Four new Wardens are being recruited to help students through their first year of study in the University halls of residence.
Wardens play a pivotal role in supporting students living in halls and, as senior contact on site, are responsible for developing a strong sense of community, ensuring students are safe and feel supported during their first year.
Influence University policy
Each warden leads a team of Residential Advisors (RAs) in their management role and lives alongside students, getting a clear understanding of the challenges that they face. Wardens are in a position to influence University policy and practice that supports the school to university transition and enhances the student experience.
Senior lecturer in the School of Engineering, Dr Matt Murphy, has been a warden at Carnatic Halls since 2011. He explained how the role has provided him with valuable pastoral care and management experience which has benefitted his career:
“I enjoy the role immensely and have gained a much deeper insight into the crucial first year of university life, as students make a transition to greater independence. Helping to maintain a scholarly environment in which our students can enjoy a varied academic, cultural and social life has broadened my personal development and insight.
“Every day involves working with my team of RAs to support students on a range of issues, such as coping with adjustment to university life and maintaining discipline in the halls. We also work hard to schedule events to bring students together – whether over a pizza or a more formal event – which helps students to integrate and form their own peer support networks.
“Co-ordinating 10-12 RAs has helped me pick up new organisational skills, from team and performance management to training and mentoring. I’m currently responsible for over 400 students in halls and, as such, I get involved with a number of decision making forums across the University. Being able to represent students in the development of initiatives to support and enhance their experience has also added to my career portfolio.
Rewarding
“Being a warden is demanding but is definitely rewarding. It is a lifestyle change but I would recommend it to any early career academics and professional services staff seeking to broaden their experience and enhance career progression opportunities.”
Four warden posts have been advertised – 2 for South Campus and 2 for North Campus –, which will support students living in halls on campus.
To apply, please visit https://www.liv.ac.uk/working/intranet/internal-vacancies/
For more information please email Rosalind.stevens@liverpool.ac.uk