don application information for the 2010-2011 academic year

RESIDENCE DON 2010-2011 APPLICATION PACKAGE
Applications must be submitted by 4:30 pm on Friday, December 4, 2009 for full consideration.

DON APPLICATION INFORMATION
FOR THE 2010‐2011 ACADEMIC YEAR
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process is comprised of four stages:
STAGE #1
STAGE #2
STAGE #3
STAGE #4
Application packages are to be submitted to the Residence Life Office by Friday,
December 4, 2009 at 4:30pm.
Candidates participate in Don Assessment Day (DAD), a mandatory group carousel
interview (dress for this is casual).
Successful candidates will be invited to a personal interview (dress for this is businesscasual
attire).
Final decisions will be made following the personal interview process.
APPLICATION PROCESS
• Access the application online by visiting our website at https://housing.queensu.ca/residence/
• Pick up an application booklet from one of a number of locations on campus including:
o Residence Life Office (C110, Victoria Hall).
o Jean Royce Hall, Leggett Hall and Victoria Hall Residence Front Desks.
o Please note as most candidates complete the electronic application, only a limited number
of paper copies will be distributed in order to limit paper waste.
• If you know that you will not be here during the January process (Stages 2 to 4), make an
appointment for a personal interview during the month of December by contacting the Residence
Life Office at 613‐533‐6790 or reslife@queensu.ca.
Your application package should contain the following:
o completed and signed application form
o cover letter (1 page maximum)
o current résumé
o 2008‐2009 academic year unofficial transcript showing a minimum 65% average
o two completed reference forms (available on our web site)

TIMELINES
Don Information Session Thursday, Nov. 19 th 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Stauffer Library 121
Don Information Session Tuesday, Nov. 24 th 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Stauffer Library 121
Application Deadline
Sign up for a Don
Assessment Day session
when you submit your
application
• In person if you hand
deliver your application
• Or call 613‐533‐6790 if
you fax or email in your
application
Friday, Dec. 4 2009
4:30 pm
Residence Life
Office, C110,
Victoria Hall
Don Assessment Day
(mandatory)
Saturday, Jan.16 2010
10:00am ‐ 12:30pm
or
1:30pm ‐ 4:00pm
Ban Righ Hall
Saturday, Jan.23 2010
10:00am ‐ 12:30pm
or
1:30pm ‐ 4:00pm
Ban Righ Hall
Interview Notification
If you are selected to proceed
to a personal interview, you
will be contacted by email to
reserve an interview time
Starting
Wednesday, Jan. 27 2010
Interview Booking
If selected, book your
personal interview as
instructed
Wednesday, Jan. 27
through Friday, Jan.29
2010
Personal Interviews
Hiring Decisions
All candidates will be
notified of final decisions by
mail and/or email
Feb. 2 ‐ 5, 2010
Feb. 9 – 12, 2010
February, 26 th , 2010
(Target date)
Location will be
confirmed upon
booking

ARE YOU APPLYING FOR A DONSHIP AS A
COUPLE OR AS A FAMILY
Queen’s University Residences support applications from couples and those with families.
Our policy is acceptance of applications from committed couples, who may be married, or living
together in opposite or same sex union, in a stable committed partnership.
By committed partnership, we mean that the partners must have lived together as a couple
(sharing of resources by 2 people) for a continuous period of at least 9 months. This criterion is
applied to all couples, regardless of marital status or gender.
Both individuals need to apply and be accepted into the position of Don. Only one person needs
be a full‐time student, faculty or staff member to qualify for Donship.
Due to the limitations of suitable accommodation available in residence, living space is very
limited for this type of Co‐Donship.
Each Don will receive a full meal plan and shall share ResNet, ResTel and the value of the
accommodation.
Before you apply as partners or as a single parent, we think it is important to point out some
concerns that past Co‐Dons have expressed to us about family or partner‐style donning.
CHILD CARE – You need to consider the following: who will pick up and drop off your children;
having someone available if a residence emergency develops (this may happen any time of the day
or night); many house and team meetings are held in the evenings, so babysitting arrangements
need to be considered; although many resident students are willing to be baby‐sitters, you cannot
expect residents or staff members to assume the child care role.
TIME COMMITMENT – Becoming a Co‐Don is a very time‐consuming role. Dependent upon the
age and needs of your family, it may be, besides academic commitments, the only role that you can
take on.
DINING HALLS – The dining halls are designed to feed many young adults in a very short period
of time. Many children find the cafeterias intimidating, noisy and distracting. It may turn out that
you will be unable to take advantage of the meal plan as frequently as you had hoped because of
that environment.
RESIDENCE ENVIRONMENT – Living in residence is different from living in an apartment
building. Housing approximately 200 young adults under the age of 19, under one roof, presents
certain challenges to family living. You may find that it is too noisy for young children and you
should also consider the problems of alcohol abuse, profanity, loud music, and fire alarms during
the middle of the night, etc.
SUPPORT NETWORK – You need to consider life outside the residences when you become a Co‐
Don. If you have a family, you will be viewed differently from 99% of the rest of the people with
whom you will be living. You should be comfortable with being viewed “differently” and have a
group of friends or family with whom you can share your concerns and problems, etc.
Most committed couples and families have had positive experiences in the past. However, if you
have any questions about taking on the role of Co‐Don, please do not hesitate to speak with us.

QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY RESIDENCES
DON JOB DESCRIPTION
2010 – 2011
JOB SUMMARY
A Don is a member of the Queenʹs community appointed by the Department of Residence Life staff to
mentor, support and compassionately challenge residents, while serving as a resource to them. This is a livein,
part‐time position and the role consists of, but is not limited to:
• advising students on personal and academic matters, and making appropriate referrals to University or
community services;
• mediating disputes and maintaining community standards;
• providing a “first response” to emergency or crisis situations;
• facilitating community development;
• supporting house team members; and
• facilitate educational programming that meet the needs of resident students
ELIGIBILITY
a) Be a student enrolled full‐time in both the fall and winter semesters, in accordance with the guidelines
outlined by the Registrar’s Office. Meet the Registrar’s Office minimum registration fee deadline.
b) Be a full‐time, staff or faculty member of Queen’s University. Staff or faculty members must work a
minimum of thirty (30) hours per week
c) Have no less than two (2) years of post‐secondary experience.
d) Be legally entitled to work in Canada, or possess a valid student visa.
e) Satisfactory submission of a Canadian Police Information Check (CPIC) if requested.
f) Achieved at least a 65% average in the 2008 – 2009 academic year. In the academic year prior to the
start of the don contract (2009 – 2010) achieve a 65% minimum average, which can be verified by the
Registrar’s Office minimum registration fee deadline date. Maintain this minimum average during the
don contract.
g) Hold a valid and current certificate for Emergency First Aid & Heart Saver “A” CPR. The certificate
must be valid for the duration of the Don contract and a copy must be provided to the Residence Life
office prior to July 9th, 2010.
h) If registered in the Faculty of Education and not a Returning Don, cannot be in their teaching
practicum year. This is in accordance with an established agreement between the Residence Life
Department and the Faculty of Education.
i) Cannot participate as a Faculty Orientation Leader.
j) If involved in extracurricular activities, cannot exceed a maximum of ten (10) hours per week and must
be approved by the Residence Life Coordinator.
k) Provide proof of “committed partnership” if wishing to apply as a couple. By “committed
partnership” we mean married or common law marital status (sharing of resources by two (2) people
for a period of at least nine (9) months) or living together in a “household” arrangement for at least (9)
nine months. Applications from couples and candidates with families will be considered, but living
space is limited.

BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Staff Training and Development
a) Attend and participate in mandatory Don Training, from August 25 to September 3, 2010 (tentative
dates). This mandatory program includes weekend and evening sessions and is designed to introduce
Dons to issues that they will be required to handle throughout the year.
b) Attend mandatory professional development sessions (generally one per month conducted in the
context of a staff meeting, but may occur outside of a staff meeting, e.g. community service learning
project), and others that may from time to time be required to respond to emergent campus issues.
c) Attend one (1) mandatory Don Development Day or equivalent professional development offering(s)
in lieu of a Don Development Day per term.
Community Support
a) Establish positive relationships with residents by being visible and approachable. It is important to be
available for as many evenings and weekends as possible, either on an “open door” policy, or by
having set hours of availability. Be regularly visible and eat in the residence dining halls with
residents throughout the academic year.
b) If going away, arrange for coverage and notify the Residence Life Coordinator in advance.
c) Provide residents with information and assistance in dealing with personal, academic, and
administrative concerns. Make appropriate referrals.
d) Develop positive working relationships with fellow staff members.
e) Mediate roommate/floormate conflicts, and assist the Residence Life Coordinator in the completion of
the appropriate paperwork for room changes.
f) Foster healthy working relationships with the organizations and offices that manage the residences, to
work within residence policies and to take direction, as necessary, from the Director of Residence Life,
Manager of Residence Life and the Residence Life Coordinators.
g) Assist with Orientation Week and Move‐In. This involves greeting students and parents, providing
assistance and leading residents through all Residence Orientation events. This requires that Dons be
available for the entire weekend prior to Labour Day for preparation and organization.
Community Development and Educational Programming
a) Facilitate community development amongst residents.
b) Participate in the development and execution of a community development plan. The specific
requirements will be based on in part a staff team‐developed plan, which may include planned
dialogues with resident students, events, service projects, and other activities which promote reflection
and learning.
c) Facilitate educational programming that supports the needs of the student population.
d) Host one (1) High Table per year.
e) A per‐student allowance can be made available as financial support for community development and
educational programming. Accurate details of expenditures must be maintained and reconciled each
month and then submitted to the Residence Life Coordinator.
Community Standards
a) Educate residents on residence community standards and their importance.
b) Ensure that community standards are enforced and maintained, which includes conducting front‐line
discipline and reporting incidents to the appropriate house team member(s).
c) Assist and support respondents in completing their educational sanctions (i.e., floor project) as assigned
by the Discipline Facilitator and/or the Peer Judicial Board.
d) Where possible, and when requested, attend Peer Judicial Board hearings.

Building Management Duties
a) Maintain community standards, and the safety and security of the building(s).
b) Participate in a rotational, on‐call pager system.
c) Communicate all facility concerns and damages to the appropriate front desk or Residence Life
Coordinator.
d) Manage assigned community to ensure appropriate and clean common spaces.
e) Promote building respect and pride.
f) Assist in the handling of emergencies, in partnership with other residence officials, Campus Security
and/or other campus partners.
Departmental Administration
a) Read and be familiar with the information included in the Don’s Manual, Student’s Guide, Community
Standards Guide, and any other material distributed by the Residence Life Department.
b) Keep the Residence Life Coordinator updated by submitting reports concerning any incidents or
problems and provide a regular weekly update by submitting a log sheet.
c) Attend weekly Don staff meetings and scheduled one‐on‐one meetings every other week with the
Residence Life Coordinator.
d) Attend house council meetings as determined by the Residence Life Coordinator.
e) Assist in the student staff recruitment and selection process, including participating in Don Assessment
Day and/or Facilitator Assessment Day.
f) Assist in the administration of surveys and feedback processes as directed by the Residence Life Office.
g) Keep posters and information updated on residence floors.
h) Perform additional duties as required by the Residence Life Coordinator.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
a) Each Donship appointment is for one academic year. Only exceptional candidates will be considered
for reappointment.
b) The terms of appointment cover staff training and the entire academic year. During the first term,
responsibilities extend from the first day of training to twenty‐four (24) hours after the last scheduled
exam in December. The second term begins on the first Sunday before classes in January and extends
to the last Residences Move‐Out date for undergraduates, which occurs twenty‐four (24) hours after
the last scheduled exam in late April/early May. This includes all long weekends and Reading Week.
c) Dons are supervised by and report directly to the Residence Life Coordinator responsible for the
building.
d) Dons will receive up to eight (8) overnights per term pending approval from their Residence Life
Coordinator. Overnights typically may not be used during designated dates in December and April.
When a Don is going to be away for an evening or a weekend, arrangements must be made with
another Don to cover their area of responsibility. The residents living in the area and fellow house
team members must be informed. The absent Don must clearly post instructions on where and how to
contact the Don who is providing coverage for them.
e) Dons must abide by the policies and procedures as outlined by Queen’s University Residences, the
Community Standards Guide and the University Code of Conduct.
f) Sexual, physical or romantic relationships with students in the Don’s residence are prohibited and may
result in dismissal. Sexual, physical or romantic relationships with staff members and/or residents of
other buildings should be avoided.
g) Any inappropriate conduct by a Don is a violation of a position of authority, and will not be tolerated.
If a Don is named as a respondent in a sexual harassment case, the situation will be handled through
the Queen’s University Harassment Discrimination Complaint Policy, and may result in dismissal.
h) An administrative fee of $325 will apply to any staff member who accepts the position and then resigns
or does not meet the eligibility requirements prior to July 9, 2010. Resignations due to academic
requirements may be exempt, and staff members will be required to submit a copy of their acceptance
letter.

