Residence Life Staff

Residence Life Staff

York University’s Residence Life Staff (RLS) are dedicated to fostering empathy, compassion and belonging in our residences through a commitment to the enrichment of their communities and one another. Becoming an RLS means being a part of a community that prioritizes inclusivity and connection, while promoting safety and wellness amongst our spaces.

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House Don

Job Description

Community Engagement Don

Job Description

Why Become a Don?

Leadership Experience

Leadership Experience

Become a student leader and make a positive, lasting impact on your residence community.
Personal Success

Personal Success

Achieve your personal goals while working towards creating an enriching community.
Student Friendly Schedule

Student Friendly Schedule

Being a student comes first! Residence Life accomodates academia, ensuring you can prioritize your schoolwork while contributing meaningfully to reisdence.
Professional Development

Professional Development

Gain valuable skills such as communication, problem-solving and programming that can enhance your professional career and build your resume.
Community-Building

Community-Building

Join a team of 50+ dedicated Dons and engage with 1000+ residence students to build genuine and lifelong connections.
Competitive Compensation

Competitive Compensation

Receive stipends and benefits for the work that you do!

I chose to become a Don because I wanted to create a warm and supportive space for students especially for those who, like me, are far from home. My responsibilities include checking in with residents, planning events, responding to calls, and making sure everyone feels safe and cared for. Being a Don, in many ways, feels like being the heart of a small family. The most rewarding part of this experience has been watching students grow more confident and comfortable throughout the year. A good Don, just like a good mom, listens, supports, and always shows up when needed with patience, empathy, and a smile. - Shahed Allababidi, 1st year as a House Don, Founders Residence

I became a Don to find a sense of community within such a large university. The most rewarding part about being a don has been working with such amazing people and building forever bonds. Some qualities that make a good don are; being able adapt, have good communication, and respect for yourself, team members, and of course residents!

- Alyson Milum, 2nd year as a House Don, Tatham Residence

Applications to become a Don for the 26/27 academic year open on Monday, November 24th at 8:00am! To apply, submit a resume and a video interview by Sunday January 11, 2026 at 11:59pm.

FAQs

What does a Residence Life staff member actually do?

Being a member of the Residence Life Staff team is a rich and rewarding experience. York University Residence Life is committed to providing an educational experience to all students living in residence. York University residents will engage in transformative experiences that foster empathy, compassion, belonging, and a commitment to the enrichment of their communities and one another.
What is the Residence Life Management Team (RLMT) and what do they do?

The Residence Life Management Team is responsible for providing support to our Residence Life Staff and student communities. We prioritize the well-being of our community while promoting educational programming and conversations to enrich student learning and belonging.
What is the difference between a Senior Don, House Don, and Community Engagement Don?

A House Don is responsible for a student community, and hosts learning conversations and runs programming to engage their residents. A Community Engagement Don leads the Community Engagement Committee and its team members by organizing events such as Spirit Cup for the residence community. A Senior Don acts as a mentor to their fellow Dons, providing guidance and leadership while supporting their own student communities.
Do I need to have lived on residence to apply?

Nope! We are looking for passionate and dedicated community-builders. No residence experience required.
Do I need to live in residence full-time if I’m a Don?

Yes, you do. Dons participate in an on-call rotation that requires them to be in the building during shifts and are expected to connect with the community outside of the hours.
Can I have another job if I'm a Don?

You can have another job while being a Don. However, we expect that your first priority in extracurriculars is the Don role, due to the consistent support and guidance you’ll be providing.
Can I apply if I’m only in my first year?

Yes! If you are a current, full-time student, you can apply to be a Don.
What kind of training will I receive? What if I can't attend training?
Don’s participate in a two-week training period at the end of August. Training focuses on core aspects of your role and building unity with your fellow team members. August Training is a mandatory requirement of fulfilling the role.
Do I need previous leadership or work experience?
While additional experience is complementary, we do not require any previous leadership or work experience to apply and be a successful Don.
What’s the time commitment like?
Traditionally, Dons work approxamitely 15 hours a week with the addition or 1-2 on-call shifts per week.
Do I get to pick where I get to be a Don?
Successful candidates will be able to submit accomodation requests to ensure you are placed in an appropriate residence unit. However, we do not allow formal requests for specific buildings/units.
Will I get paid or receive compensation?
Yes! Dons receive a $250 stipend per semester. In addition, they will receive their residence room as a taxable benefit, meaning that the employer will cover the cost of housing.
What are the key qualities of a great Don?
A great Don is someone with compassion and empathy. Dons provide support to their students while promoting a vibrant, inclusive and safe learning environment for their community. By being a great Don, you are contributing to a space that prioritizes wellness and individual identity, while creating a lively and tight-knit community. If this sounds like you, apply today!
I’ve never had to do a video submission for an application. Why does Residence Life ask for one?
Residence Life Staff will be expected to thoughtfully engage with their students and communities. A video submission allows applicants to express their interests for Residence Life with a read for tone and passion. Additionally, with the rise of AI, we want to ensure we are receiving authentic applications that align with our values. Stay tuned for our interview tips & tricks!
Can I use AI in the hiring process?

Residence Life does not permit the use of generative-AI tools. If you are looking for a guide to support your application, consider these resources.

1 NO AI The assessment is completed entirely without AI assistance. This level ensures that students rely solely on their knowledge, understanding, and skills.

AI must not be used at any point during the assessment.
2 AI-ASSISTED IDEA
GENERATION AND
STRUCTURING 		AI can be used for brainstorming, creating structures, and generating ideas for improving work.

No AI content is allowed in the final submission.
3 AI-ASSISTED EDITING AI can be used to improve clarity or quality of student-created work, but no new content may be created using AI.

AI can be used, but your original work with no AI content must be provided in an appendix.
4 AI TASK COMPLETION, HUMAN EVALUATION AI is used to complete certain elements of the task, with students providing discussion or commentary on the AI-generated content.

You will use AI to complete specified tasks in your assessment. Any AI-created content must be cited.
5 FULL AI AI may be used as a “co-pilot” throughout the assessment, allowing for collaborative work and creativity.

You may use AI throughout your assessment to support your work and do not need to specify which content is AI-generated.

Still Have Questions?

Feel free to reach out to resjobs@yorku.ca if you have any questions or concerns not addressed on our website.

Want another way to get involved in Residence Life? Take a look at the Community Engagement Committee. Hosting events like Spirit Cup and engaging with other community members, the committee encourages you to make connections with your fellow residents.