DLC monitor job description

A monitor is a student, generally in their second year or higher, hired to assist in the Digital Learning Centre.

TASKS

Some of the most common tasks of the student monitor are:

  • showing up on time - this means 5 minutes before the shift begins!
  • helping sign in students 
  • leading orientations
  • keeping and entering attendance records
  • informing students about their total time logged
  • assisting students with appropriate software / resource selection
  • explaining grammar
  • assisting a language instructor during a class lab session
  • giving conversation classes
  • attending to faulty equipment
  • passing on professors' requests to the Director
  • updating the inventory
  • other tasks as set by the Director

A task schedule posted on the wall in each lab lists the tasks that should be accomplished by each shift.  It is the responsibility of each monitor to check whether the appointed tasks have been finished, and if not, to complete them.

HIRING

Applicants who show the characteristics that match those of the ideal monitor and whose command of the language of study and understanding of its grammar are sufficient will be considered as potential monitors. The Digital Language Centre's priorities are:

  • To hire students who possess specific language skills (native speakers wherever possible).
  • To hire students with excellent communication and time management skills.
  • A general knowlege of computers is necessary to work in the DLC.

Potential French and German monitors are interviewed and tested on their grammatical knowledge and fluency.  Once they have passed, they need not receive a second interview or test in later semesters.

Applications can be obtained in SN 4030 or online.

MONITOR TRAINING

All monitors must attend an initial training session at the beginning of each trimester.  This session is usually broken into 2-3 components.  The initial training session is an opportunity to meet all of the monitors that you will be working with over the semester.  It also reviews basic operation of the DLC and how to deal with the students. Theses sessions also provide the ideal opportunity to go through all of the changes that have occurred between semesters.

NEW MONITORS

A new monitor has never worked in the DLC before.  A new monitor will usually work 5-6 hours in their first semester, the number of hours increases with subsequent semesters.

RETURNING MONITORS

A returning monitor has worked  here before.  He/She should have a fairly comprehensive knowledge of most lab procedures. Returning monitors are responsible for training and helping new monitors.

SENIOR MONITORS

A senior monitor is designated by the director. He/She will have usually worked in the DLC for at least one semester and will have had a good record.  Senior monitors are responsible for helping / teaching new monitors tasks as required.

Finally, senior monitors should be able to show initiative and help new monitors should a problem arise.  They will be held more accountable in the event of mistakes than a new monitor would be.

HOURS

A work schedule based on the hours monitors have selected during the first training session will be posted / emailed at the beginning of each term.  Monitors must be present for all hours scheduled by themselves and by the director. Notify the director at least one day in advance if unable to come in so a replacement can be arranged.

A monitor's shift begins and ends at 5 minutes before the hour. If a monitor has not shown up by the hour, the director should be informed.  Be sure to sign in at the beginning of each shift so that you will be paid.

The first 10 minutes of the hour are the most hectic.  It is inconsiderate not to contact Dr. Thareau and leave a message, or tell someone that you will be late, (i.e. arriving after 5 minutes to the hour).

Generally, new monitors work 5-6 hours a week in the Labs.  A monitor's hours increase over time, if they have worked to the satisfaction of the director.  Senior monitors usually work ten or more hours a week, and are usually the only monitors who work solitary shifts.  The transition to senior monitor occurs at the discretion of the Director.

If you wish to work either more or fewer hours, please make this clear to the Director.  She will do her utmost to reschedule your work in a way that suits your classes best.

THE IDEAL STUDENT MONITOR

While we don't live in a perfect world, we should all strive to do the best we can!  The following is a list of ideals that are meant to generate discussion and encourage you.

The ideal student monitor would always:

  • be considerate of other monitors, staff and professors
  • show up on time for work
  • reschedule or call well in advance if unable to make a shift
  • not leave a mess for anyone else to clear up
  • treat equipment with respect
  • be responsible
  • speak up when he/she can see why a new policy might not work well, or when an error is about to be made
  • show an interest in working in the DLC.  A well-organized monitor misses shifts only through illness, or unforeseen disasters
  • be honest
  • be able to admit that you have made a mistake
  • be able to admit that you don't know something  (There is no sin in not knowing, only in not finding out.)
  • be helpful, allways be polite to people who come to the DLC for help.
  • be patient and repeat explanations of DLC policies if necessary.
  • if you feel you cannot handle a situation, ask somebody for help or ask the person to speak to the Director
  • show initiative if all the day's allotted tasks have been completed, ask the Director or a senior monitor if there is anything that you can help with

CONVERSATION CLASSES

Conversation classes will be assigned to monitors as required.  Usually, the director will consult faculty about choices for Spanish and Russian conversants.  The D irector will make every effort to accommodate faculty and monitors who wish to work with each other to offer conversation classes.

A monitor should expect to converse with no more than 10-12 students per class.  Please alert Dr. Thareau if you regularly have bigger groups than this.

DISMISSAL

There are relatively few misdemeanors that will automatically cause the Director to consider reducing your hours or dismissing you.  These few infractions create the most disturbance in the DLC, and so are most serious from the point of view of the Director.

  • Tardiness or missing a shift or a conversation class it is not acceptable to be tardy or to miss shifts without informing the lab BEFOREHAND. The correct procedure when you are unforseeably delayed is to contact Dr. Thareau or leave a message.  With enough warning, a substitute can be found.
  • Abusing equipment
  • Constant and perpetuated disrespect to other monitors, the Director or unwillingness to follow lab policies

Failure to follow instructions may ultimately result in your dismissal.  You would receive a series of warnings first.