New College

Wilderness Outdoor Orientation Program

WOOP Leader Application (2015)

Thank you for your interest in the New College Wilderness Outdoor Orientation Program (WOOP). We are looking for leaders who have a passion for building community and want to use their experience and skills to help first year students make a successful transition to university.

Please read through the details of WOOP to gain a better understanding of the project objectives so you can gauge your suitability as a leader for this program.

What is WOOP?


WOOP is a unique wilderness student experience for incoming first year New College students at the University of Toronto. The goal is to provide first year students with a transition experience to university life that will give them a unique opportunity to develop strong relationships with peers, improve their self-efficacy, and learn about the New College experience from upper year student leaders. The program this year, will take place in Algonquin Park, with teambuilding, mentorship, wilderness training, and leadership programming at Hart House Farm.

Who are WOOP Leaders?

This is where YOU come in! Leaders are chosen from applicants enrolled in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year at New College. Leaders will comprise a diverse group of students possessing strong communications kills who can act as a model of New College’s Values. Leaders will have the desire to facilitate the learning and development of participants will maintain a fun and safe atmosphere.

Outdoor experience or trip leading is an asset but not mandatory.

Why get involved?

While this program is focused on providing a memorable and enriching experience for incoming first year students, WOOP also provides leadership and team development experience for each and every one of our Leaders. It is extremely fulfilling to be one of the individuals who interact with our first year students and are recognized as one of their role models for the duration of their learning experience at New College.

Responsibilities of a Leader

As a WOOP Leader, you will be responsible for attending Pre-trip training Saturday August 29th and Sunday August 30th2015 from 10-5pm in Wilson Lounge (40 Willcocks Street TO. ON., M5S 1C6) and participating in WOOP from August 31st- 4th September 2015. There will be an additional mandatory training dates for Wilderness First Aid Training – date to be confirmed.

While on the trip, you will primarily focus on working cooperatively with Senior trip leaders, communicating with participants, reporting incidents and, as mentioned before, providing an enriching experience in a fun and safe atmosphere. YOU are a role model for the students in both your group and other groups.

A positive attitude and energy, under all circumstances, is key to being a WOOP Leader.

For those applying to be an Orientation Leader, WOOP and Orientation do conflict, and you will be unable to participate in both programs.

Requirements:

  • Must be a current New College undergraduate student in at least their second year of study and planning on continuing in your studies in September
  • Demonstrated success in a leadership role. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others.
  • Current Bronze Cross, Bronze Medallion, NLS or equivalent swimming certification would be an asset, but is not mandatory.
  • Outdoor Recreation experience would be an asset, but is not mandatory.

Important Dates

  • March 16th 2015, 9am – Application Deadline
  • March 20th Interviews
  • August 29th & 30th 2015 – Training
  • August 31st – September 4th2015 – WOOP trip

Application Instructions

A completed application includes:

  1. The application form below and answers to the questions below – with no sections left blank
  2. An up to date resume
  3. Please answer the following questions on a separate page in NO MORE THAN 300 WORDS TYPED each. Be honest! There are no right or wrong answers!
  4. Describe an experience you have had in a leadership or mentorship role
  5. If you could - what one piece of advice would you give yourself when you were going into your first year at University
  6. Indicate any relevant outdoor experience you have – particularly any relevant experience hiking, camping or being in a wilderness environment

E-mail your completed application and supporting documentation in ONE document to . Subject line: “WOOP APPLICANT – your name” by 9am Monday, March 16th 2015, 9am – Application Deadline

New College

Wilderness Outdoor Orientation Program

WOOP Leader Application Form 2015

I understand that participation as a University of Toronto student engaged in The New College Wilderness Outdoor Orientation Program (WOOP)will take me away from campus for an extended period to time. During this period, I understand that I will be exposed to certain risks. These risks may include, but are not limited to, death, injury, and/or loss of personal property due to: civil disorder, assault, sexual assault, kidnappings, violent crime, theft, fraud, petty crime, communicable diseases, environmental conditions, terrorist activities, natural disasters, acts of God, and/or traffic accidents. I am prepared to accept these risks.

In consideration of approval to participate in this program, I hereby release and hold harmless the University of Toronto, its agents and employees, from any and all liability for an loss, damage, injury or expense that I may suffer, or that my next of kin may suffer, as a result of my participation in this program due to any cause whatsoever including, but not limited to, negligence, breach of contract or breach of any statutory or other duty of care, delay, expense resulting from events beyond their control, acts of God, war, civil unrest, sickness, transportation, scheduling and government restrictions or regulations.

I further understand that if is my responsibility to abide by all applicable University policies, the laws of Canada, and to ensure that I have adequate medical, personal health, dental and accident coverage, as well as protection of my personal possessions.

I will not participate in any activity, including any political activity, which might endanger my local hosts and/or the University of Toronto partners.

I recognize that in the event of a general civil emergency, the University will endeavor to assist its students.

I understand that this agreement cannot be modified nor interpreted except in writing by the University of Toronto and that no oral modification or interpretation shall be valid.

I ACKNOWLEDGE MY OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBLITIES AS OUTLINED IN THIS DOCUMENT.

Students Signature:Date:

Witness’ Signature:Date:

Photo/Video Release Form

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

I hereby grant to the University of Toronto (the university) the right to reproduce, use, exhibit, display, broadcast, distribute and create derivative works of the photographed or filmed images for use in connection with the activities of the university or for promoting, publicizing or explaining the university or its activities.

This grant includes, without limitation, the right to publish such images to university websites, in university publications and in PR/promotional materials, such as marketing and advertising. These images may appear in any of the wide variety of formats now available to the university and that may be available in the future, including -- but not limited to – print, broadcast, videotape, CD_ROM and electronic/online media.

Name (printed): ______Signature: ______

Date of Agreement: ______

40 Willcocks StreetOffice of Residence and Student Life

Toronto ON.Phone: 416-978-8875

M5S