Leadership positions

Orientation Leaders are responsible for providing leadership, building community and promoting new student learning during fall Orientation.

They will lead group activities and discussions, give campus tours, facilitate connections between students, answer questions regarding different aspects of both academic and social university life, and present a positive image of Ontario Tech to new students.

Time commitment:

Orientation Leaders are recruited during the winter semester, with some training requirements in the summer months. The main tasks and responsibilities of this position will largely run from late August through early September 2024.

Please note: Orientation Leaders must be able to attend Orientation training and Orientation events over Labour Day weekend.

During this time, Orientation Leaders will complete the following mandatory activities: 

• Brief asynchronous AODA training module in the summer 2024 semester.

• Full day in-person Orientation training session on Tuesday, August 27.

• Attend all Orientation dates and activities September 2024 (Labour Day weekend).

• Participate in post-orientation feedback survey in the fall 2024 semester. 

As a friendly reminder, Ontario Tech University requires that all students to complete the Preventing Sexual Violence – Building a Respectful Campus Together. See instructions for accessing the module.

Responsibilities:

• Address concerns and answer questions to orient students to campus. 

• Assist with the preparation of Orientation activities and materials.

• Attend all Orientation days, including programming over Labour Day weekend.

• Attend and complete all Orientation training.

• Communicate and promote Ontario Tech values. 

• Positively represent Ontario Tech as a role model for all new students. 

• Serve as a resource and refer new students to campus services as needed.

• Support with Residence move-in day. 

• Value differences in others, and promote a culture of respect and inclusion.

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Skills:

Communication

• Ability to actively listen, interpret and respond in a way that ensures effective communication with staff, peers and mentees.

• Confidence in presenting and speaking to unfamiliar groups of people including students, staff, faculty and members of the community.

Organization

• Ability to plan, and facilitate, engaging activities and experiences for students. 

• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively. 
  

Interpersonal

• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and individuals of different backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets to foster a cohesive and open campus culture. 

• Keen willingness to engage in dialogue, and learn about diversity and inclusivity. 

• Strong understanding of equity-related issues. 

Eligibility:

• Available for all training events and fall Orientation.

• Complete all mandatory training.

• Strong desire to work with new students, dedication, flexibility and a willingness to learn.

• Willing to get out of your personal comfort zone to help new students of all types.

• Willing to maintain focus, and a positive attitude through the long and varied hours during fall Orientation. 

• Work well with individuals and in groups, and be able to maintain a positive attitude over a long workday. 

Please note: If you're unable to attend training and/or fall Orientation, you may not be eligible for this role. 

Peer Wellness Educators are students interested in contributing to health promotion activities on campus that help foster a healthy community.

They're responsible for advocating and educating other students on a variety of health topics including emotional wellbeing, self-care, sleep, active living, food and nutrition, substance use, and sexual health. They also develop and deliver workshops and displays, support events, disseminate evidence-based information, and implement campaigns to promote health- and wellness-related resources available on and off campus.

Time commitment:

This position runs from September 2024 to April 2025. During this time, Peer Wellness Educators will:

• Complete required Leadership Foundations training.
  • Please note: If you have already completed Ambassador Level 1, you do not need to complete this step. Candidates who require this training will be contacted with further information on next steps (2 to 3 hours asynchronous, mandatory). 

• Attend mandatory Peer Wellness Educator training (2 to 3 hours) in September 2024. 

• Expect to spend at least four hours per week outside of regular meetings for additional project work, and event planning and facilitation.

• Participate in weekly Peer Wellness Education team meetings to develop health and wellness initiatives (one hour each) from September 2024 to April 2025. 

Responsibilities:

• Act as a role model of a balanced lifestyle, demonstrating respect for self, others and for the community, echoing the university’s mental health and wellness messaging.

• Apply a harm-reduction and anti-oppressive framework to educate peers on various health topics.

• Collaborate with other university departments, groups, committees, and student clubs to deliver specific events related to health and wellness.

