Commerce Executive on Orientation
Application Process 2016
Application Process:
Step 1: Written Application
The written application will be released on Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 on the ComSoc website and
promoted through Facebook. Applications will be due Tuesday November 10th, 2015 at 11:59 p.m.
Step 2: Information Session and Office Hours
The executive members of CEO 2015 will be hosting an information session at 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday
November 3rd, 2015 to give a brief overview of the CEO and insights on specific positions. Dale Nerland,
Chair of CEO 2015 will be hosting office hours on an as need basis to answer any additional questions.
Step 3: Interview
Prior to the written application deadline on Tuesday November 10th, 2015 all prospective applicants must
book an interview time through the ComSoc portal.
Job Summary:
For this position the following job description will be posted on ComSoc website, promoted on Facebook
as well as posted on the Commerce Program student portal. Students will have approximately 7 days to
submit their resume as well as their answers to the written questions listed below. All applications will
then be reviewed by Chair (CEO 2016), ComSoc President, member from SOARB, the Executive Director of
the Commerce Program, the Logistics Coordinator of CEO 2015 and Chair of CEO 2015. A scoring rubric
will be used to assess the suitability of each candidate.
Position Description
The Commerce Executive on Orientation (CEO) has many responsibilities pertaining to individual roles;
but overall, the committee is primarily responsible in overseeing the planning and implementation a week
of orientation activities that meet a clear set of goals and objectives.
As stated in the Senate Orientation Activities Review Board (SOARB) Orientation Week Policy Manual, the
following are the goals and objectives of Orientation Week as approved by Senate:
• To make all new students feel welcome
• To facilitate a smooth transition to university
• To build a strong and inclusive community of students
• To make new students comfortable in their academic, social and environmental contexts
• To provide a solid foundation for a successful university experience
The Commerce Executive on Orientation (CEO) has many responsibilities but overall, all members have
the responsibility of upholding the above stated goals and objectives. In addition to upholding the stated
goals and objectives, all members of the CEO must do the following:
•Work collaboratively with institutional bodies including but not limited to the Chair (CEO),
Orientation Roundtable (ORT) through the Alma Mater Society (AMS), SOARB, Executive Director
(Commerce), Queen’s First Aid and Queen’s Student Constables.
•Ensure that the Commerce Orientation Week and its Orientation Leaders adhere to the Queen’s
Student Code of Conduct, the ORT Spirit with Responsibility, the Senate Contract for Orientation
Leaders and Executives, the SOARB Orientation Week Policies, and any policies or procedures put
in place by the Commerce Program.
•Set out and communicate the Orientation Week schedule of activities to all stakeholders
involved such as the ORT, SOARB, Queen’s Student Constables, Queen’s First Aid, Queen’s Event
Services, etc.
•Review all activities each year by completing a risk assessment and identify plans to mitigate
risks involved. This would also include obtaining feedback from the Executive Director
(Commerce), ORT and SOARB so all risks can be identified and addressed.
•Obtain necessary approvals for all sanctioned events taking place in addition to ensuring that
the mandatory academic event provides all key relevant academic information for first year
students.
• Communicate with the incoming students the clear parameters for the collections and use of
fees for participation in Orientation Week.
• Develop an Orientation Week Handbook for first year students that is vetted by the Chair (CEO),
Executive Director (Commerce) and ORT.
• Ensure the participation of all Orientation Week Leaders in the training program organized by
the ORT as well as any faculty specific training.
•Develop and communicate clear expectations around Orientation Week Leader hiring (Bosses)
and oversee the recruitment, screening and selection process.
• Work with the ORT and the Executive Director (Commerce) to ensure that all Orientation Week
clothing, slogans and cheers are approved.
• Ensure all Orientation Leaders are aware of and informed about the Student Code of Conduct,
and more specifically, its section on Hazing. Ensure that all Orientation Week Leaders understand
what hazing is and that it has no part in the Commerce Orientation Week and the discipline
associated with it. This includes before, during and after Orientation Week.
Qualifications:
• Currently enrolled in the 2nd year and in good academic standing in the Commerce program
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to foster a team approach
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders (students, faculty, and
administrators).
• Knowledge of orientation week goals
Advantageous Skills:
• Passionate about supporting first year student transition and success into University
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and to facilitate change
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict management skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work with diverse student body and commitment to inclusivity and accessibility
• Ability to work independently, consult, and collaborate as needed
• Resourcefulness, creativity, and initiative
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Good judgement and professionalism
The CEO 2015 is open to all commerce students in second year. The CEO consists of 12 positions, each
responsible for a different aspect of the planning and execution of Orientation Week 2016. In addition to
the Chair and two First Year Representatives, the positions are: Logistics Coordinator, Treasurer and
Academics, Sponsorship Coordinator, Social Coordinator, Leadership Coordinator, Communications and
Marketing and Technical Officer. Please see the descriptions of each position below and rank in
accordance with interest. (1 being highest interest and 7 being lowest interest)
___ Logistics Coordinator (x2): Responsible for planning events and other logistical aspects of Orientation
Week as well as attending ORT (Orientation Round Table) meetings.
___ Treasurer & Academics: Responsible for the finances of the CEO, as well as handling Orientation
Week registration. Acts as a liaison between the school and the CEO. Helps Commerce
Orientation Leaders maintain the minimum average.
___ Sponsorship Coordinator (x2): Responsible for soliciting for sponsorship for Orientation Week, as well
as handling Orientation Week registration.
___ Social Coordinator: Plans and executes social events throughout the week as well as social events for
the CEO and Orientation Leaders.
___ Leadership Coordinator: Organizes all volunteer events throughout the year including the Apprentice
Challenge and Commerce Cares as well as Leadership training for the Orientation Leaders.
___ Communications/Marketing: Responsible for summer mailings and responsible for overseeing the
primer and all marketing/promotional activities.
___ Technical Officer: Handles all technical aspects of Orientation Week such as the website, payments
and the official primer.
Note: Please limit your responses to questions 1-5 to a maximum of 3 pages (size 11 Calibri font.)
Written Application Questions:
1. How have your past experiences prepared you for the role of the CEO and the responsibilities tied
to it? How does this set you apart from other applicants?
2. What is one position specific goal that you will execute in order to improve Commerce
Orientation Week if you are chosen for your number one rated position?
3. The CEO implemented several positive changes in last year’s Orientation Week. What challenges
do you see the CEO encountering during its potential last year of its 2 year probationary term and
how do you see yourself playing a role in overcoming these challenges?
The Terms of Probation require the following:
a. Changes to the hiring practices of all Orientation Week leaders including the elimination
of videos as part of the Orientation Leader hiring process.
b. Elimination of hazing activities to ensure that Orientation Week Leaders and upper year
students do not yell profane taunts nor be verbally abusive or demeaning to students.
c. Termination of all behaviours that intimidate students psychologically or physically
d. Limitation of the frequency and duration with which students are required to run
between events
4. If you could change any aspect/event in Commerce Orientation Week what would it be and why?
What specifically would the change be?
5. The CEO’s responsibility includes the hiring process of the Orientation Leaders (Bosses). In your
opinion, what makes an ideal Orientation Week Leader. What characteristics should the CEO be
looking for in order to identify these specific individuals?
PLEASE EMAIL YOUR APPLICATION TO THE CHAIR OF THE COMMERCE EXECUTIVE ON ORIENTATION, BRUCE
MEILIKHAN: bruce.meilikhan@queensu.ca