student leadership opportunities 2016

ACCOMMODATION SERVICES STUDENT LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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Student Leaders within Accommodation Services play a crucial role in developing healthy, happy communities for all residents, and the role is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding leadership opportunities you are likely to undertake. Although it requires a significant commitment, there is more to each opportunity than meets the eye! For 2016, several changes have been made to the existing student leadership structure. These changes will take place to ensure Accommodation Services retains a high quality of student leaders, reflects the changes in the academic College structure of La Trobe, wholeheartedly embraces the concept of student leadership and shared duties, and continues to work towards ongoing improvement and best practice within the higher education student accommodation space. These changes are expected to add value to the student leadership roles and enhance interaction between staff, student leaders and the wider student body. To help you decide which opportunity may be the best fit for you, and with these changes in mind, we encourage you to take some time to carefully read through all sections of this document. You will find a general overview of the opportunities on offer, the application process, important dates, and an introduction to the expectations we have of all student leaders. Please note that students are welcome and encouraged to indicate a preference for a residence, however, allocations will be determined based on need. As you navigate the recruitment and selection processes, please feel free to ask questions of the Residential Education team at any time. We strongly encourage you to attend all relevant information sessions, speak to current student leaders, and drop by the Accommodation Services Office if there is anything else you’d like to know. Good luck!

Adam Campbell Senior Manager Accommodation Services


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2016 AVAILABLE POSITIONS

POSITION MELBOURNE BENDIGO

RA: Health 15 10

RA: Academic 22 10

RA: Social 12 6

Community Advisors (GH & UL Only) 2 0

Reserve Leaders 3 3

TOTAL 54 29

TOTAL Accommodation Services 83

RESIDENCE BREAKDOWN

RA

HEALTH RA

ACADEMIC RA

SOCIAL COMMUNITY

ADVISORS RESERVE LEADERS

TOTAL

Chisholm 5 6 4 0 1

54

Glenn 5 6 4 0 1

Menzies 5 10 4 0 1

GH 0 0 0 1 0

UL 0 0 0 1 0

BW/W 0 0 0 0 0

Hillside 2 2 2 0 1

29

Terraces 3 2 2 0 0

Units 3 4 2 0 1

Villas 1 2 0 0 1

Orde 1 0 0 0 0

TOTALs 25 32 18 2 6 83

*Community Advisors at Grad House and Uni Lodge are not assigned to a particular portfolio; these leaders will report to the REC: Community Standards at the Melbourne Campus.


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QUALITIES AND REQUIREMENTS Accommodation Services aims to provide safe, comfortable, inclusive and accessible accommodation for its residents. Residential Education programs are designed to build communities that foster learning, academic achievement, and personal and social development. To achieve this aim, Accommodation Services relies upon a dedicated team of student leaders, all of whom work hard to provide students with the best residential experience possible. Though each student leader belongs to a specific portfolio group, each is considered to be a “student leader” first and foremost. It is a privilege to serve residential students and a role that comes with increased responsibility. As such, student leaders are expected to set a positive example, role modelling appropriate behaviours for others regardless of the leadership portfolio they operate within. To help guide our student leaders in the important role they play, Accommodation Services has compiled a list of standards which are applicable to all opportunities. These standards include, but are not limited to: Qualities

Demonstrate care and concern for residents, guests, fellow student leaders and staff. Carefully consider the ways in which the things you say and do (or do not say and do) may

negatively impact the experience, feelings and safety of others. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity, inclusivity and acceptance. Demonstrate objectivity and impartiality when dealing with issues. Be receptive to feedback, ideas and constructive criticism – giving and receiving. Demonstrate creativity and innovation. Role model positive and responsible drinking and social behaviour both on and off

campus. Requirements

Abide by, role model and educate residents as to appropriate standards of behaviour and expectations outlined in all Accommodation Services and La Trobe University rules, policies, processes, guidelines and standards.

Document any violations of the aforementioned standards or concerns regarding resident behaviour, and intervene as appropriate, maintaining confidentiality, but referring on as required.