• Complete mandatory training and attend additional professional development opportunities as requested.

• Disseminate credible health and wellness information and resources to students through displays, campaigns, workshops, and social media.

• Participate in program evaluation, which may include feedback and reporting forms, evaluations, and/or focus groups.

• Support and empower students to realize and achieve their personal health goals.

• Work collaboratively with other Peer Wellness Educators to develop programming and educational materials to foster a healthy campus community.

• Work with the Health Promotions Co-ordinator to plan, develop, and deliver health and wellness initiatives.

Desired skills and experience:

• Ability to create an accessible and safe environment for discussions around health and well-being topics, listen respectfully, and provide support while remaining non-judgmental.

• Effective project management skills with strong attention to detail while working with a team of other students.

• Excellent communication skills and willingness to speak with groups of students, staff, and faculty on matters related to health and wellness in order to reduce stigma, and promote prevention and early help-seeking.

• Excellent research skills and the ability to analyze information from different sources.

• Handles confidential and sensitive issues with tact, discretion and empathy.

• Knowledge of current student health and well-being issues, and of the university's well-being resources for students.

• Passion for supporting student well-being, and an interest in a broad range of health and wellness topics including emotional well-being, self-care, sleep, active living, food and nutrition, substance use, sexual health and more.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Outcomes:

• Develop program planning and evaluation skills.

• Develop relationships with groups and organizations both on and off campus.

• Gain hands-on experience in health promotion, and knowledge on a variety of health and wellness topics.

• Strengthen leadership and presentation skills.

• Support the overall health and wellness of our students, and the campus community.

*Becoming a Peer Leader requires the completion of at least Level 1 Ambassador training. 

The purpose of the Peer Leader Program is to support new students as they transition into their first year of university life at Ontario Tech.

All new, incoming students are automatically matched with an upper-year Peer Leader from their respective faculties. Peer Leaders are available to their assigned group of student mentees during the summer months leading up to Orientation and into the fall semester. 

Time commitment:

Peer Leaders are recruited during the winter semester, with some training requirements in the spring. The tasks and responsibilities of this position will largely run from August to December 2024, with a time commitment of approximately 25 hours.

During this time, Peer Leaders will complete the following mandatory activities:

• Have completed Ambassador Training, Level 1.

• Attend a Peer Leader Program Meet and Greet on March 22.

• Complete Peer Leader Training – Summer 2024.

• Attend regular team meetings – Summer and fall 2024 semesters.

• Attend Orientation training – August 27.

• Attend Saturday of Orientation – August 31. (one day only).

• Monthly mentoring duties as assigned (2 to 3 hours per month) – Fall 2024.

• Support MyStart: First Six Weeks sessions - Fall 2024.

As part of the Peer Leaders role, students are only required to attend fall Orientation on the Saturday of Orientation for a few hours. If you wish to volunteer for the full Orientation weekend, please also apply for the Orientation Leader position.  

Peer mentoring and transition support responsibilities:

• Attend and complete all Peer Leader training.

• Attend campus events with mentees and engage in the campus community.

• Complete a monthly log reporting on mentoring activities and program engagement.

• Facilitate introductions with each assigned mentee.

• Participate in ongoing team meetings with your senior/faculty team.

• Regularly connect with mentees to answer questions, check in and make appropriate referrals, preparing for mentees’ arrival on campus.   

• Routinely check and respond to email updates from the assigned Senior Leader.

Skills:

Communication

• Ability to actively listen, interpret and respond in a way that ensures effective communication with staff, peers, and mentees.

• Confidence in presenting and speaking to unfamiliar groups of people including students, staff, faculty, and members of the community.

Organization

• Ability to plan, co-ordinate, and execute events and student engagement initiatives.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively. 

• Understanding of goal setting for personal growth and success.
  

Interpersonal

• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and individuals of different backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets to foster a cohesive and open campus culture. 

