St. Michael's College, U of TDean of Students | Assistant Dean of Students | Dons | Senior Dons
Job
DescriptionThe Dean of Students is responsible for all aspects of the SMC Residence, including the admission of students, the assignments of rooms and roommates, the hiring of Dons, and the enforcement of discipline.
Duane Rendle was born and raised in the beautiful city of Victoria, British Columbia where most of his family still reside. After completing a BA in psychology at the University of Victoria, Duane moved to the University of Toronto in 1995 to begin a Master's degree in Industrial Relations (MIR) which he completed in 1997. Duane found a home in one of St. Michael's graduate houses and quickly began participating in the life of the College. After serving as a Don for two years, Duane successfully applied for the position of Dean of Men & Dean of College, a post he has held since 1998 (title was changed to Dean of Students when SMC went co-ed in 2005). Duane cultivates a wide range of interest including history, politics, and sports.
Contacting the Dean
The office of the Dean of Students is located in
room #101 of Elmsley Hall
Tel: (416) 926-7127
Email smc.dean@utoronto.ca
It is always best to make an appointment to see the Dean rather than simply dropping by as his responsibilities frequently take him away from the office. All correspondence for the Dean can be left at the St. Michael's College mail desk, located on the ground floor of Elmsley Hall (south end), at 81 St. Mary Street or in the drop slot outside his office.
The Assistant Dean of Students works closely with the Dean, assisting him in managing the Residence and acting in his place whenever the Dean is off campus. The Assistant Dean of Students lives on campus and serves as a Don of McCorkell House.
Kevin Dancy holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree and a Master of Arts in philosophy from the University of Toronto, where he is currently completing his thesis for a doctorate in philosophy. A former Don with many years experience, Kevin joined the Dean's Office in 1996 and was appointed Assistant in 1998. Kevin has been an enthusiastic participant in student life at the UofT ever since he first arrived at St Mike's as a freshman student of architecture. When not studying the works of St Thomas Aquinas, Kevin takes time out to relax and pursue a variety of cultural interests, especially in the visual arts.
Dons live in residence and are responsible
for supervising the houses that comprise
the Residence and helping students transition into university life. Dons are appointed by the Dean of Students and are mainly graduate or
4th year students who have demonstrated superior
leadership qualities.
Above all, Dons are individuals who value the residence experience and enjoy working with students.
Dons are expected to act as academic advisers/tutors, and promote the goals of residence life by example and through active participation in the life of the College. If necessary, Dons may be asked to assist the Dean of Students in the education of residents in areas such as study skills, alcohol and drug awareness, and human rights issues. Dons may also be called upon to assist the Dean with the day to day administration of the College. Most importantly, dons serve as supportive, informed listeners and resource counselors for residents in need of assistance.
Residence Staff are given extensive training to ensure they have the skills to support students in residence. This training includes topics such as:
Job Description: There are four Senior Dons at the SMC Residence - one for each of our four constituent buildings (Elmsley Hall, Queen's Park, Historic Houses, Sorbara Hall). In addition to their regular don's duties, senior dons are responsible for assisting the Dean of Students in formulating residence policy, participating in the don's hiring process, providing guidance and instruction to the don's in their constituent houses, as well as being the first line of defence for problems that arise outside of regular business hours.