i) An administrative fee of $525 will apply to any staff member who accepts the position and then
resigns or does not meet the eligibility requirements after July 9, 2010. Resignations due to academic
requirements may be exempt, and staff members will be required to submit a copy of their acceptance
letter.
j) The Director of Residence Life reserves the right to revise the terms of employment, the eligibility
requirements, and the duties and responsibilities of Dons to meet unexpected developments.
HIRING PROCESS
a) During the hiring process, if a candidate feels s/he is being treated unfairly, s/he may bring this concern
to the Director of Residence Life, and then the AVP & Dean of Student Affairs.
b) After the AVP & Dean of Student Affairs there is no further recourse. However, if the candidate feels
that this is an issue of discrimination, then s/he may wish to consult with a staff member in the Queen’s
Human Rights Office.
REMUNERATION
a) Remuneration for each Donship will be the current value of a single room and a meal plan as defined
by Residence Life. In the case of couple Dons, each person will receive a meal plan and shall share
ResNet, ResTel and the value of the accommodation. Accommodation is for personal use only and will
not be made available as shared accommodation. Accommodation and meal plan will expire at the
end of this contract or upon dismissal / resignation from the position.
b) Residence Student Government Fees will be provided by the Residence Life Department.
c) Telephone service is provided. You are responsible for all long‐distance/directory‐assistance charges to
your phone number. Your phone number will be listed in some residence publications.
d) ResNet services will be provided at no charge.
EVALUATION
a) The performance of Dons will be regularly evaluated. This evaluation process will include a survey
and an assessment of performance by the Residence Life Coordinator.
b) When performance is perceived to be below standard, the matter will be addressed immediately and
confidentially between the Don and the Residence Life Coordinator.
DISMISSAL PROCESS
a) Should it become necessary to examine the possibility of termination or reassignment of a Don, the
Residence Life Coordinator and the Director of Residence Life will make the decision.
b) If a Don feels that the Residence Life Department is treating him/her unfairly when addressing
standards of work, then a Don may seek out the assistance of a University Grievance Advisor. It
should be noted, however, that once a Don has been dismissed, s/he is no longer a Queen’s employee
and has no further recourse to appeal.
c) A Don may be dismissed for a number of reasons including:
• inappropriate conduct (e.g., sexual harassment, physical assault, drug use, etc.);
• failure to live up to expectations as outlined in a probationary letter;
• being charged with a Level Two or Three Offence of our Community Standards;
• failure to meet the eligibility criteria. Queen’s Residences will verify the enrolment status and
eligibility of all dons prior to the start of their contract and at any time there after until the
completion of the contract.
d) In the event that a Don is dismissed, the Director of Residence Life will provide assistance in relocating
the staff member to new housing by providing immediate short‐term (three (3) to four (4) nights)
accommodation at the expense of the department. After that time period, accommodation is at the
expense of the Don. If the Don finds accommodation on campus the meal plan will remain as is. If the
don finds accommodation off campus the plan will be converted to an optional meal plan.

QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY RESIDENCES
RESIDENCE DON APPLICATION
2010 ‐ 2011
Electronic versions of this application are available at https://housing.queensu.ca/residence/
CANDIDATE DATA
Legal Name: (Last) (Legal First) (Middle Initial)
Preferred First Name:
Queen’s e‐mail address:
Are you legally eligible to work in Canada No Yes
Are you seeking a joint appointment with another candidate No Yes
If yes, partner’s name:
(Persons seeking a joint appointment must each submit a separate application)
Current Complete
Mailing Address (if
in residence include
building and room) Postal Code: Telephone:
Permanent
Complete Mailing
Address
Postal Code:
Telephone:
At which address may we reach you during the summer
UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE RESIDENCE EXPERIENCE
Please list any College or University Residences in which you have lived.
Name of Residence
Coed/
Single Sex
# Years
Resided
Leadership Experience
If you have not lived in a residence but have comparable experience, please describe it below:

