Conditions of Employment 

To be considered for this position, applicants must: 

• Be registered, full time students at University of Toronto throughout the 2025-2026 academic year. Candidates from some professional programs may be required to consult with their program regarding flexibility before accepting due to the high level and commitment and required dates. 
• Must have completed at least 2 years of full-time post-secondary study (10 full course equivalents) as of September 2025 
• Be willing to live primarily at Knox Residence or Oak House (as assigned) throughout the duration of employment 
• Have an ongoing in-person presence and in-person interaction with students in residence 
• Be able to attend all components of the mandatory pre-service and in-service training program (dates TBC) 
• Be in good academic standing as most recently assessed by the University of Toronto 
• Have no outstanding balance on ACORN as of May 2025 
• Residence Dons must be available during move-in weekend, orientation, and during the first two weeks of classes for assigned shifts. 

Qualifications 

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the following qualifications: 

• Hold a Standard First Aid and CPR certification valid until May 1, 2026, prior to the beginning of employment. 
• Creative and innovative community engagement skills/experience. 
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a positive role model and leader. 
• Experience in student leadership, mentorship, or community building. 
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and work independently. 
• Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and diverse community. 
• Experience living in a high density, community-based environment (e.g. student residence) is highly desirable, though not required. 

Core Role and Responsibilities: 

A. Facilitator 

• Cultivate a safe, cohesive, and respectful community within the residence. 
• Maintain a visible presence in the residence, including engaging with residents in common spaces such as the lounges, and hallways, and during Don-on-Call (DOC) rounds. 
• Enforce University and Residence policies, procedures, and rules while offering guidance and referrals to support services. 
• Mediate conflicts between roommates and residents. 
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions with residents and staff. 
• Communicate regularly with residents through floor meetings. 
• Support and engage with Floor Representatives and Floor Council to build community. 
• Facilitate events and social connections to encourage resident participation in orientation and other community-building activities. 

B. Educator 

• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating responsible behavior, good academic standing, and citizenship. 
• Fulfill programming requirements aligned with the Knox Residence/Oak House Programming Curriculum, ensuring that activities meet learning outcomes. 
• Maintain professional relationships with all residents. 

C. Administrator 

• Attend all scheduled Don training and professional development sessions. 
• Facilitate move-in and move-out procedures, as well as preview days, in line with Residence Life guidelines. 
• Participate in regular Don-on-Call (DOC) shifts, responding to incidents and inquiries in a timely and professional manner. 
• Address community standards violations and document these incidents appropriately. 
• Ensure building safety and security and respond to emergencies as needed. 
• Maintain accurate records of expenses, floor funds, and programming budgets. 
• Assist with the Don hiring process, including recruitment and advertising. 
• Ensure regular communication with the Residence Life Office by responding to emails and completing required reports. 
• Complete programming forms in a timely manner as per the guidelines provided during Don Training. 

Commitments and Considerations 

Residence Dons are welcome to accept other employment within or outside of the University, so long as it does not conflict or interfere with the fulfillment of their employment obligations in residence. 

Many duties and responsibilities of a Residence Don are responsive to circumstances affecting the residence and its residents and are often spontaneous and incapable of being scheduled. Residence Dons are expected to promptly and appropriately address all such circumstances. 

Residence Dons are required to remain on campus until at least the day after the last day of undergraduate Arts & Science exams in both December and April and should be prepared to provide support and ongoing presence during reading weeks and long weekends on campus. 

Compensation 

Each Don will be assigned a room in Knox Residence or Oak House and a residence meal plan valid during the employment contract period. In accordance with Canada Revenue Agency requirements, the value of the accommodation, as well as the meal plan must be reported as a taxable benefit.  

Wages will be paid in recurring equal monthly instalments over the period of employment of the Residence Don equal to: 

•  Seventy-five per cent (75%) of the fee for a standard single room. 
•  One hundred percent (100%) of the fee for the highest meal plan.  
• Notes:  
  • The amount above will also have applicable deductions before the final amount is issued. 
  • A monthly deduction will be taken from these regular monthly net wages for the cost of the assigned room (billed at 75% of the standard fee) and selected meal plan (billed at 100% off the standard fee). 
  • The amount(s) will be pro-rated for any period of residence closure (e.g. December or January, etc.) or any partial month of employment. 
  • A one-time $500 payment, less applicable deductions, will also be provided during the month of August. 
  • During the University’s winter holiday closure period, when regular wages will not apply, Residence Dons are entitled to a payment of $100, less applicable deductions, per day of work scheduled, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day wherein the Residence Don will be entitled to a payment of $150, less applicable deductions, if scheduled for any part of these days.