The Basics & Background

An E-Learning Module

Compiled by: Lara HofCommunity Standards Manager

Understand the philosophy of our discipline system Generate an understanding of the Community Living

Standards and purpose Introduce your role as Residence Life Staff Understand the importance of why we document

incidents and the bigger picture Introduce FIPPA Introduce eRez

Our philosophy to managing our students and communities!

Students are at a stage in their life where learning is heightened, so we believe in creating teachable moments.

We all make mistakes, so we try, when we can, to give second chances.

Students respond much better to educational sanctions such as seminars and community service rather than fines.

we believe…

It’s important to strike a balance between being fair and consistent within our processes.

It’s important to value the individual involved

in an incident. Usually, there is always an underlying reason as to why the student is behaving in a certain fashion.

Students value the time we give them, so we make sure we have heard their side of the story when managing an incident.

The Residence Community Living Standards – our fancy way of saying – the rules!

The Residence Community Living Standards (RCLS), clearly outline the

standards of appropriate conduct

expected within our residence communities

and serve as guidelines to the

creation of a residence community where

residents can live and learn in a conducive

atmosphere.

further student development and enhance the academic experience

educate students around community standards and the effect that their choices may have on others around them

evaluate both the intent of an action and its impact

hold residents accountable for behaviour provide students with an opportunity to

learn from their behaviour

The Residence Community Living Standards (RCLS) strive to:

to have their concerns considered by RLS. to have RLS available for assistance in

settling conflict. to have all reported offences investigated in

a reasonable amount of time. to have their side of the story heard. to a fair process. to expect confidentiality.

Students have rights too!

You are so important to the process involved in managing your communities!

You are the front line staff! You have the most direct contact with students in Student Housing Services.

You have the ability to truly connect with students and show them you care about their well-being.

You are the messengers! You make your manager’s job a lot easier when you document incidents/observations accurately.

Inform students of the rules of residence. Set up expectations for behaviour. Role model. Assist in mediating conflict. Create a community that holds members

accountable for their actions. Document, document, document. Program around issues affecting the

community. Create a reward system to recognize positive

contributions from community members.

You will receive more information @ August Training.

Check out these helpful links!

The Value of Community Codes

Aiming High with Community Standards

The ABCs of RA

How do we confront? Is it really a skill?

What’s so important anyways?

Documentation is essential to the success of our residence life program.

Documenting incidents/behaviours in residence, both positive or negative allow us to…

track incidents occurring in residence communities cover our butts in case of legal issues serve as an essential method of communication

between RLS and RLMs, as well as all members of the department involved in resolving incidents

be consistent and fair when managing our students create archives and student records for re-admission/FIPPA requests (see next slide)

monitor behavioural trends and compile stats

Why should I care…

consider this…

FIPPA (pronounced fip'-a) “This is a law on access to information and privacy

that, as of June 10, 2006, applies to all universities in Ontario. ”

“As its name implies, the Act has two main purposes: transparency: to facilitate consistent and

accountable access to information in public institutions

privacy: to protect personal information from unauthorized collection, use or disclosure by public institution” 

Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act

University of Guelph, “What is FIPPA?”, July, 2008, http://www.uoguelph.ca/secretariat/fippa/

Just click here…FIPPA

Any student listed in any document has the right to request the information you wrote about them!

Don’t let this make you nervous! The goal is to make sure you are

documenting accurate information in a timely fashion!The following module will tell you how!

Depending on the nature of the

incident and its complexities,

several people might have access to the paperwork

you write.

The resident! Residence Life Manager Community Standards

Manager Associate Director Director University Judicial Officer &

Judicial Committee Associate VP - Student

Affairs President of university Parents or Guardians Campus/City Police A court of law

Here is the neat part!!!

“eRezLife Software is a fully web-based software suite targeted to student housing operations and other student affairs departments.

eRezLife offers “one stop shopping” for student, staff, and residence life information management needs.

eRezLife generates custom programming reports and summaries on any information entered into the system to help identify trends and new ideas for programs.”

www.erezlife.com

eRez Life, What is eRez Software?”, July, 2008, http://www.erezlife.com/site/index.shtml /

It’s the fun online software that houses all of our forms that Residence Life Staff & Residence Life Managers fill out when documenting incidents/behaviours/observations / programs / life in residence.

In one of the next module, you will learn how to use the software and how to fill out forms!

What to expect…

1. Check out the June newsletter for an exciting new opportunity to get involved in an online forum to exchange ideas, worries and hear helpful hints from returning staff members.

2. Module #2 – The Rules of Residence …coming soon to an inbox near you!

3. Module #3 – FUN with Forms…Opening in July.