ORIENTATION TEAM

APPLICATION AND TRAINING GUIDE

Orientation is the most important period for new residents living on campus as it allows them to become familiar with new surroundings, create friendships, learn community values and develop a strong sense of belonging. Working under the direction of our Residential Life Staff (RLS), Orientation Teams (O-Teams) assist in delivering a diverse range of programs for the benefit of all residents at MRS.

Duration: The orientation programs run for 2 weeks before the start of each semester.

Semester 1, Monday 16 February to Sunday 1 March 2026.

Semester 2, Friday 10 July to Sunday 26 July 2026.

Expectation: While you do not need to be around 24/7, you are expected to be on-site and available for most of the orientation period.

We require O team member to move in by Sunday 15 February 2026

Requirements

O-team recruitments comprise the following steps

- Submit an Expression of Interest form by 10am on Monday 27 October 2025

- Residential Life Coordinators select team members

- Successful applicants get training details via email

- Complete eLearning and attend planning and training session

- Move in by Sunday 15 February 2026*

- O-Team is on-site and assisting during the Orientation period

- Rental Discount: up to $400 for members and up to $500 for execs (at the discretion of the RLS), and applied to the March accommodation invoice.

*Residential Village O-Team members must move in on Sunday 15 February and pay for one extra night of rent

⚠️ Mandatory Zoom planning and training session

All O-Team members are required to attend the relevant 90-minute to 2-hour session. TENTATIVE Date Thursday 29 January - afternoon (zoom)

Role and expectations

O-Team volunteers plan, organise, and coordinate a welcoming and inclusive orientation program designed to help new residents become familiar with their residence and the Monash University campus. At the same time, it should help them get to know other residents and prepare for study at Monash University.

Roles

There are Executive and Member volunteer roles within the residential Orientation Team. The key differences between Executives and Members relate to the role's responsibilities, scope and complexity.

Quota

The number of members in an O-Team depends on the number of new residents expected. Generally, one orientation member is assigned to 10 new residents.

Orientation Volunteers are expected to:

Help plan and run Orientation events with RAs and RLS
Follow/write event plans and stick to the budget
Be present and available during Orientation
Attend events and engage with residents
Set up, serve food, and pack down after events
Share feedback for improvement and celebrate wins with the team throughout Orientation
Support RAs and supervise events when staff aren’t around
Welcome new residents and connect them to hall socials and handbooks

Eligibility

All nominated Orientation Team volunteer roles must:

Be a current resident with Monash Residential Services.
Hold a valid and current Working With Children Card
Not be a current Resident Advisor
Follow all MRS Regulations and Policies including the Conditions of Residency (CoR), Social Media Guidelines and Alcohol Procedure
Operate at the discretion of the Residential Life Coordinator
Be available for the Orientation period
Complete required training

APPLICATION

Expressions of interest are open now! Follow the steps if you're interested in joining the MRS Orientation Teams!

Step 1. Read through the Role and Expectations above

Step 2. Apply for a Working with Children Card online

Step 3. Complete the Expression of Interest form

Deadline: 10am on Monday 27 October 2025

O-Team Expression of Interest Form

TRAINING

If you are nominated as an Oteam member, you must complete the following training. Just so you know, all invitations to train will be communicated via email.

DoFoodSafely & Submit the Certificate (60 min)
Attend in-person/Zoom planning and training session (2 hours) - TENTATIVE DATE: Thursday 29 January - afternoon (zoom)

Rewards

Being an Orientation Team Volunteer has a number of benefits, such as:

Receive a partial discount on your rent for the Orientation Period
- Members receive up to $400
- Executives recive up to $500
Gain valuable volunteer experience
Giving back to the MRS community and having fun
Being a part of a team
Adding the skills acquired to your resume and using them as talking points in a job interview
Demonstrating your motivation and capability to inspire others
Useful if you are interested in applying to be a Resident Advisor

Employability Skills

By participating in a Residential Orientation Team, you may have the opportunity to develop the following employability skills that can become a valuable asset to your resume.

Planning & Organization

Ability to plan engaging events and activities for a community

Ability to deliver on key deadlines

Social

Gain experience in actively and enthusiastically participating in community activities

Time Management

Ability to manage time efficiently, particularly during busy periods

Leadership & Initiative

Experience in leading a team or a group and encouraging community participation
Is experienced at taking on responsibilities and working with others

All O-Team members must have a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).

Find out more about getting a WWCC here

Need help? Contact us

Residential Support Office
Monash Residential Services
E: mrs.reslife@monash.edu
monash.edu/accommodation

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