International Students Cohort Leader

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

Term length

August 1, 2023 - May 1, 2024

Note: In-person training on campus begins August 14. 2023. The contract begins on August 1st, 2023 to allow two weeks to complete approximately 8 hours of online training modules.

Hours of works will vary: Approximately 6 hours/week*

*Will include evening and weekend work

*Includes a combination of scheduled and flexible/self-scheduled hours

*Not including hours during training and orientation.

Location - Work primarily takes place at North Campus. This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person.

Positions Available

2 Positions total:

1 Undergraduate International Students Cohort Leader

1 Graduate International Students Cohort Leader

Department Summary

The University of Alberta residence life program is centered on a constant process of inclusive community building, and we strive to maintain an environment that supports, emphasizes, and inspires academic learning and personal growth.

Position Summary

The International Students Cohort Leaders work on a team of Non-Academic Cohort Leaders in Residence on North Campus.

Reporting to the Diversity, Inclusion & Service Learning Intern, the role of the Non-Academic Cohort Leader (NACL) is to build community by providing support and programming that will meet the needs of niche groups of students living in residence. Their primary duties include through the coordination of events programming, the development of an active online community through the Expedition:Connect program, providing supportive listening to members of the community as needed, and connecting members of the community to campus and community services and resources as needed. The Non-Academic Cohort Leaders will contribute to a diverse, inclusive and supportive community in residence by providing programming that will both support non-academic cohort students and promote understanding of social justice and diversity to the wider community. The NACL will also act as a liaison between Residence Services and the appropriate campus resources and services that can positively impact student relationships and sense of community. Overall, this position plays a key role in helping ensure residence is a place where all prospective and current students in residence feel welcomed and able to succeed irrespective of their identity or past experiences.

* This position is not required to live on campus during the term of employment. If the successful candidate chooses to live in residence, note that all residents are responsible for the associated costs of their community.

Duties

• Coordinate a welcome event for community participants during residence orientation and a farewell event at the end of the year. The successful candidate will see assessment data, research, and information provided by supervisors to guide programming
• Regularly plan, facilitate and report on the success of programming that builds community, and supports the needs of students in the Living Learning Community as outlined in training
• Promote awareness and understanding of social issues and diversity in residence
• Identify and communicate events relevant to community being hosted on-campus and in the Edmonton community, and encourage community members through emails, newsletters, posters, and social media pages
• Build relationships and have supportive conversations with community members. This includes assisting them in navigating resources and services on campus, and at times, in the Edmonton community.
• Conduct regular research into current community student needs and trends as needed
• Compose an annual report and provide feedback to guide the position and the community for the future
• Maintain open communication and attend regular meetings with supervisor(s), appropriate campus partners and the NACL team
• Additional Hours may be available, for instance:
• To support University-wide programming relevant to the cohort (i.e. I-Week)
• To support other student staff roles in training, professional development, or consultation
• Host additional residence-wide programming (if applicable and as needed)
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Full-time student status at the University of Alberta in Fall 2023 and Winter 2024
• Successful candidate for the International Graduate Student Cohort Leader positions must be enrolled in a Master’s program or have previous experience in graduate studies
• Cumulative GPA of 2.3 in the 2022-23 Fall/Winter semesters
• Interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills, and ability to demonstrate professionalism
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to self-manage, and work independently with low supervision
• Time management and organizational skills, and ability to prioritize work effectively
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills, and professionalism to handle confidential matters
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of residence communities and creating inclusive spaces
• Ability to lead a community and provide equitable support to any student irrespective of race, gender, sexuality, ability, nationality, and religion
• Lived experience as an International student, experience supporting international students or demonstrated education/learning about the needs and barriers faced by international post-secondary students

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience living or working in residence is considered an asset, but is not required
• Prior leadership experience with students or youth be considered an asset, but is not required
• Prior experience with event planning/programming is considered an asset, but is not required
• Living in residence during the term of employment is preferred but not required

Expectations in Role

The successful candidate will:

• Care for one’s own health and wellness, and be open to continued learning and development
• Maintain full-time student status at the University of Alberta in Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 with a minimum 2.3 GPA.
• Agree to behave according to the expectations listed above, the Community Standards , the Residence Agreement , the House Rules , and the Code of Student Behaviour . Failure to do so will result in the possible termination of the role.
• Not engage in any behavior or activity while living in residence that damages the reputation of the residence community, Residence Services or the University of Alberta.
• Be available for dates of employment, including Residence Orientation, move-in/move-out events, and attending training sessions.
• Abstain from student teaching or participating in co-op work terms that take place outside of Edmonton city limits and/or that reduce availability for responsibilities.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information

How to Apply: Please submit your resume by clicking the "Apply Online" button below, AND Complete Google Form application .

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.