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New College Don System Working Well
Almost
one month into the 2002/03 year, Otonabee College Don Leanne Rose is pleased
with how the new donning system is working out.
"I don't think it could be working any better," says Ms. Rose.
The major change in donning at Trent is that there is now one central
adult don at each residential college, instead of several. The top positions
are now filled by a full-time employee of the University, which means
the college dons are working in their position at all times. Previously
residential dons lived on campus but usually worked full-time in other
jobs.
At each college, student dons work under the leadership of the college
don, and there are now University-wide standards for their duties. "This
year the dons completed an eight-day training program and the cohesion
has been terrific. With the new discipline system that has also been implemented,
there is a sense that certain expectations are consistent throughout the
University," explains Ms. Rose. "Now they hear one voice, where
before it could have been different with each don."
Trent dons help new students adjust to university life and assist all
students in many other ways. They also help to create a sense of community
in their residential college. The five college dons fill the role of addressing
major needs and issues, and of providing a more mature perspective for
students seeking advice and direction.
Ms. Rose and her husband, Doug, were dons at Otonabee College last year,
under the old Trent system, and enjoy living on campus. "Both my
husband and I love university students and their energy. It's a dynamic
age and being in this environment is fun," she says.
Photo: Otonabee College Don Leanne Rose and her golden lab Pocket love
campus life at Trent. Ms. Rose's husband, Doug, also lives at Otonabee.
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