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Chicago Campus Torch Leader

Dominican University, Chicago, IL, United States


TITLE:

Chicago Campus Torch Leader
DEPARTMENT:

Chicago Campus / Student Success and Engagement
OPEN TO:

Dominican University Undergraduate Students
DATE AVAILABLE:

Summer 2026
COMPENSATION:

Stipend and Summer Housing

Position Summary
Dominican University’s Chicago Campus is seeking enthusiastic, dependable, and service‑oriented students to serve as Torch Leaders for summer programming, including Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR), Bridge programming, campus visit experiences, and special events. Torch Leaders play a vital role in supporting the transition of new and prospective students by facilitating orientation activities, welcoming families and guests, promoting engagement, and helping students feel informed, connected, and excited about becoming part of the Dominican community.

In this role, Torch Leaders serve as student leaders, mentors, campus representatives, and hospitality ambassadors. They provide a warm and informative first impression to prospective students, families, and campus visitors while also supporting currently enrolled students participating in summer programming. Torch Leaders help new students navigate their first experiences at the university, model positive and inclusive campus values, and contribute to a strong sense of belonging.

Torch Leaders are also expected to support the day‑to‑day operations of La Casa and the Resource Center, assist with summer residents, help coordinate event logistics, and provide administrative and behind‑the‑scenes support across campus offices.

Job Components / Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Orientation, Transition, and Student Support

Lead small groups of new students during SOAR and Bridge programs

Support small‑group check‑in reflection circles for NexGen Innovators Academy (Summer of a Lifetime Program)

Participate in Chicago Campus NexGen Innovators Academy (Summer of a Lifetime Program) training.

Serve as a positive role model

Provide mentorship and support to students

Share insights about college life and success strategies

Identify and report student concerns to staff

Campus Visits, Tours, and Ambassador Responsibilities

Lead engaging campus tours

Represent the university with professionalism and enthusiasm

Personalize tours based on student interests

Engage with prospective students through communication platforms

Event Support, Operations, and Administrative Assistance

Assist with event setup and breakdown

Support program logistics and coordination

Maintain organization of La Casa and Resource Center

Complete administrative tasks as assigned

Assist in the execution of evening excursions and social programming.

Maintain regular communication with Residence Life Graduate Assistants and Director, Student Experience regarding student progress or behavioral concerns.

Assist with completing room condition reports (RCRs) and reporting any damages to Residence Life.

Support any room set‑ups for external groups staying in La Casa.

Assist with any academic building and La Casa space set‑ups and changes for external groups.

Assist Residence Life with key audits and updating inventory sheets.

Community Building, Teamwork, and Professionalism

Collaborate with staff and peers

Promote a welcoming and inclusive environment

Uphold university policies and values

Participate in training and meetings

Maintain professionalism and reliability

Conflict Resolution, Community Building, & Safety

Mediate interpersonal conflicts between scholars within the residence halls.

Enforce program policies and “Community Agreements” to ensure a safe, inclusive environment.

Conduct nightly room checks and manage curfew protocols.

Identify and report student concerns (academic, behavioral, and medical) promptly to professional program staff.

Job Components and Important Dates

Dates of employment: May 12, 2026 – August 23, 2026

Participate fully in training and attend weekly staff meetings, working a maximum of 20 hours/week

Tentative dates of training: May 12 – May 15

Tentative training times from 10:00am‑2:00pm

Flexible with advance notice

Outside employment and opportunities are not discouraged but should not interfere with Torch Leader responsibilities

Be punctual and dependable in carrying out all responsibilities

Support the commitment to multiculturalism, as well as departmental and University mission/values

Maintain and promote the University code of conduct and all University mission and values

Qualifications

Must be Dominican University Student registered for Fall 2026

Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.3

Must be in good disciplinary standing with the University and have no record of student conduct violations.

Display strong interpersonal communication, customer service, and leadership skills, as well as a strong desire to further develop these skills

Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of Dominican University and the Division of Student Success and Engagement

Demonstrate time management skills, flexibility, and the ability to motivate themselves and others

Work well independently and within a group of diverse staff, and groups of new students, families, and guests

A willingness to learn about university resources, services, opportunities, policies, and staff personnel

Must be eligible for US employment

Compensation

$500 stipend paid monthly (June‑August) prorated

Placement subject to space as deemed available by Residence Life staff

Expectation for All Dominican Employees
To support the University’s mission of preparing students to pursue truth, to give compassionate service, and to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.

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