Orientation and Student Success Coordinator

Reporting to the Director, Student Services, the Orientation and Student Success Coordinator (the “Coordinator”) is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive student orientation and transitions program that meets, and ideally exceeds, widely accepted orientation program standards (e.g., Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education) and that aligns with Okanagan College strategies and plans.

Exhibiting superior program development, organizational, and communication skills, the Coordinator’s work is focused on helping new first-year students transition to and thrive in the College environment. This includes working closely with students, employees, student governments, and external community partners and organizations in every College region. The Coordinator actively considers the diverse needs of incoming students, their parents, and their families in orientation and transitions program development and delivery. The Coordinator demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice (EDISJ) through program design and operational practice.

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area is required (e.g., Event Management, Recreation Management, Education).

A minimum of 4 years related experience is required (e.g., orientation and transitions program coordination, program or curriculum development, event management). A combination of education and experience may be considered. First Aid, Serving it Right, and Food Safe certification required. Experience leading orientation programs professionally or as a student leader strongly preferred. Graduate degree in higher education, student development, or student leadership preferred. Training in conflict resolution is an asset. Previous supervisory experience is an asset.

f. trades orientation programs.

2. Prepares orientation and transitions program budgets related, but not limited to, staffing, supplies, promotional materials, and program delivery. Approves expenditures up to sub-delegated amounts. Works within budgetary constraints. Prepares financial reports on actual revenue and expenses. Ensures all financial information related to orientation is processed in a timely and accurate manner, and invoices are forwarded to Finance.

3. Chairs and coordinates the Orientation Committee to engage institutional partners from all regions, programs, and service departments in the coordinated delivery, evaluation, and revision of the orientation and transitions program on every campus in fall, winter, and spring semesters.

4. Ensures alignment of all institutional orientation events and program orientations.

5. Develops and tracks annual action plans that include goals, expected outcomes, progress, and recommendations for future implementation.

6. Obtains regular input and feedback from students on the effectiveness of the orientation and transitions program in its entirety or any of its components.

7. Responsible for the recruitment, hiring, training, and supervision of co-op students, student employees, and student volunteers to assist in coordination and delivery of orientation and transitions activities as needed.

8. Develops and maintains processes to support the transition of student contacts from recruiters to orientation team members for continuity of communications. Processes may include but are not limited to keeping a record of contacts, tracking student replies to invitations and attendance at events, and completion rates of online orientation modules.

9. Collaborates with International Education to link the international orientation program to the College orientation and transitions program.

10. With support of Student Life staff, oversees logistics required to deliver orientation activities and initiatives including scheduling, collaborating with campus partners (e.g., Student Housing) and stakeholders (e.g., Security), confirming space set-up and equipment requirements (e.g., IT/AV equipment), coordinating the ordering and/or rental of event supplies by assessing needs, collecting quotes, and evaluating options, and procuring Special Occasion License when needed.

11. Ensures orientation content includes information related, but not limited, to:

a. institutional policies and practices

b. financial aid

c. facilities and campus layouts

d. technology resources and business operations

e. access to virtual support for online students

f. access to all student services and student government resources

g. privacy laws

h. intentional opportunities for students to engage with each other, with student leaders, instructors, faculty, and staff.

12. Regularly reviews content of mandatory online learning modules for new students. Promotes student participation in the modules, tracks completion rates, coordinates reminders and follow-up for compliance.

13. Ensures the orientation and transitions programs and components are developed and operationalized through the lenses of health and safety, EDISJ, and wellness.

14. Actively engages in professional development to maintain currency on issues related to the needs of incoming first-year students, best practices in the sector, and current and future trends in student affairs and applies this knowledge to orientation and transitions programming.

15. Supports the Student Life Team in the delivery of student life programs and activities as needed and supports Events Coordination team on key activity implementation including but not limited to Open House at each of the campuses.

16. Responsible for soliciting sponsors and donations and drafting sponsorship agreements in partnership with relevant stakeholders (e.g., Okanagan College Foundation).

17. Responsible for reviewing and revising any online orientation modules, consulting with relevant departments as needed.

18. Develops all first-year student orientation and transitions communication and promotional campaigns, in consultation with College Relations and the Office of the Registrar as needed, for distribution through (social) media and other communication channels (e.g., client relationship management platforms, website, etc.).

19. Acts as first point of contact for all internal and external student orientation and transitions program inquiries.