• Keen willingness to engage in dialogue, and learn about diversity and inclusivity. 

• Strong understanding of equity-related issues. 

Students who successfully complete the requirements of the Peer Leader role will be eligible to include the position on their Student Experience Record. 

*Becoming a Senior Leader requires the completion of at least Level 1 Ambassador training. 

The purpose of the Peer Leader Program is to support new students as they transition into their first year of university life at Ontario Tech. All new, incoming students are automatically matched with an upper-year Peer Leader from their respective faculties. 

Senior Leaders are the leaders of the leaders who will work closely with the Student Development Specialist and the Student Engagement and Equity (SEE) team to lead a team of Peer Leaders from their own academic faculty throughout the summer and fall terms. 

Additionally, Senior Leaders play an integral leadership role at Orientation in September, supporting with Orientation programming and liaising between faculties and SEE staff. 

Time commitment:

Senior Leaders are recruited during the winter semester, with some training requirements in spring. The tasks and responsibilities of this position will largely run from July to December 2024, with a time commitment of approximately 55 hours.

During this time, Senior Leaders will complete the following mandatory activities:

• Have completed Ambassador Training, Level 1 (prerequisite to this role).

• Attend a Peer Leader Program Meet and Greet – March 22.

• Attend a 3 day Leadership Training retreat at Camp Medeba – May 1 to 3.

• Complete Senior Leader Training – Summer 2024.

• Attend Orientation training – Tuesday, August 27.

• Attend Orientation – August 31 to September 2 (Labour Day Weekend).

• Attend team meetings – Summer and fall 2024 semesters.

• Monthly mentoring duties as assigned (5 hours per month) – Fall 2024.

• Support MyStart: First Six Weeks sessions - Fall 2024.

Please note: To be eligible for this role, seniors must be available to attend all training and Orientation dates, especially the Camp Madeba Retreat and the Labour Day weekend Orientation events. Please do not apply for this position if you know you'll be unable to fully participate in these activities. Special consideration will be given to candidates who have previously been a Peer Leader.

Responsibilities:

Spring/summer

• Attend all Peer Leader program training dates and retreats.

• Oversee your group of assigned Peer Leaders as they connect with mentees.

• Participate in Orientation program planning and preparations. 

• Routinely review and respond to communications from program staff.

Orientation - Labour Day weekend 2024

• Attend Orientation training dates.

• Lead incoming students through Orientation activities. 

• Liaise between the SEE team and campus partners.  

• Support students with their initial transition into university life and welcome them to campus!

Fall semester

• Attend monthly Senior Leader meetings. 

• Connect with Peer Leaders regularly to monitor engagement and progress.

• Host team meetings for your faculty monthly.

• Meet one-on-one with the Student Development Specialist at least twice each semester.

• Plan and facilitate student-focused programming. 

• Submit monthly logs and reporting on Peer Leader engagement.

• Support your Peer Leader team—share updates, monitor engagement and answer their questions.

Skills:

Communication

• Ability to actively listen, interpret and respond in a way that ensures effective communication with staff, peers, and mentees.

• Confidence in presenting and speaking to unfamiliar groups of people including students, staff, faculty, and members of the community.

Organization

• Ability to plan, co-ordinate, and execute events and student engagement initiatives.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively. 

• Understanding of goal setting for personal growth and success.
  

Interpersonal

• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and individuals of different backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets to foster a cohesive and open campus culture. 

• Keen willingness to engage in dialogue, and learn about diversity and inclusivity. 

• Strong understanding of equity-related issues. 

Please note: The inability to fulfill these commitments may impact eligibility for the Senior Leader role. Special consideration will be given to candidates who have previously been Peer Leaders. 

Members of the Ridgeback Student Voices Creator team are passionate about strengthening and fostering feelings of pride and community at the university. These students work as a team to plan campaigns, create content and promote Ridgeback Student Voices with the goal of enhancing feelings of belonging at the university.

