Building Community in a Pandemic
Company
University of Toronto, New College
Role
Resident Assistant (RA)
Skills
Branding
Communication
Conflict Resolution
Crisis Management
Leadership
Relationship Management
Social Media Management
Teamwork
Duration
Sept 2020 - April 2021
Source
Instagram @elmsleyatnew20.21

How might I create a welcoming, inclusive community despite the challenges from the pandemic?
As a Resident Assistant (or Residence Advisor, Residence Don, RA), my job is to help students transition to university. We are also responsible for community management, creating events and programs, making referrals to campus partners and resources, and policy enforcement. More info about the role can be found on the University of Toronto's website or the New College divisional website.
This year, due to social distancing measures, I managed a community of about 16 students. The floor, called Elmsley House, was home of the Innovation and Technology Living Learning Community, and attracted many computer science and engineering students.
Goal
Role
Challenges
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COVID-19
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Social distancing restrictions
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Online-only events & programming
OVERVIEW

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16 students
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15 first year students
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1 upper year student
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Aged between 17 - 20
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About 40% were international students
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More than half studied computer science or engineering
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New to university (what's a syllabus again?)
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Want to socialize and meet new people
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Need to feel like they belong
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Very tech-savvy
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Connected on social media
Traits
RESEARCH
Target Audience
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New to university
-
Want to socialize and meet new people
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Need to feel like they belong
-
Very tech-savvy
-
Connected on social media
SOLUTION
Elmsley the Frog visuals and lily-pads