Provide assistance according to your level of training in cases of illness, injury, fire or other emergencies, referring to staff as required.

Set and maintain a standard of reasonable care while preventing acts that may cause harm to yourself and/or others (‘Duty of Care’).

Actively facilitate or participate in all required meetings as required, including those involving staff, leadership teams, and/or resident or community meetings.

Assist residents in understanding the realities and responsibilities of community living. Communicate professionally, responsibly and effectively as required using appropriate

oral and written communication in all situations, including role modelling appropriate use


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of social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and technology (i.e. e-mails, text messages etc.).

Maintain an active and positive presence in and around the residences, including assistance with, participation in, and promotion of, residence and Accommodation Services wide events and activities (such as welcome/orientation programs at the start of each semester).

Demonstrate pride for the residence in which you live, and the entire residential and university precinct (which includes reporting any maintenance/security concerns within 24 hours of being made aware of the issue, and through appropriate channels).

Undertake “Mod Squad” (sober) responsibilities as assigned during scheduled events. Training

All student leaders are obliged to attend a comprehensive training program prior to commencement of their roles (November and February). Attendance is mandatory.

All student leaders will receive training in dealing with health and wellbeing concerns, along with First Aid Level 2.

As part of the training package, student leaders have an opportunity to develop and enhance valuable employability skills including initiative, communication, teamwork, technology, problem solving, self-management, planning and learning.

Student leaders who are absent on a training day without a valid excuse (attendance at class or exceptional circumstances) will have their leadership role placed on ‘Probation.’ Those who miss more than one training day will be removed from the role.

MEETING & TRAINING SCHEDULE In addition to set commencement of role training dates, all student leaders will be required to be available on a fortnightly basis to attend the following meetings:

FREQUENCY THEME INVOLVED

Fortnight 1 Portfolio Management Meeting REC and Portfolio Teams

Fortnight 2 Leadership Development Program All RECs, Management and Leadership Team

The aim of these scheduled meetings will be to provide regular development, training and support to those undertaking leadership roles. A program involving guest speakers, external organisations and Accommodation Services staff will be planned with an overall focus on on-the-job training and future-focused employability skill development beyond their immediate roles.


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POSITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PORTFOLIO STUDENT LEADER ROLE

All Student Leaders

Host fortnightly community meetings, ensuring opportunities for residents to provide feedback, ask questions, and access important information from Accommodation Services. Provide attendance records, agendas, and minutes from meetings.

Maintain appropriate, updated, and neat designated information points in order to ensure effective communication with the community throughout the year.

Create ‘community’ and provide support with pastoral care (via contact with residents).

Maintain active involvement in residential programming throughout the year.

Facilitate orientation events during ResFest. Play a key role in upholding/role modelling community standards. Forward matters of concern to staff where required. Provide assistance on Open Day. Undertake ‘Mod Squad’ responsibilities as assigned. Be involved in a 'Buddy System' with another student leader

throughout the year.

RA: Health

Encourage community building and personal growth and development by organising and evaluating six large-scale community events (by residence at Bundoora, both inter-residence and residence specific at Bendigo).

RA: Academic

Plan and facilitate sixteen themed academic enrichment sessions (facilitated twice), tailored to suit their field of study groupings, as per the lesson plans and activities provided by the Residential Education team.

Record and report attendance at every academic session within 24 hours of completion.

Assist with the design and facilitation of community wide academic programs including, but not limited to SWOT-Vac, academic workshops and later year programs.

RA: Social

Organise a diverse range of events (two alcohol permitted and two non-alcohol permitted) through the course of the year which promote the residential student experience. Provide summary reports and evaluations of each event or activity to staff.

