What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chicago Campus Torch Leader position at Dominican University?
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
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
- Support campus visits events
- 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 Students 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
- Summer Housing at La Casa
- 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.
Salary : $500