We use cookies on this site to enhance your experience.
By selecting “Accept” and continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies.
LOCUS is hiring for the 2023/24 academic year
Are you looking to get involved next year? Consider applying to be apart of the LOCUS team for the upcoming academic year! Applications for Off-Campus Advisor (OCA) and Coordinator positions are open now!
Want to Learn More?
There are several opportunities to chat with current staff about the roles and opportunities within LOCUS, interested applicants are encouraged to attend an information session.
Brantford Campus:
Did you miss your chance to apply to volunteer with the LOCUS program? No need to worry as Off-Campus Advisor (OCA) applications on the Brantford campus have just re-opened. Do you enjoy helping others? Want to give back to the Laurier community? Want to create fun events while further developing your leadership skills? Well we have the opportunity for you!
Please email locus@wlu.ca if none of the above times suit your schedule and you would like to set up a time to chat further.
At this time we are no longer seeking applications for positions on the Waterloo campus.
Available Positions
An Off-Campus Advisor works with the advisor team to plan monthly programming for first years, and is there to answer any questions students may have on school, academics, the city or just life in general.
Position Description
Reports to: Coordinator, Off-Campus First Year Initiatives
Time Commitment: 5-7 hours per week + Orientation week
Position Details:
- Work with the Orientation Week team to actively promote the LOCUS program, as well as ensure that the first-year student population experiences an exceptional orientation week
- Hold a position as an ice-breaker on the Orientation Week team
- Create & maintain a friendly relationship with first year off-campus students
- Host social events with the intent of building positive social relationships for the LOCUS students
- Host monthly events themed around campus services/community, academic, wellness, virtual programming, and living in Brantford/Waterloo
- Be a consistent resource to the first year students by hosting drop-in hours, answering questions, addressing concerns, and making referrals
- Attend all training, included mandatory August training
- Support other LOCUS staff by promoting & attending their events
- Attend LOCUS Staff meetings, events, & one-on-ones
- Maintain open and honest communication with everyone involved in the success of LOCUS
- Act as an ambassador of the LOCUS program and Wilfrid Laurier University
- Optional: Successful candidates may have the opportunity to apply to be a council advisor within the First Year Leadership Program
Meeting Expectations:
- Weekly LOCUS Staff Team Meetings
- Weekly drop-in hours
- Monthly one-on-ones with the Coordinator, Off-Campus First Year Initiatives
- Other meetings as assigned
Work Hours and Stipend Information:
- August Training: LOCUS Program Training August 23-25 + Orientation Team Training (Date TBA)
- Orientation Week: September 2 – 9, 35-40 hours
- September – April : 5-7 hours per week, reading week & exam period excluded
- During the fall & winter terms, the successful candidates will be paid a stipend of $575 per semester
- Successful candidates hired as advisors within the First Year Leadership Program will earn an additional stipend
Benefits of the Role:
- Opportunity to mentor first year off campus students and make their first year experience positive and memorable
- Opportunity to develop and improve organization, leadership, presentation and time management skills
- Opportunity to plan programs and events designed for first year students
- Opportunity to effectively and creatively communicate with off campus students and campus partners about the LOCUS program
- Opportunity to collaborate with various departments on campus, ie: Transition & Learning Services, Wellness Education, Dean of Students Office, Your Students’ Union, the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Learning Skills & Development, Athletics & Recreation etc.
Successful Candidates will:
- Be enrolled as a full-time Laurier undergraduate student for the 2023/24 school year
- Have experienced one full academic year at Wilfrid Laurier University
- Have a minimum GPA of 6.0, or the minimum required GPA to progress within their academic program, whichever is higher
- Have a passion for student leadership, engagement and providing an exceptional first year student experience
- Have demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Have demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Have proven creativity, innovation and initiative, particularly in regards to event planning and communicating with students
Application Information & Deadlines
Applicants should prepare a cover letter, resume and their Laurier Experience record and upload it here.
Applications are due by Monday March 6th at noon.
Interview Details:
Successful applicants will be tasked with creating a presentation to present to the hiring panel during their interview. The presentation will outline why they are an ideal candidate for the position. Presentations should be 5-7 minutes in length. Candidates can present in any format that they would like.
Your presentation should address the following question:
What is the biggest challenge off-campus first year students face? Please describe 2-3 ways in which you would try to minimize this challenge.
After the presentation, the interview panel will ask a series of questions relating to the off-campus advisor role.