Organise Residential Ball(s) (as above) Promote Thursday Night LIVE & Outbound “special events”

Community Advisors

Encourage community building and promote community engagement at residence events and wider events run by


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Accommodation Services Act as an advisor for community related matters within

residence. Provide regular opportunities for residents to come together

through small scale events such as residential BBQ‘s Play a key role in upholding/role modelling community standards


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REMUNERATION All student leaders will receive the following remuneration and incentives for undertaking their role:

Compulsory Fees

Accommodation and selected catering during training and ResFest

Student Leader Merchandise

Training and Development (including employability skills, First Aid qualifications)

Networking Opportunities

Free Annual Ball Ticket

Student Leader Graduation Event

Rental remuneration of 40% ELIGIBILITY To be eligible to apply for a student leadership role you must:

Be an enrolled later-year student Be a resident of Accommodation Services Have consistently paid off all rental account debts during 2015 residency. Have consistently achieved a grade average of 70% (B) or higher (with the expectation

that you will maintain this standard during your time as a leader) Have not been negatively involved in any significant community standards issues.

Student leadership is a full year commitment; those nominating for leadership positions should not be planning to go on exchange.


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LEADERSHIP SELECTION PROCESS Residents who wish to apply for a leadership role must complete the following steps by the specified due dates:

1. Submit an online application response to the following statement: Please describe (in 200 words or less) the ways in which you have demonstrated leadership within your community (residential, home, school or otherwise) over the past 2 years.

2. CURRENT STUDENT LEADERS applying to return – please note that you must submit a hard copy of your academic transcript to the Accommodation Services Office by Monday, 10 August.

3. CURRENT STUDENT LEADERS invited to interview will need to prepare a 5 – 10 minute

presentation which:

a. Highlights the attributes, skills, and experiences you would bring to the role if

selected for another year;

b. Demonstrates how you would establish yourself as a “leader amongst leaders”;

c. Identifies new ideas you would bring to the specific portfolio which interests you;

d. Pinpoints challenges you foresee in returning, and what you plan to do to overcome them.

4. NEW CANDIDATES (i.e. those who are not student leaders at present) who are successfully shortlisted will be invited to participate in a Leadership Selection session at their respective campus. These sessions will involve a series of interactive activities and scenarios designed to identify the skills, abilities, and “fit” of potential leaders. Please note that attendance at an assigned Leadership Selection session cannot be rescheduled or substituted; therefore, if you are interested in a leadership position for 2016, you must be available to attend.

5. If successful, attend all required training dates.


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Student Leadership Selection Assessment: Leaders will be selected based on a combination of the following:

COMPONENT CRITERIA SCORING

Eligibility for Role Meet Eligibility Criteria Yes/No

Online Application

Assessment of online question in relation to relevant examples and evidence of critical thinking

Total score out of 20 (Bendigo) 40 (Bundoora)

Performance at Leadership Selection

Assessment of skills, abilities and fit of potential leaders – leadership awareness, problem solving, group work, respect, desire to learn, communication and confidence.

Various staff to review student performance during scenarios and interactive activities

Other Factors Consideration of any breaches of Residential or University rules or guidelines

Students who are unsuccessful in receiving a leadership role are welcome to contact staff for feedback on their performance, but should note that general constructive notes will be provided, rather than individual scores. Please note that if you plan to apply for a student leadership position, you must also apply to return to residence in 2016 by lodging an application via StarPortal by 4 p.m. on Friday, 28th August. As long as you meet this deadline, there is no application fee.


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IMPORTANT DATES - MELBOURNE CAMPUS

DATE DETAILS

Tuesday 4 August 2:30 – 4 pm Leadership and Returner Info Session

Wednesday 5 August 12:30 – 2 pm Leadership and Returner Info Session

Thursday 6 August 5 – 6:30 pm Leadership and Returner Info Session

Monday 10 August Student Leader Applications Due (online)

Monday 10 August Current leaders applying to return must submit a hard copy of their academic transcript

10 – 20 August Student Leadership Shortlisting

Friday 21 August Student Leadership Shortlisting Announcement

Friday 28 August Deadline to apply to return to residence in 2016

Saturday 29 August Student Leader Selection Day

Tuesday 1 September Returning Student Leaders Interviews (presentations)

Friday 4 September Student Leader Announcements

Monday 12 October Pass the Baton (Current and Future Leaders – TBC)

