RESIDENT NETWORKER 2015
ROLE DESCRIPTION
INTRODUCTION
The Resident Networker (RN) program is an established peer development initiative that cultivates and enhances residents’ career and life leadership potential, creating the next generation of global citizens. The RN program has been built from its introduction in 1997 and with instrumental support from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice-President (Education & Students) has become an integral part of UTS Housing forming the core of the residential community.
The RN role is highly demanding, but also very rewarding in terms of the many experiences encountered and the
opportunity to contribute to UTS Housing among a talented team of fellow RNs. RNs are expected to show leadership in all aspects of UTS Housing life, to act as mentors, and to actively support the aims and ideals of UTS Housing in promoting the well-being, academic progress and success of its residents.
The RN program is open to all residents of UTS Housing and includes a comprehensive application process aimed towards identifying candidates who demonstrate leadership skills and the capacity to capitalise on opportunities offered. The following role description is a guide to help you understand the responsibilities inherent in this position. With regard to this however, life at UTS Housing can be unpredictable and RN’s may be called on to help facilitate a range of programs, initiatives or tasks that may arise during the course of the year. Overall the position is time consuming and you will need good organisational skills, to achieve a balance between your duties and the requirements of your own study.
Comprehensive training and support is provided by the Resident Life team to assist you achieve this. Helping you facilitate this, the Resident Life team will assist you to achieve this by providing comprehensive training and support. The most important qualities you will need, however, are flexibility and a sense of humour! The most important qualities you will need are flexibility and a sense of humour!
THE RN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM CONSISTS OF I. PASTORAL CARE & GUIDANCE
A primary role of the RN is to oversee the general well-being of residents on their floor and thereby promote the
harmonious co-existence of these residents. In particular this is managed through resolving individual issues and assisting residents to develop mutual respect, communication and understanding with their fellow residents. RNs significantly influence the conduct of residents in establishing acceptable balances between freedom and responsibility. In this respect, RNs lead by the example of their own behaviour by:
1. Welcoming all students on their floor as they arrive throughout the semester. 2. Establishing good relations between the residents of their floor.
3. Being approachable and available for the residents on their floor both through their participation in UTS Housing events as well as informal visits and interactions.
4. Taking an active interest in the residents on their floor, becoming acquainted with their academic, personal and social well-being.
5. Encouraging by their own example, participation in all UTS Housing activities - academic, social, cultural and sporting.
6. Supporting the welfare of residents, either personally, through giving information about appropriate services, or informing UTS Housing or Security of any concerns that they may have about a resident’s wellbeing.
7. Advising the Res Life Officer immediately of any incidents affecting a resident on their floor e.g. illness, misadventure, involvement in incidents, flat issues, etc.
8. Being aware of the range of pastoral assistance available, within UTS Housing and the University e.g. Health and Counselling Services and, where appropriate, draw residents’ attention to them.
II. EVENTS
The organisation and participation in events is an important elements of the RN role, aimed towards facilitating positive interactions between residents The event schedule within UTS Housing can be broken into several broad categories, supported by the Resident Life Office - Programs, these are:
1. Pre-semester activities: The organisation and participation of a range of events prior to the beginning of each semester.
2. UTS Housing Welcome Week events:
a. The organisation and participation of a range of events dung the formal UTS Housing Welcome Week. b. Move-in day.
c. Individual residences Welcome BBQ. d. Information sessions.
e. RN Welcome Party. 3. Annual events:
a. Semester 1
i. Residents Annual Dinner. ii. Residents Cup.
iii. Futsal World Cup. b. Semester 2
i. Residents Carnival. ii. Residents Ball. iii. Futsal World Cup
4. Individual events: The organisation and participation in monthly events aimed at their floor community to be completed as per an event roster, to be determined in consultation with the Resident Life Officer - Programs. 5. Unique events: The organisation and participation in a unique group event per month with 4-5 other RNs.
Examples of these events can include: a. Cooking classes.
b. Trivia nights. c. Cultural nights.
6. Inter-floor / Residence events: The organisation and participation in one inter-floor event per month with 4-5 other RNs.
