Grebel Seeks Community-Minded Campus Hosts

Friday, February 2, 2018

Campus Hosts at Grebel
For more than fifty years, Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo has cultivated a unique post at the College. Nestled in the heart of the Grebel residence building, alongside 142 undergraduate students sharing double rooms, lives a young married couple in a cute little apartment unit.

Called Campus Hosts (formerly Senior Residents), this couple adds a sense of home to the student experience. “The Campus Hosts are a reassuring presence,” remarked Paul Penner, Director of Operations at Grebel. “They’re somebody older – but not too old – to talk to and look up to.” The role is ideal for people with a strong sense of hospitality and the ability to relate to a broad range of individuals, especially students, since Campus Hosts are tightly integrated into the life of the College community.

“We've loved getting to spend so much time with the people in this community,” commented Rylan and Lynn Skelly, current Campus Hosts. “Forming close friendships with the people that we've met here has been enriching and life-giving, and our relationships with Grebel friends are what we will hold onto when we leave. We knew that we would work closely with the Dons, but we didn't know just how profound a bond we would form with them. They are people we will stay connected to for the rest of our lives.”

“Having lived in residence as a student, and having grown up at camp, living life closely beside many others felt natural and comfortable for me,” reflected previous Campus Host Michelle Jackett. “Moving back into residence allowed me and my husband the opportunity to tap back into this unique way of life for a few short years, reminding us in the early days of our marriage that we are a part of something bigger. We were able to discover each other’s strengths and limitations during the two years as Hosts, and grew in self-awareness and self-understanding as individuals and as a team.”

Beginning spring or summer 2018, Grebel is looking for a couple who is passionate about living in a community! People who enjoy being surrounded by lots of students and who are content to stay home and play board games, binge on movies, attend coffee houses, or visit over tea will thrive in this role. The Campus Hosts represent the College during non-business hours and also perform evening security duties like lock-up. In return for these services, the College provides rent-free accommodation and covers utilities. Campus Hosts are contracted for a term of two years.

 Application deadline is February 15, 2018 

Read the full job description