What is the Office of Residence and Student Life (ORSL)?
The Office of Residence and Student Life (ORSL) is the main hub for all student activities at New College. ORSL serves all New College students and provides them with leadership opportunities, training, funding, and general support.
ORSL hosts a variety of programs which include:
- First Year Experience, which helps new student leaders develop their leadership skills while supporting incoming students,
- De-stressing events such as Let’s Talk and Community Hours,
- Re-Ignite, a reflective, skills-building program for first- and second-year students who didn’t achieve academically what they wanted to in first semester, and
- TransitionSMART, a program that supports upper year students as they move into various career and life paths.
ORSL also facilitates the residence program, working with students who live on campus and the Residence Dons. ORSL also serves the touch-point for the New College Residence Council and New College Student Council, as they plan student events.
Office Location, Hours, and Contact
The Office of Residence and Student Life is located on the second floor of Wilson Hall (40 Willcocks Street), at the east end of the lounge.
We are open Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. We close daily from 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM for lunch.
Connect with Us!
Telephone: 416-978-8875
Email: new.studentlife@utoronto.ca
Email: new.residence@utoronto.ca
Find us on social media. We’re @lifeatnew!
Meet the ORSL Team
About Us
The Dean of Students, Leah McCormack-Smith, oversees the operation of the Office of Residence and Student Life and works closely with all student leaders to cultivate a rich living and learning experience within the residences and college. The Dean is “on-call” on a 24-hours a day, 7 days a week basis.
The Manager, Residence Life (MRL), Dylan Williamson, lives in the residence and manages the Residence Life portfolio including the Residence Curriculum, staff and student support, and case management. He also works closely with the team of 21 Residence Dons and 6 Learning eXperience Assistants to ensure a vibrant residence living and learning experience. He is available to all residents for support, assistance, and advice.
The Assistant Dean, Student Life & Leadership (ADSLL), Trish Starling, is responsible for facilitating student life activities within the College, with a specific focus on commuting students. She promotes community development, academic success, and personal growth of students through leadership programming, policy development, and student advising.
The Assistant Dean, Administration (ADA), Nikki Butler, works with Leah and Dylan on all aspects of the housing operations, including housing contracts, extensions, placements, and fees. She also works very closely with the department budgets and coordinates the ORSL office.
In the Office of Residence and Student Life you will also find Kevin Nitièma, Nick Callow, Alex Sabzparvar, Chelsy Caranto, and Stuart Oakes. They are always happy to lend a sympathetic ear and offer friendly assistance and advice with any problems relating to the residence.
ORSL Who’s Who and Contact Info
| Leah McCormack-Smith | Dean of Students | ||||
| Dylan Williamson | Manager, Residence Life | ||||
| Trish Starling | Assistant to the Dean, Student Life & Leadership | ||||
| Nikki Butler | Assistant to the Dean, Administration | ||||
| Kevin Nitièma | Residence Life Program Coordinator | ||||
| Nick Callow | Residence Community Assistant | ||||
| Alex Sabzparvar | Student Life Programs Coordinator | ||||
| Chelsy Caranto | Programs & Communications Assistant | ||||
| Stuart Oakes | Administrative Assistant |
Residence Life at New College
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