POST‐SECONDARY EDUCATION
Name of Institution Program Number of Years Completed at
the End of April 2010
During the 2010‐2011 academic year, I will be registered in the following:
Faculty:
Major/Discipline:
Year of study effective September 2010:
Expected year of graduation:
If you will not be registered as a full‐time student, please indicate full‐time staff or faculty position and
department in which you are employed at Queen’s University:
EXTRA‐CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND COMMITMENTS
(In order of importance to you)
Extracurricular Activities & Commitments Anticipated For 2010/2011
Hours Per Week
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
I understand that I need to hold a valid Emergency First Aid certificate and Heart Saver
“A” CPR certificate which must be valid until May 2011 and that I must provide a copy to
the Residence Life Office prior to July 9, 2010.
I understand that I must attend all mandatory training sessions to retain my appointment.
I understand that I must be a student enrolled full‐time in both the fall and winter
semesters, in accordance with the Registrar’s Office (unless applying as faculty/staff).
Yes
Yes
Yes
I understand that I must meet the Registrar’s Office minimum registration fee deadline.
I understand to apply I must have achieved at least a 65% average in the 2008 – 2009
academic year. Also, I understand that in the academic year prior to the start of the don
contract (2009 – 2010) I must achieve a 65% minimum average, which can be verified by
the Registrar’s Office minimum registration fee deadline date. I understand that I am to
maintain this minimum average during the don contract.
Yes
Yes
I understand that the role of the Don requires me to spend a substantial amount of nonclass
time in residence, interacting with students and creating a respectful community.
Yes

I understand that my term of employment extends from the first day of training to twentyfour
(24) hours after the last scheduled exam in December and from the first Sunday before
classes in January and extends to the last Residences Move‐Out date for undergraduates,
which occurs twenty‐four (24) hours after the last scheduled exam in late April/early May.
This includes all long weekends and Reading Week.
Yes
Have you ever been convicted of a federal criminal offence for which a pardon has not
been granted
No
Yes
Have you ever been found responsible of inappropriate academic or non‐academic
conduct during your University career (e.g. a violation of the University Code of Conduct
or any Residence infraction)
No
Yes
If yes, please provide a brief description of the situation, the outcome and the name of a university official
whom we may consult about the situation:
ACCOMMODATION
In order to ensure fairness and equity in our selection process, if you require accommodation for a disability
in order to participate (e.g., mobility concerns, large print text), please contact the Residence Life Office when
you submit your application.
If you are a successful candidate and require accommodation for a disability, please approach the Residence
Life Office to discuss your requirements. You should also complete the ʺSpecial Considerationsʺ section of
our Residence Application Form so that we can address your situation to the best of our ability.
REFERENCES
With this application package (or available on our web site) are reference forms that you are required to have
completed and returned to the Residence Life Office ideally no later than 4:30 pm, Friday December 4 th , 2009.
You must submit two references. Please note that friends, family or former roommates are not suitable
references. References should be from people who are able to assess your attitude and skills and are able to
comment on your potential to be a Don. Preferably, references should be completed by the following
individuals:
1. a faculty member or a Queen’s staff member
2. a professional reference (i.e. past coach, advisor, or employer).
Please list the names of your references below.
Name of First Reference:
Name of Second Reference:
Phone Number:
Phone Number:
Please list your former Don/Facilitator/House Representative who lived on your floor with you in residence
as we may approach them for further information.

The personal information collected on this form is collected under the authority of the Royal Charter of
1841, as amended. The information is used for the following purposes:
‐ to determine eligibility for such a position in the Queen’s University Residences;
‐ to determine building and room assignment preference;
‐ to provide contact information;
‐ to assist in meeting individual special needs and considerations during the selection process;
‐ to disseminate information
‐ for quality assurance purposes; and
‐ to provide information to government agencies (such as the Municipal Property Assessment
Corporation) for the purpose of municipal, provincial or federal elections.
Queen’s University Residences maintains current and historical applicant data, and takes extensive
measures to ensure its security and confidentiality. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the
information submitted is complete and correct.
Please note: information provided in references will be held in confidence and will not be available to
applicants.
If you have any questions or concerns about the information collected or how it will be used, contact the
Director of Residence Life by telephone at (613) 533‐6790.
I hereby declare that the information on this application form and that, which is attached, is true and
complete. I understand that the information may be verified and a false statement may disqualify me from
employment or cause my dismissal.
Signature
Date
Please submit the following by December 4 th , 2009 at 4:30 p.m. to the Residence Life Office:
‐ application form
‐ 2 completed reference forms (form available on our website)
‐ cover letter
‐ résumé
‐ 2008‐2009 academic year unofficial transcript showing a minimum 65% average
Residence Life Office, Victoria Hall
Queenʹs University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N8
Phone: (613) 533‐6790 Fax: (613) 533‐2919
Email: reslife@queensu.ca