This position is for students interested in using their creativity to create a welcoming and connected campus community, focusing on digital engagement. 

Time commitment:

This position runs from May 2024 to April 2025. During this time, the Ridgeback Student Voices will:

• Complete mandatory campaign/event planning training by June 2024.

• Complete mandatory virtual content creation training (less than one hour) by June 2024.

• Expect to spend up to 10 hours a month creating content, planning events and promoting Ridgeback Student Voices.
  • 1 to 3 hours of content creation. 
  • 2 to 3 hours of meeting for event planning.
  • Up to four hours of event and/or campaign co-ordination.

Responsibilities:

• Act as the representatives of Ridgeback Student Voices, a space for students and their voices.

• Collaborate with other university departments and student clubs to build community.

• Participate in program assessment, which may include feedback forms, evaluations, and/or focus groups.

• Work closely with the Ridgeback Student Voicesteam to develop promotions and campaigns for Ridgeback Student Voices.

• Work independently and as a part of a team to curate content for Ridgeback Student Voices in the form of—including but not limited to—blogs, quizzes, videos and podcasts.

Desired skills and experience:

• Effective project management skills with strong attention to detail. 

• Experience creating Reels/Tiktoks and comfortable being on camera are an asset. 

• Interest in a broad range of topics, willing to write about your personal experiences.

• Openness to constructive feedback.

• Passion for creating digital content.

• Time management and self-motivated to create and complete content.

• Willingness to help others bring their ideas to life.

Outcomes:

• Build or strengthen your personal brand.

• Develop interpersonal and leadership skills.

• Gain tangible skills in project management, event organization, and leading campaigns/initiatives.

• Learn and improve writing skills for blogging and social media using content creation goals outlined in training. 

Sustainability Champions are campus leaders that promote and develop sustainability initiatives at the university. These students work collaboratively with the Office of Campus Infrastructure and Sustainability to bring sustainable project ideas to life through the use of social media, engagement events and workshops.

Sustainability Ambassadors are supported by the Office of Campus Infrastructure and Sustainability through training, resource connections, mentorship and institutional support. 

Time commitment: 

This position runs from September 2024 to April 2025. During this time, Sustainability Champions will:

• Complete Leadership Foundations training.
  • Please note: If you have already completed Leadership Foundations or Ambassador Level 1 training, you do not need to complete this again.  

• Attend monthly Sustainability Champion meetings to brainstorm, plan, and learn about upcoming sustainability events and initiatives.

• Attend sustainability events as a volunteer to help promote sustainability initiatives to the Ontario Tech community.

• Lead or participate in a sustainability project (can create your own or join existing ones such as Biodiversity Inventory, Pollinator Project, Fair Trade Campus, Climate Cafe etc.).

• Write sustainability-themed blog posts.

• Gain an understanding of community and campus sustainability. 

• Mobilize students, staff, faculty and the community to take action on environmental issues.

• Earn volunteer hours that can be used to apply for a WWF Living Planet Leader Certificate.

• Receive recognition as a sustainability leader on campus.

• Gain skills such a leadership, project management, and event organization which will help you become a career-ready citizen.

• Opportunity to visit the Windfields Farm and meet other students, staff and faculty. 

• Receive recognition for your involvement on the Student Experience Record.

Responsibilities:

• Act as representatives of the Office of Campus Infrastructure and Sustainability.

• Collaborate with other university departments and student clubs to build community.

• Work as a part of a team to plan sustainability campaigns, events, and projects.

• Work independently to curate content for the Sustainability social channels and website—including but not limited to—blogs, interviews, stories, reels etc.

Desired skills and experience:

• Effective project management skills with strong attention to detail. 

• Experience creating digital content such as stories, reels, carousels using applications such as Canva, Instagram etc.

• Time management and self-motivation.

• Willingness to attend in-person sustainability events and promoting them to the Ontario Tech community.

• Willingness to help others bring their sustainability ideas to life.