Miscellaneous

Weekly College Leader meetings

Attendance at these meetings is compulsory for all College Leaders. At the start of the year, a suitable day and time for these meetings will be set. These meetings will continue for the entire year with breaks during examination periods and semester holidays.

If a College Leader is unable to attend a meeting (there must be an exceptionally good reason!), please discuss it with the Head of College.

Monthly Report

College Leaders are required to submit a report by the last calendar day of each month, starting on 31 March and ending on 31 October but excluding June (mid-year holiday). The report should summarise: how things are going on your floor, events you’ve held, any Member concerns, your own personal wellbeing, and any advice or tips to you might have for your fellow College Leaders.

A template report is available to download from Appendix 19 in this Handbook.

Dining at the Head of College’s table

College Leaders are usually enrolled in different courses and will not be in classes together. Dining together at the Head of College’s table is therefore an important and useful way to keep in touch, communicate with each other, socialise, enjoy each other’s company, etc. That said, you should not feel obliged to always dine at the Head of College’s table as it is important to also socialise at meal times with other Members, particularly those on your floor.

Of course, the Head of College’s table is not for the exclusive use of College Leaders. Please invite other Members to join you at the Head of College’s table from time to time; this will also help to make the Head of College’s table feel less exclusive. Be mindful about what you discuss at the table in front of others.

Karakia

Karakia is a part of dinner each evening and will follow dinner announcements at 5:40 pm. From time to time a College Leader may need to lead karakia. If you have a personal blessing/prayer you would like to use, you are welcome to do so.

The following version of karakia is commonly used at the College as it is generally appropriate for a range of faiths/religions.

Karakia Mo Te Kai

Nau mai e nga hua,
O te ngakina, o te wai tai,
O te wai Maori

Na Tane, na Ronga ma Tane,
Na Haumietiketike,
Na Tangaroa. Ko Ranginui e
tu atu nei, Ko Papatuanuku e
takato iho nei

Tuturu whakamaua
kia tina, tina! Haumie,
hu1 i, Taiki e!

Welcome the gifts of food from the sacred forests,
from the cultivated gardens, from the sea, from
the fresh waters.

The food of Tane (God of cultivated plants),
Haumietiketike (God of wild/uncultivated food)
and Tangaroa (God of the Sea).
We acknowledge the sky above, Ranginui,
and Papatuanuku, the earth below.

Let this be our commitment to all.
Draw together. Affirm.

Greeting guests

The College is very well known for its friendliness and welcoming nature. This is often commented on by guests to the College. As role models, you play a huge role in this regard.

On Formal Dinner Sundays remember that you are representing the College. Make certain you know the names and positions of the guest(s) from the notice board and other information you will have been sent. Assist with welcoming the guest(s) by offering them a drink(s) when they enter the Atrium, and by offering food around. Introduce the Member from your floor to the guest(s) and try to talk to a few of the Members in attendance. Do not just stay with other College Leaders.

Make certain the guest(s) is/are involved and welcomed at the post-dinner gathering. Encourage Members to dialogue with the guests during the post-dinner gathering by asking questions yourself.

Seek advice

If you are faced with a complex situation and/or uncertain about what action to take, it is advisable to discuss the matter with the Head of College.

Socialising

Being a College Leader should not preclude good rapport with Members but ensure that professional boundaries are always maintained. Cultivate outside friends who have no connection with the College so that you have an escape when needed.

A separate page with advice for maintaining professional boundaries can be found in your College Leader folder.

Supplying alcohol

College Leaders should never purchase alcohol for any Members of College.

No authority

• You have no authority to admit overnight guests who arrive without booking in advance.
• You cannot move any pianos - this affects the tuning.
• You cannot do your duty elsewhere. You must be in the foyer.

Potential pitfalls

As with any position of leadership or authority, it can impact how you behave or are perceived by those around your. If you recognise any of the following things beginning to take seed in your approach, please have a chat with another College Leader or the Head of College, so you are supported.

• You become arrogant, conceited, or authoritarian.
• You come across poorly (review your communication skills).
• You believe you have more privileges than others have and flaunt this.
• You become too attached to your floor - it is difficult to discipline your friends.
• You are too sensitive and the stress gets to you. Do not worry you are not the first to feel this way. Regularly talk over hassles with other College Leader or the Head of College. You are not on your own.
• You become lax in your attitude to duty.
• You become disenchanted and cynical.
• Your study suffers.
• You feel you do so much and yet no one is grateful.
• You feel no one is there for you when you need someone.
• You feel you are indispensable.