  • Assisting with running of events when needed, and offering general “just in time” assistance to the Executive team and Orientation Coordinators
  • Event Leaders assist with Residence Move-In Day by helping incoming students in finding their residence rooms and assist with bags where possible
  • Assist with New Journeys International Orientation as needed
  • Working as a collaborative peer team with the Peer Leaders and Orientation Influencers

Other Details

  • Number of Positions: Variable
  • Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST
Orientation Influencers

An Orientation Influencer’s (OIs) purpose is fostering an environment that supports the start of incoming students’ development by contributing to creating a positive, high-energy and caring culture of Orientation. This role might be right for you if you: love singing or cheering loudly, don’t mind showing your face on social media, and you get energy from seeing others get hyped up. What this role looks like in practice:

Orientation Influencers must attend Orientation Leader training. This training includes:

  • JOLT (Joint Orientation Leader Training) as assigned during summer, including asynchronous sessions and synchronous sessions
  • IAR Training (Identify, Assist and Refer) as assigned during summer (online module)
  • NCOLT (New College Orientation Leader Training) in mid-late August

This position has long working days as Orientation approaches and through Orientation week. These days can be up to 12 hours long (10am-10pm) during Orientation Week with breaks, free meals and more low energy moments throughout.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist with New Journeys International Orientation as needed
  • Leading cheers and songs and bringing the hype to the New College community
  • Teaching and facilitating icebreakers with small and large groups
  • Being a digital ambassador for Orientation on New College social media channels
  • Capturing real-time events and social content as it is happening
  • Assist with Residence Move-In Day by helping incoming students in finding their residence rooms and assist with bags where possible
  • Working as a collaborative peer team with the Peer Leaders and Event Leaders

Other Details

  • Number of Positions: Variable
  • Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST
Orientation Graphic Designer

The Orientation Graphic Designer is a student volunteer with New College Orientation. The Orientation Graphic Designer’s helps to develop the visual identity for New College Orientation by creating a logo, t-shirt design, promotional graphics, and other requested material for Orientation-related marketing. The position reports to the New College Orientation Coordinators (OCs) and works closely with two Marketing and Promotions Executives on the Orientation Team.

Key Responsibilities

  • Meet with members of the Orientation executive team to conceptualize a brand guide
  • Use brand guide to develop graphics for New College Orientation 2024 including, but not limited to: New College Orientation 2024 logo, t-shirt designs, and social media campaign templates
  • Meet with members of the Orientation executive team to present design options, discuss feedback, and finalize designs
  • Other duties as assigned within the scope of the required work

Qualifications

  • University of Toronto student. New College student preferred
  • Experience in graphic design (personal/hobby, semi-professional, and professional experience are all welcomed equally) 
  • Ability to provide final products in requested file formats, including .AI, .JPEG, and .PNG 
  • Strong communication and organizational skills 
  • Experience managing projects from conceptualization to completion 
  • Ability to work largely independently within a given framework of deadlines
  • Available for up to six in-person meetings in June and July, subject to availability, during the hours of 9am to 5pm EST. Virtual or distance work is acceptable. In-person meetings are required.

Remuneration

  • This is a volunteer position that is awarded an honorarium of $1000 at the completion of contract tasks.

Other Details

  • Number of Positions: 1 position available
  • Hours of Work: Variable with no more than 10-15 hours / week
  • Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST

Mentorship Positions

SPROUT E-Mentor

E-Mentors provide a valuable virtual touchpoint to new students through the E-Mentorship program as they begin to connect into New College and the University of Toronto for the first time. E-Mentors assist the Office of Residence and Student Life staff in the delivery of our E-Mentorship program, an early welcome email and online program for all incoming students. ORSL sends bi-weekly emails with just-in-time information that may prompt questions from new students during the summer and early fall.

Key Responsibilities

  • Responding to questions/concerns via email from new students and/or referring them to the proper resources (approximately 5-10 emails a week) during May, June, July, August and September.
  • Submitting a simple report bi-weekly that includes the type of questions that have been received to inform the future newsletters.

Other Details

  • Number of Positions: Variable
  • Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST
SPROUT Mentor

The SPROUT Mentorship program provides each incoming New College student with the opportunity to develop a relationship that ensures support during their first year. SPROUT Mentorship is an opportunity for first year students to be paired with an upper year New College student. SPROUT Mentors are assigned a small group (2-3) of first-year students in October who opt-in for a deeper mentorship relationship which requires monthly touchpoints with mentees.

