The Connection Collective is a 3-term group mentorship program, built into 3 phases, with one phase happening per-term. Connection Leads are “mentors "who guide students through their first year, from pre-arrival to the end of the winter term. Mentoring is done through group collaboration and not one-on-one matching. This purpose of this program is to provide tailored support for Black, Indigenous, Racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+ and other equity-deserving students; emphasizing both intersectionality and lived experience in the ways that we support students.
Phase 1- Connect: This is the pre-arrival phase for first-year students and is entirely virtual, though Connection Leads will be asked to be present for student engagement and support for in-person New Student Transition activities. Connection Leads are responsible for connecting with incoming first-years through Teams messaging, sharing resources, planning workshops to help students learn about UW services, and attending virtual events to engage with new students. In this phase, we are connecting and getting to know each other and the UWaterloo experience.
Phase 2- Build: This phase begins after orientation. Teams messaging and resource-sharing continues, but bi-weekly small group gatherings begin and the program hosts one social event in October and one in November. Connection Leads are responsible for connecting with first years through Teams messaging, sharing resources, attending bi-weekly gatherings (on rotation with the other team members) and planning October and November social events. In this phase, we are working to build relationships and community!
Phase 3- Act: This phase begins in the second week of the winter term. Teams messaging, resource-sharing and bi-weekly small group gatherings continue, but we connect with community and campus partners to plan one workshop to take place at the end of the term. Connection Leads are responsible with connecting with first-year students through Teams messaging, sharing resources, attending bi-weekly gatherings (on rotation with the other team members) and spending time each week preparing to host an end-of-term workshop with an equity focus. In this phase, we are putting our learnings and connections with each other into action!
Responsibilities as a Connection Lead:
Attending weekly trainings throughout May and June, as well as taking part in trainings between each phase of the program.
Engaging potential participants at Waterloo Ready’s “Faculty Ready Days.”
Being present at orientation events as added support for equity-deserving students.
Creating and sharing resources highlighting student clubs and services as well as off-campus supports, tailored to the needs of equity-deserving students.
Answering questions from first-year equity-deserving student participants.
Maintaining contact with first-year equity-deserving student participants through Teams messaging and virtual drop-ins.
Creating and facilitating both virtual and in-person events/workshops based on the needs of first-year equity-deserving students. These include both workshops and social events.
Liaising with community partners to plan an end-of-term learning opportunity for program participants (Phase 3 only).
Accountabilities as a Connection Lead:
Be available to work approximately 5 hours per week (including some evenings/weekends).
With the Connection Lead Team, oversee a virtual community of incoming international and/or equity-deserving first-year students. Leads will provide support to this community by answering questions and providing guidance to ease the transition to university.
Deliver and support engaging experiences for students, based on the direction of the Student Success Office, and the needs of students.
Promote and connect students to appropriate academic and personal support services across campus.
Share personal stories and experiences as they relate to transition, adjusting to university, and, when appropriate, supports that have been useful/helpful in your experience as an international and/or equity-deserving student at UWaterloo.
Promote positive school spirit and a sense of community.
Build a climate of trust, respect, and inclusivity.
Role Requirements for a Connection Lead:
Experience working with equity-deserving students considered an asset.
Lived experience as an equity-deserving student considered an asset.
Able to work independently and in a team.
Passion for the UWaterloo student experience.
Self-motivated and reliable.
Creative and adaptable under pressure.
Experience using the Microsoft Office Suite (specifically Microsoft Teams).
Access to a computer (with camera and microphone) and fast reliable internet access is required.
Excellent problem-solving skills and good judgment; ability to think on your feet and navigate difficult discussions/situations in a supportive nature.
Experience as a student leader with a strong knowledge of the University of Waterloo campus, faculties, services, and resources (preferable to have experience working or volunteering with a club, association, or service).
Ability to approach cross-cultural communication and inter-group dynamics of diverse individuals with sensitivity and respect.
Working Hours and Time Commitment
All Connection Leads will work for 5 hours/week for the duration of each phase, doing a variety of tasks that support the peer community. These tasks include attending and/or hosting drop-in events (virtual), engaging participants via MS Teams chat functions, responding to emails from participants and hosting drop-ins. Engaging participants on Teams, hosting workshops and events may require event and weekend work. It is preferred that candidates be able to commit to all three phases of the program from May 2024 to April 2025.
Mandatory Dates
All successful candidates must attend mandatory training prior to the program and specific event dates throughout it.
Contact
If you have any questions, or require accommodations for any of the selection process, please contact Tara Kleinsteuber at tkleinsteuber@uwaterloo.ca
How to Apply
Please visit this application link; there is a field to upload a resume built into the application.
https://uwaterloo.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Fd4RahkC5eEfaK
