2019-2020 COMMUTER DON APPLICATION

Introduction to the University of St. Michael's College

The University of St. Michael’s College, federated with the University of Toronto, is a Catholic institution of higher learning founded by the Congregation of St. Basil, whose motto, “Teach me goodness, discipline and knowledge,” sets the tone for campus life. Committed to the pursuit of knowledge, meaning and truth, USMC is a dynamic centre where Catholic intellectual thought thrives in a context of academic freedom and rigorous debate. The University of St. Michael’s College boasts a large and dynamic undergraduate division, an acclaimed Faculty of Theology and one of the busiest and most important libraries on the University of Toronto Campus.

 

The Importance of Dons

The University of St. Michael’s College is committed to developing student leaders who can communicate the mission and values of the institution through their leadership and example.  To this end, both Residence and Commuter Dons serve as role models for our student body and ambassadors for the University at large. The commuter and residence dons work together to aid in the formation of the whole student, by supporting their personal, social and spiritual development.  The successful candidate will have an understanding and willingness to support the mission of St. Michael's as a Catholic University.

The Role of the Commuter Don

The Commuter Don program seeks to engage commuter students by connecting them to the St. Michael’s community and providing them with opportunities for personal growth that take place outside of the classroom.  Commuter Dons are committed to supporting student life by organizing events, developing community-building initiatives, and providing mentorship and guidance to individual students.   Other responsibilities include:

1. Outreach and foster student relationships with all St. Michael’s community members.

2. Helping students transition to university and integrate into the community.

3. Overseeing the Commuter Ambassador program, including training and leadership development. 

4. Co-ordinating bi-weekly events with the Don Team and Commuter Ambassadors; two Dons must be present at all events. 

5. Supporting the student life initiatives of other USMC partners (e.g. Campus Ministry, Alumni Affairs, Student Societies, Principal’s Office, etc.) and collaborating on these initiatives when possible.

6. Ensuring all USMC rules and policies are upheld when organizing student events (e.g. Conferences, Food Services, etc.)

Commuter Don Qualifications 

The University of St. Michael’s College seeks to develop student leaders who embody the values of integrity, honesty, responsibility and service. It expects its Dons to be individuals of good character, who demonstrate values-based leadership and exercise sound judgment. They must be enrolled full time at the University of Toronto, be in good academic standing, and have a minimum CGPA of 2.5. It is strongly recommended that Commuter Don candidates be commuter students.

Commuter Don Training & Expectations

1. Monthy planning meetings (May- August) via phone or in person.

2. Attendance at Spring New Student Orientation (June 2019).

3. Mandatory attendance at Summer Don Training (August 18-31).

4. Weekly office hours - 3 hours in Commuter Don office, 3 hours off campus.

5. Weekly team meetings with Don Team and Director of Student Life.

6. Monthly meetings with campus stakeholders.

7. Maintain email and social media accounts daily. 

8. Participation and support for Commuter Student Orientation and Orientation Week.

Commuter Don Remuneration

Commuter Dons will receive the following remuneration:

1. Honorarium & meal plan flex-dollars.

2. USMC Commuter Don Apparel.

3. University of Toronto Co-Curricular Record (CCR) recognition.

4. University of Toronto Central Don Training & USMC Don Training.

 

1. Complete the application form below and upload your personal statement. 

2. Upload your resume with a list of 3 references.

3. Upload a screenshot of your most recent CGPA. 

We thank all candidates for their applications, however only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

If you have questions about the Commuter Don program, please contact Emma Graham, Student Life Associate at emmak.graham@utoronto.ca 

Please provide a personal statement that addresses the following questions:

1.Why are you interested in being a Don at the University of St. Michael's College?

2.How would your skills, strengths and experiences compliment the position?

3.How do you propose to live out the mission and values of the University of St. Michael's College within the community?

4.What ideas, programs or events would you like to see the Commuter Dons host in 2019-2020? How would you develop these plans?