Orientation Week Judge – Volunteer
Position Summary
Orientation Week Judges play a crucial role in shaping the Bishop’s experience for both incoming first-year students and the Orientation Leaders who support them. Judges act as community builders, mentors, and safety champions throughout the week. You are working in collaboration with Orientation Week leaders and the Event Coordinators, helping ensure that events are fun, inclusive, and run smoothly.
Judges are approachable, reliable, and strong communicators. You’ll be a source of reassurance and guidance for new students as they navigate their first week at Bishop’s. At the same time, you’ll offer help when needed, and encourage positive, respectful campus culture.
Your goal is to help ensure that Orientation is welcoming, safe, and memorable for everyone. You’ll still get to be part of the energy and excitement of OWeek: creating challenges, running high-spirited events, and celebrating Gaiter pride.
Reports to: Event Coordinators
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a welcoming, supportive presence for first-year students throughout Orientation Week.
- Communicate important information and participant needs to the Event Coordinators promptly and accurately.
- Help create, deliver, and monitor O-Week challenges and team-based activities.
- Support safe event operations, including monitoring participant well‑being, upholding campus policies, and addressing concerns appropriately.
- Uphold and model inclusive, respectful, and positive community behaviour.
- Assist Orientation Leaders in responding to questions, concerns, and first-year needs.
- Step in with initiative when Leaders or first-years require support, guidance, or redirection.
- Help with set‑up, tear‑down, or movement of materials for programs and events as needed.
- Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries with all participants (first year students and Orientation volunteers).
Volunteer Requirements
- Must be a registered Bishop’s University student enrolled for the 2026-27 academic year.
- Preferred: completion of at least one year of university studies by the start of O-Week.
- Must be in good standing with Campus Security and the Vice-Principal of Student Affairs and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion office.
- Strong leadership abilities, including sound judgment, problem-solving skills, and the ability to take initiative.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate closely with both peers and supervisors.
- Ability to balance leading others while being accountable to the Event Coordinators.
- Ability to stay energetic, positive, and reliable in a fast-paced environment.
- Understanding of student well‑being and the needs and challenges faced by incoming students.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure and respond appropriately to unexpected or sensitive situations.
- Ability to model and promote inclusive behaviour, respect diverse identities, and foster belonging.
- Previous leadership or mentoring experience is an asset.
- Must be available for all mandatory training sessions and all assigned O-Week shifts.
Additional Expectations
- Judges must be sober for all scheduled shifts to prioritize safety and responsible leadership.
- Judges may be required to participate in moderate physical work, such as setting up or taking down event materials.
- All applications will be reviewed by the Orientation Planning Committee and Bishop’s administration.
- All applicants will be contacted about the status of their application.
- Interviews will take place on April 13 and April 16.