THE ROLE [ACADEMIC YEAR]

Because we seek to integrate the Faculty-in-Residence (FiR) into the life of the program in meaningful ways, there are several concrete aspects to the 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.  In the Fall, we will bring you to Château d’Hauteville one week before the student group arrives (in the Spring, you will arrive two days before the students).  We will use this time to allow you to recover from jet lag, orient you to Switzerland, introduce you to fellow faculty members, and incorporate you into the Orientation planning. 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 RAs.  Student Resident Advisors (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 House.

3. Make an Introduction.  The first evening that students arrive in September, 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 semester or year together?  This is a great way to begin establishing your leadership, shaping students' expectations for the year, letting students know who you are, and sharing your gifts with students. 

4. Attend House Leadership Meetings.  Each week, the Director and Student Life Team will facilitate a meeting with the FiR (and the FiR's partner, if applicable), and the RAs.  This will be a chance to assess the previous week, plan for the coming week, and address community challenges.  It will also be a time of personal growth - to reflect on the meaning and practice of Christian discipleship, service, and leadership.  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 semesters move 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 typically occurs on Sunday evening at 8:30pm 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. The Gathering.  Once per semester, the FiR has the opportunity to address the students in the Monday afternoon chapel program called “The Gathering.”  The FiR are encouraged to make their devotional relevant to students, reflecting on matters that lie at the intersection of their passions, students' lives, and the Christian message.  This is most effective when the FiR authentically share who they are and "play" to their strengths.

3. "Table Time."  During the course of the semester, 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 the 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.

We expect the Faculty-in-Residence to involved in the academic life of the program.

1. Course selection.  While abroad, many students feel that they are cut off from main campus and its resources.  This can be disconcerting, especially when it comes to their academic plans, so the FiR can assist students in important ways.  Twice during the academic year, students register for classes.  We ask the FiR to have special office hours during this period for students who want to discuss their DAR, consider course options, and clarify policies in the Academic Handbook.  Part of your role may be to push students to speak with their advisor on the Malibu campus.

2. Vocational discernment.  As students look toward their Junior or Senior year, consider what type of summer internships to pursue, and consider whether to go to graduate school after their undergrad program is complete, they often need someone to offer advice rooted in experience - this is a perfect time for the FiR to intentionally set aside time to talk this through with the student.

3. Faculty meetings. Three times in the fall, and twice in the spring, the Switzerland Program faculty meet.  The FiR should attend these meetings, not only to know what is happening in the program, but also to make an effort to get to know the permanent local faculty.  The partner of the FiR is welcome to attend the dinner which precedes the meetings, as it is a great opportunity to get to know the local faculty. 

We expect the Faculty-in-Residence to be involved in administrative support. 

1. Excursion assistance.  Each year, the Switzerland Program organizes (4) day-long excursions and (2) week-long Educational Field Trips.  While the logistics of these trips are organized far in advance, student guidance is essential to the success of the trip.  We need the FiR to envision themselves in the role of leaders (and not participants) and to work with the Program staff in managing students.  This may require the FiR to make announcements, track down missing students, ask talkative students to listen to the tour guide, count students on a bus to know if everyone is accounted for, or remain at the hotel with an ill student.