About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

The Division of Housing and Ancillary Services strives to provide its residents and student staff with a work environment where academic success and personal growth are promoted. The Residence Life Team, comprised of full-time professionals and part-time student leaders, is committed to providing a supportive, inclusive community for students to live, learn, and flourish. As a team, we recognize the importance of providing a smooth transition into university and a healthy living and learning environment.

Responsibilities

Start Date: October, 2025
End Date: May 1, 2027

This position works collaboratively with members of Orientation Staff (OStaff) from Student Experience to support Soph teams.

The Residence Orientation Coordinator (ROC) reports to a member of the Residence Life Management Team. The incumbent is responsible for leading the team of Residence Head Sophs (9), coordinating Orientation Week program planning, supporting yearlong Soph engagement initiatives, and facilitating frequent and ongoing communication between Head Sophs, Programming Assistants, Programming Coordinators, and various Orientation committees.

The Residence Orientation Coordinator works closely with the Residence Life Management Team, Housing’s Summer Project Assistants, Student Experience, and University Students’ Council (USC), to support the development of engaging, fun, and substance-free orientation and transition experiences for new students living in residence. Adherence to Orientation policies, procedures, and risk management protocols and the Residence Contract is an integral component of this position.

The ROC position is designed to function as a central point of leadership, information, and organizational support for Residence Leadership Teams, collaborating with Head Sophs who report to their respective Programming Coordinator. The ROC assists with recruiting and selecting Head Sophs and Programming Assistants; recruiting and selecting Soph teams; developing Orientation Week programs, budgets, cheers, merchandise/uniforms; coordinating Soph involvement in Residence Move-ins; maintaining yearlong expectations; and facilitating team building activities.

Hours per Week:

• Typically, 15 – 35 hours/week. Varies, depending on the cycle of the year:
  • 10-15 hours/week October 2025- April 30, 2026
  • 35 hours/week May 1, 2026–September 8, 2026
  • Please note, August 1st -September 6, 2026, additional hours above the standard hours may be required and processed in accordance with Employment Standards Act
  • 10-25 hours/week September 7, 2026-May 1, 2027

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate and, as required, collaborate with the programming efforts of Residence Orientation Leadership Teams (Head Sophs and Programming Assistants) and Residence Life team
• Liaise with the University Student’s Council, including the USC Vice-President Orientation and Programming, supporting their assignment of Faculty Soph pairings and keeping them informed of any Housing-specific programs, training, for Residence Sophs
• Participate in Residence Head Soph and Programming Assistant interviews, and support the building placement process for Residence Sophs
• Help coordinate, develop, and participate in Leadership Team and Soph training/Orientation
• Attend and, as required, facilitate bi-weekly and as-needed meetings involving Residence Head Sophs, Leadership Teams, and Programming Coordinators, including HAS move-in planning meetings
• Host bi-weekly Residence Head Soph one on one meetings (including throughout the academic year)
• Develop, implement, and maintain the Residence Soph Field Guide, Soph recognition and recruitment initiatives, and other projects as required
• Attend all Head Soph & Leadership Team training sessions (Winter/Spring)
• Assist in the planning, coordination, and facilitation of Spring Soph Orientation, Leadership Team and Residence Soph Training during the Learning & Development Conference (August/September), and January Professional Development
• Assist relevant stakeholders in the planning, execution, and coordination of Residence Based Day, residence late-night events during Orientation Week, summer projects, yearlong program planning, Residence Staff and Soph Learning & Development Conference, Residence Soph appreciation, and other initiatives and events as required
• Participate as a member of the Residence Move-In-Day Committee
• Liaise with the UWO Bookstore and University Students’ Council and other suppliers ensure OWeek merchandise and uniform order deadlines are met
• Meet regularly, and as needed, with all applicable stakeholders to complete various duties of role, including maintaining building-specific budgets; planning, developing, and executing Soph Training; and sharing team-specific updates
• Establish and maintain positive rapports with the Head Sophs, Programming Assistants, and USC, while facilitating collaboration amongst all parties
• Create and send ongoing email newsletters to Leadership Teams to keep them informed of relevant information, including important deadlines, general updates, tips on things to prepare, and motivational material.
• Liaise with Head Sophs, Programming Assistants, and key Orientation stakeholders over the summer, establishing regular contact as appropriate
• Liaise with Housing’s Orientation Constituency Admin regarding Residence Soph-specific training, submitting relevant reports with summaries of activities and recommendations

Experience

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Previous leadership experience (Residents’ Council, Soph, Residence Staff, the University Students’ Council, etc.) is preferred
• Background in peer coaching, training, and event planning
• Technical skills, including PowerPoint, Keynote, Excel, Photoshop, etc.
• Superb organization skills & an ability to work in flexible, fast paced environments
• Ability to work effectively with Student Leaders
• Must reside in London and be available full-time throughout the summer
• The ROC will not carry any other Orientation or Residence Staff roles for the duration of the position

Education

• Must have completed 6 undergraduate terms
• Must be a full time student at Western (enrolled in minimum 3.5 courses), and expect to retain full-time student status for the duration of this appointment and during the 2026-2027 academic year

Skills, Abilities & Expertise

• Have tacit knowledge and an awareness of the goals and priorities of Western University, the Orientation Program Strategic Plan, and Residence Curriculum
• Demonstrate responsible creativity in program planning and resource allocation
• Display strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Demonstrate confidence and enthusiasm for nurturing Student Leaders
• Be familiar with promotional copy software and equipment (i.e., e-newsletters, posters, and videos)
• Be aware of campus and London learning and crisis support resources
• Be responsible, highly motivated, and willing to take initiative
• Planning, organizing, and problem solving
• Leadership and teamwork, working collaboratively with Head Sophs, Housing Administration, and campus partners

Why Western?

Western offers a broad and exciting variety of part-time and temporary employment opportunities with ample room for job exploration and growth. Within our beautiful campus, you are part of a progressive work environment that promotes work/life balance including access to our state-of-the-art recreation centre. Apply for an opportunity to be part of the Western community and contribute to its success!

Applying at Western

To ensure that your application is given full consideration, please complete all relevant sections of the application. In addition, please include your cover letter and current resume.

Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications. Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

The application package for this position consists of 2 pieces:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.