The Office of Residence and Student Life logo. A light green branch with yellow leaves and acorns surrounded by a dark green circle. The tips of the branch are breaking through the circle.

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 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM. We close daily from 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM for lunch.

Between July 1st and September 1st, our summer hours are 9:30am – 4:00 PM. We close daily from 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM for lunch.

Connect with Us!


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 and Residence Operations (ADARO), 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, Katherine Li, Alex Sabzparvar, Shivani Baldeo, Chelsy Caranto, Thérèse Perucho, Stuart Oakes, and Peter Valerio. 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-SmithDean of Students
Dylan WilliamsonManager, Residence Life
Trish Starling (On Leave)Assistant Dean, Student Life & Leadership
Nikki ButlerAssistant Dean, Administration and Residence Operations
Shari ChanAssistant Dean, Wellness and Engagement
Kevin NitièmaCoordinator, Residence Education Programs
Katherine LiResidence Life Coordinator
Alex SabzparvarCoordinator, Student Groups & Leadership Opportunities
Shivani BaldeoStudent Life Coordinator, International Student Transition & Success
Chelsy CarantoStudent Life Coordinator, Programming and Mentorship
Thérèse PeruchoStudent Life Coordinator, Orientation and Transition
Stuart OakesResidence Operations Coordinator
Peter ValerioAdministration and Communications Assistant

Residence Life at New College

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Student Life & Leadership

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