November Leadership Training

February Leadership Training

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Saturday 20 – Friday 26 February ResFest

Monday 29 February Academic Mentoring Sessions (RA: Academic) Community Meetings (All)

Monday 7 March Academic Mentoring Sessions (RA: Academic) Community Meetings (All)

Wednesday 9 March 5 – 6pm Portfolio Leadership Meeting


Wednesday 23 March 5 – 6pm Leadership Team Meeting – Meet La Trobe Services

Monday 4 April Academic Mentoring Sessions (RA: Academic) Community Meetings (All)

Wednesday 6 April 5 – 6pm Portfolio Leadership Meeting


Wednesday 20 April 5 – 6pm Leadership Team Meeting – Guest Speaker Event


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Monday 2 May Academic Mentoring Sessions (RA: Academic) Community Meetings (All)

Wednesday 4 May 5 – 6pm Portfolio Leadership Meeting


Wednesday 18 May 5 – 6pm Leadership Team Meeting


Monday 25 – Thursday 28 July Re Orientation/Bruce Week

Monday 1 August Academic Mentoring Sessions (RA: Academic) Community Meetings (All)

Wednesday 3 August 5 – 6pm Portfolio Leadership Meeting


Wednesday 17 August 5 – 6pm Leadership Team Meeting



Monday 5 September Academic Mentoring Sessions (RA: Academic) Community Meetings (All)

Wednesday 14 September 5 – 6pm Leadership Team Meeting – Guest Speaker Event


Monday 3 October Academic Mentoring Sessions (RA: Academic) Community Meetings (All)

Wednesday 5 October 5 – 6pm Portfolio Leadership Meeting


Tuesday 11 October Leadership Celebration



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IMPORTANT DATES – BENDIGO CAMPUS

DATE DETAILS

Tuesday 4 August Returner and Leadership Info Night

Monday 10 August Student Leader Applications Due

Monday 10 August Current leaders applying to return must submit a hard copy of their academic transcript

10 – 20 August Student Leadership Shortlisting

Friday 21 August Student Leadership Shortlisting Announcement

Tues 25 & Thursday 27 August Student Leader Selection

Friday 28 August Deadline to apply to return to residence in 2016

Friday 4 September Student Leader Announcement

Monday 12 October Pass the Baton (Current and Future – TBC)

November Leadership Training

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February Leadership Training

Saturday 20 – Friday 26 February ResFest

Monday 29 February Academic Mentoring Sessions (RA: Academic) Community Meetings (All)


Wednesday 9 March 5 – 6pm Leadership Meeting


Wednesday 23 March 5 – 6pm Portfolio Team Meeting


Wednesday 13 April 5 – 6pm Portfolio Team Meeting


Wednesday 27 April 5 – 6pm Leadership Team Meeting


Wednesday 11 May 5 – 6pm Portfolio Leadership Meeting


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21 July Leadership Training

22 July Leadership Training

Monday 25 – Thursday 28 July Re Orientation/Bruce Week




Wednesday 17 August 5 – 6pm Leadership Team Meeting




Wednesday 14 September 5 – 6pm Leadership Team Meeting



Wednesday 5 October 5 – 6pm Portfolio Leadership Meeting


Tuesday 11 October Leadership Celebration



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If you are selected as a student leader, you will be held to the standards and expectations outlined in this document; as such, please ensure you have thoroughly reviewed all aspects contained therein prior to lodging a student leadership application. Those who are offered a student leadership role for 2016 will be asked to sign the below:

STUDENT LEADERSHIP AGREEMENT In accepting a student leader opportunity, I commit to setting and maintaining the standards outlined in the Student Leadership Opportunities 2016 document throughout the year. I understand that acting in opposition to the standards listed above may require my role as a student leader to be rescinded.

____________________________________________________________________ Name Signed Date

student leadership opportunities 2016

Education

total accommodation

current student leaders

accommodation services

concept of student leadership

student leadership roles

accessible accommodation

wider student body

community advisors gh