THE ROLE [SUMMER term]

Because we seek to integrate the Faculty-in-Residence into the life of the program, there are several concrete aspects to this role:

We expect the Faculty-in-Residence to show strong leadership. From the moment you touch down in Switzerland, we would like you to be prepared to lead our students.

1. Arrive early.  We will bring you to Château d’Hauteville a couple of days before the student group arrives. We will use this time to allow you to recover from jet lag, orient you to Switzerland, introduce you to fellow faculty members, and share the Orientation planning with you (click here for a sample Summer Orientation schedule). This is an important time for you to meet our administrative team and discuss the vision for our program, logistics, and your unique role within it.  This will be a busy time for you, so we ask you show up ready to go!

2. Welcome the Resident Advisors (RAs). RAs will also arrive early in order to give program administration and FiR an opportunity to cultivate a strong working relationship and to clearly communicate program expectations before the rest of the group arrives.  As a part of this, you will prepare dinner for the RAs in your apartment during orientation - this will allow you time to get to know the RAs on a personal level and share your vision for spiritual life in the Château.

3. Make an Introduction.  The first evening that students arrive in May, we ask you to introduce yourself (and family, if applicable) in a manner which will set the tone/direction for the summer.  While each FiR crafts this in their own way (so please feel free to play to your strengths!), this is typically a moment for students to get to know you.  What are you passionate about?  What hopes do you have for the student experience?  What should the group aspire to during the 7 weeks together?  This is a great way to begin establishing your leadership, shaping students' summer expectations, letting students know who you are, and sharing your gifts with students. 

4. Attend House Leadership Meetings.  Each week, the program will have a meeting with the Program staff, the RAs, and the FiR.  This will be a chance to assess the previous week, plan for the coming week, and address community challenges.  We urge the FiR to actively participate in this meeting through reporting on the well-being on students and the community, sharing about how House Church is operating, and offering assistance to address problems.

5. Stay in touch.  The Summer term moves very fast, and often student requests and emergencies are communicated on the program WhatsApp group. We ask the FiR to make sure they have data on their phone and are ready to respond as messages are posted.

We expect the Faculty-in-Residence to provide spiritual leadership and mentorship to students. Through their leadership in our weekly House Church experience or through informal, mealtime conversations with students, the FiR has unique potential to be a major part of the spiritual formation process abroad. By virtue of their age, many students are wrestling with doubt, vocational discernment, sexuality, relationships with family, and significant pressure to succeed. As respected teachers and "house parent(s)" of sorts, your gentle guidance in listening and speaking faithfully to those that seek you out will be a tremendous part of student growth abroad. 

1. Sunday evening House Church.  Each week, you will organize and lead a church service for students.  This usually occurs on Sunday evening and functions as a time to welcome students back from their weekend travels, hear reflections from their travels, and nourish an authentic and vibrant spiritual community.  Please view the FiR Spiritual Life page for more information and resources in House Church.  While the Director may attend House Church occasionally, you will have sole leadership over this program.

2. Chapel.  There is no weekly Chapel program during the summer.

3. "Table Time."  During the course of the summer term, the FiR should engage students by eating with them in the Dining Hall.  These are often some of the most rewarding and transformational moments for students (and FiR!).  Through hearing students' stories, sharing their own stories, reflecting together, and showing how the Christian message influences the way life is understood, FiR create a living-learning community that fosters holistic learning and spiritual growth.

4. Thursday Dinner.  There are no meals served in the Dining Hall on Thursday evenings. Therefore, we ask that the FiR make dinner for a small group of students (6-8) in the FiR apartment. This is a great time to get to know students individually.