Key Responsibilities

  • Attending monthly mentor meetings led by the Student Life Program Coordinator which provides ORSL (Office of Residence and Student Life) updates, trainings, and new information about programming and service delivery.
  • Monthly meetings with your mentees (virtual or in-person)
  • Serving as a year-long ambassador between September and April to promote programming and support opportunities that are available to New College students.
  • Submitting a simple monthly report that includes the type of conversations that have been occurring to inform future trainings and resource referrals.

Other Details

  • Number of Positions: Variable
  • Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST
Wellness Mentor

The Wellness Mentorship Program is a pilot project designed to provide an opportunity for students to be paired with a peer who is supporting and promoting holistic wellness for New College students.  Mentors will have an opportunity to co-design this new project, as well as develop skills in the areas of mentorship, facilitation, program development, and outreach and promotion.  

Key Responsibilities & Duties  

Wellness Mentors will engage in research, planning, and development of purposeful initiatives to support the holistic wellness of their Mentees and the New College community at large.  Wellness Mentors will work collaboratively with ORSL staff and regularly report on activities to ensure alignment with departmental wellness goals.  Specific responsibilities may include:  

  • Collaborate with the Wellness Mentor team and ORSL staff to plan and deliver wellness programming for Mentees and the New College community  
  • Attend monthly meetings with ORSL staff to explore service delivery, program planning, and reporting on activities and initiatives  
  • Commitment to actively engage in mentorship and programming activities for 1 academic year (September to April) 

Other Details 

  • Number of Positions: Variable  
  • Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST  

Hiring Resources

We know the hiring process can be a difficult, stressful, and confusing time for many students. To support you in this process, consider the following resources from the University of Toronto’s Career Education and Exploration team and the Office of Residence and Student Life at New College. 

New College Hiring Workshops  

Join the Office of Residence and Student Life and our campus partners for the following hiring workshops and sessions designed to support you in the hiring process: 

Crafting Targeted Resumes and Applications 

  • Tuesday, December 5th from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM 
  • Wetmore Hall, Classroom 51C (basement) 

In this workshop, Career Educator Hannah Stevenson will help you understand why it’s important to match your resume and job application to the specific jobs you want. She’ll show you how to include your past work, volunteer, and life experiences in your application, using the job description as a guide. Join us to learn how to make your resume and application fit the jobs you’re applying for and improve your application.

Rapid Resume Review: 15 Minute Drop-ins 

  • Tuesday, January 9th, from 1PM – 4:30PM
  • Thursday, January 11th, from 1PM – 4:30 PM 
  • Wilson Hall, Room 2002

Looking for some personalized feedback on your resume? Have 15 minutes to spare? Sign-up for a quick drop-in session with Career Educator Hannah Stevenson, who will review a draft of your resume and provide feedback on improvements before you submit. Drop-ins are first come, first serve. Don’t miss your opportunity for valuable 1:1 feedback to improve your application!

Ace That Interview 

  • Wednesday, January 31st from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM 
  • Wilson Hall, Room 2002

In this session, Career Educator Hannah Stevenson will provide participants with strategies for excelling in carousel (group) and panel (individual) interviews, including the similarities and differences between these two interview styles, how to prepare for an interview, responding to interview questions, working with others in a group interview, and so on. 

Missed the session? A copy of the PDF slides are available here: Ace That Interview Slides

From Setback to Success

  • Tuesday, March 19th, 2024, from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM 
  • Wilson Hall, Room 2002

We very rarely have enough positions to offer all the exceptional candidates we meet during the recruitment process a job. This rejection can be challenging, and you have every right to feel that way. However, this can also be a time for growth. In this session, Career Educator Hannah Stevenson will provide unsuccessful candidates with an opportunity to reflect on the recruitment process – strengths, areas for improvement, next steps – and look for new work and volunteer opportunities.

Self-Directed Learning 

Potential candidates may wish to consider Career Exploration and Education’s Career Resource Library, an online collection of interactive PDF guides that will help you prepare application documents and navigate job interviews. Three we highly recommend to students interested in leadership opportunities with our office: 

One-to-One Support 

Potential candidates looking for more individualized and tailored support may wish to consider booking a Career Advising Appointment with a Career Educator or Peer Advisor. These 20-30-minute sessions support students in developing a strategy and exploring their options through their career journey. Some sessions we highly recommend to students interested in leadership opportunities with our office:  

  • Resume and Cover Letter Review 
  • Application Review 
  • Interview Prep 
  • Interview Practice