I spent four out of my five years at Queen's University in residence, and not just because of the unlimited meal plan.
- As the Discipline Facilitator on Victoria Hall's International Floor in 2001-2002, I was primarily responsible for 'maintaining community standards.' In other words, it was my job to lay down the law. You might assume that I learned the art of being less of a friend and more of a foe, a skill that could come in handy later on during my yearlong stint as a collections agent.
In reality, I wouldn't have been a very good discipline facilitator (or collections agent!) if I truly saw my role as an adversary to my students. In my opinion, the very name - discipline facilitator - suggests a student-centered approach, where the facilitator is an ally to her students, helping students learn how to think for themselves, reflect on their decision-making processes, and recognize the consequences of their actions. - In 2002-2003, I became the International Floor's President. I planned social and educational events for the students on my floor, and I met regularly with the other Hall Presidents in the Main Campus Residents' Council to debate, discard, and develop policy and procedures for all residents.
- I returned in 2004-2005, this time to Gordon House's Wellness Floor to become a Residence Don. I organized educational programming for my students, advised them on personal and academic matters, mediated resident disputes,
and acted as a first responder to emergency and crisis situations (yes, even on
the Wellness Floor!)