7. Residence event categories:
All events are categorised into the following themes and over the course of a semester an RN plans events in each:
a. Social events – e.g. BBQ’s, international dinners, movie nights, trips, games nights, etc. b. Academic events – e.g. Study groups, community programs, faculty events, debates, etc.
c. Sporting events - e.g. Residence competitions, training sessions, social games/matches, etc. d. Social justice events – e.g. Charity fundraising, community volunteering, awareness programs, etc. III. FLOOR MANAGEMENT
RNs are the primary facilitators of building safe and respectful peer communities on their allocated floors. Throughout each semester RNs utilise a range of formal and informal community-building programs such as:
1. Flat meetings for all floor members at the start of each semester. 2. Floor social gatherings.
3. Floor events throughout the semester. 4. The upkeep and management of their floor.
5. Motivating resident involvement on their floor in discussing and promoting issues such as environmental and sustainability awareness, health and wellbeing, and other peer group issues.
6. Maintaining and updating all message / noticeboards.
7. Informal community programs such as resident birthday cards, study-survival packs, welcome notes, floor decorations, etc.
8. Being available at the start of every semester on move in days to welcome new residents and their families to the floor and answer any questions.
IV. DUTY SHIFTS
RNs are a vital part of the UTS Housing Office out of hour’s service. This involves working on a rostered basis to support residents, security and staff as required. RNs are rostered on-call between 2 to 3 times per month during the following times:
• Weekday and weekend evenings, 5pm to 10pm. • Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 3pm.
RNs are required to:
1. Set up, co-ordinate, or run, Housing events that may occur within or without Housing and the Residences. 2. Remain in the UTS Housing or its grounds at all times while on duty.
3. Record all occurrences and or/incidents on the RN incident duty sheet. 4. Respond to all telephone and in person enquiries at any time, day or night.
5. Ensure that all emergencies are reported immediately to Security, the Res Life staff and/or the Housing Manager to seek assistance if required.
6. Monitor and report safety and security issues when visiting each residence. V. TRAINING & WORKSHOPS
Throughout each semester and over the course of a year, RNs participate in a range of training sessions and workshops. The dates and times of which will be provided in advance and may be held over weekends.
VI. GENERAL
1. RNs attend weekly team meetings with the Resident Life staff to facilitate consultation and team-building. RNs may present apologies for 20% of these meetings.
2. RN should notify the Resident Life team if absent, sick or affected by extenuating circumstances. 3. RNs participate in all training sessions throughout each semester as advised.
5. RNs know and comply with all relevant policies of UTS and UTS Housing (e.g., the Housing Rules and Regulations, Student Grievance Procedures, Harassment Policy, etc.).
6. RNs maintain and respect privacy and confidentiality.
7. RNs report threatening or destructive behaviour to the Housing Service or Security staff immediately.
BENEFITS
Benefits for those selected as Resident Networkers for 2015 include:
• Your involvement in the RN Program will be listed on your AHEGS (Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement) as an award.
• A statement of service signed by the Director of UTS Student Service Unit. • A letter of reference from UTS Housing.
• Participation in national youth leadership conferences which is based on meritorious performance and recommendation by the Manager, UTS Housing Service.
• Nationally certified training including St. Johns 1st Aid, Youth Mental Health 1st Aid, etc. • Duty shifts reimbursed at UTS General Assistant 1.1 rate.
ACCOMMODATION
RNs are required to reside within UTS Housing for the whole of 2015 academic year to be eligible for this role. RNs are required to pay accommodation fees in accordance with the 2015 Fees Schedule and in common with all UTS Housing residents, RNs must also meet the cost of any loss or damage to their room/flat or any furnishings or other contents provided by the UTS Housing.
SELECTION CRITERIA
These are requisite and compulsory conditions of your eligibility to be offered a place in the RN program:
• Successful applicants must participate in the RN Training Program from 27th January – 1st February 2015 inclusive. • Successful applicants must be available throughout UTS Housing Welcome Week, 2nd February to 22nd February
2015 inclusive.
• A minimum pass average.
• Applicants will only be considered if they are a UTS student and they must reside within one of the UTS Housing residences from January 2015 for the academic year.
• Be willing to move apartment, level or residence if required.
• An endorsement by two current residents of UTS Housing supporting your application to become an RN. SELECTION COMMITTEE
The Selection Committee for the 2015 Resident Networkers may include: • Residential Life & Learning Supervisor.
• Residential Life Officer – RN & Community. • Staff representatives from UTS.
APPLICATIONS
All applicants for the role of Resident Networker must complete the electronic application form.
Applications should be received by midnight on Wednesday 22nd October.
They should be accompanied by scanned copies of your most recent academic transcript.
All applicants must attend a group interview session on Friday 24th October from 12pm - 2pm and shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email to arrange an individual interview at a suitable time between the 3rd to 7th November (times to be advised).
Informal enquiries should be directed to: Mr Stephen Borthwick
Residential Life Officer RN & Community UTS Housing Service
