Residence Life

Moving into a new community and a new way of living can be a challenge, but the residences have been set up to make that transition as smooth as possible. For one thing, there are people here to help. The day-to-day management of our residence life program is adeptly handled by senior students under the direction of the Residence Life Management Team comprised of the residence managers, the assistant director - residences and the director. Acting on behalf of the Division of Housing and Ancillary Services, the team shares governance of the residences with the residents' councils or associations, bodies elected by the residents. Together these groups maintain the harmonious operation of the residences.

Residence managers are full-time professional staff members who live in the residence halls, and have a degree and background in student development, counseling, or a related field. They are responsible for educational, recreational and social programming, supervision and training of the residence dons, residence advisors, and academic programmers for managing the building, advising residents and handling conduct issues. All residence managers report directly to the director of residences.

The Student Life Programming Office consists of a full-time professional, two assistants, along with academic programmers for each residence. This team is involved in facilitating activities throughout the residence system such as guest speakers, skill development workshops, study groups, educational films and awareness campaigns. These activities are geared toward helping you get acquainted with university life and toward developing your academic, personal, and professional potential. Some of the topics that have been covered in past programs are learning skills, stress management, nutrition, career planning, and leadership.

The academic programmers work with the Centre for New Students and Learning Skills Services to bring you the study groups, academic programs and referrals that will help you succeed. They help students find the many academic supports and guidance such as academic counselors, department help centres and the Learn/Write Centre.

One of the first people that you will meet is your residence don, residence advisor (R.A.) or academic programmer. They are typically undergraduate students who live and work on a floor or wing in the residence halls. They share your concern about classes, grades, and campus life, but they have expanded that interest into a job that serves other students. Your residence staff will get to know and support the students on your floor and work with you to build a positive living environment. They help everyone get acquainted, answer questions, post information, assist students with problems, and help uphold policies and rules. Residence staff are familiar with campus resources and have developed strong referral skills.

Residence secretaries and clerks are available twenty-four hours a day. Together they handle administrative functions, call for emergency assistance when needed (ambulance, fire, police), answer the front desk phone, answer questions for residents and guests, take maintenance requests, sign guests in and out and handle the mail. Someone is always just a call away - day or night.

Western is proud to operate its own residence food services. In-house unit managers (chefs) and their friendly staff are all part of the team. If you're going to class, studying, and participating in campus activities, you're sure to work up an appetite. And with all the choices offered by Food Services, there's always something cooking to satisfy your hunger.

Western is pleased to employ its own Physical Plant staff to clean and maintain the residence halls. Under the direction of a building supervisor, university caretaking staff work during the daytime hours, with a reduced work force on the weekends. They are concerned with maintaining optimal conditions for a clean and pleasant living environment, and keep on top of repairs and maintenance.

The assistant director of housing services is responsible for long-term planning and coordinating the maintenance and upgrades of all residence facilities. This includes working closely with Physical Plant and student representatives on building improvements that will best benefit all residents.

The assistant director of housing administration oversees all residence admissions operations, including building and room assignment, residence fees, and meal plan administration.

In the spring, the residents elect representatives who form a residents' council or association. These groups:

• Develop and maintain responsible self-government and discipline
• Provide programming to build a positive community
• Represent the residents' needs
• Assist in the harmonious operation of the residence and in making residence life a positive experience for everyone
• Maintain community standards and mutual respect
• Provide a liaison between residents' council/association and other student councils

Where to turn for Help

FastCounter by LinkExchange