The Residence Life Student Leadership Program at Trinity Western University is built on the conviction that student leadership is a calling—one that invites students into a journey of spiritual formation, professional development, and transformational community impact. Each leadership role is designed to cultivate gospel-centered leaders who think truthfully, act justly, and live faithfully.

🔹 Resident Assistants (RAs)

Resident Assistants are the heartbeat of traditional residence halls. They live among the students they serve, modeling Christian character and relational leadership. Their responsibilities include:

• Building deep relationships through intentional presence, floor meetings, and one-on-one mentorship.
• Facilitating community through events, Bible studies, prayer gatherings, and communal dinners.
• Responding to student needs, including conflict resolution, crisis support, and policy enforcement.
• Educating peers on the TWU Student Policies and modelling respect for community standards.
• Creating intentional opportunities for students to connect and care for one another.  

🔹 Community Facilitators (CFs)

Community Facilitators (CFs) are the catalysts of belonging and growth in residence communities. They lead teams of first- and second-year volunteers, modeling Christian character and servant leadership. Their responsibilities include:

• Leading volunteer teams by mentoring and developing students spiritually and morally through intentional discipleship and relational guidance.
• Planning and executing events that foster inclusive community and reflect the Equipped for Life philosophy—encouraging holistic engagement in personal, relational, and vocational development.
• Creating spaces of belonging where students feel known, valued, and connected through purposeful programming and everyday interactions.
• Collaborating with Residence Life staff to ensure events and initiatives support the broader goals of student formation and campus culture.
• Empowering students to care for one another and grow in leadership through shared experiences and meaningful conversations.

🔹 Apartment Representatives

Apartment Reps serve upper-year students in apartment-style residences. They:

• Foster engagement among more independent student populations.
• Organize community-building initiatives tailored to apartment living.
• Support students in navigating adult responsibilities and transitions.
• Collaborate with CFs and RAs to ensure holistic support across residence types

🔹 Jacobson Pod Leaders

Jacobson Pod Leaders are upper-year student leaders who serve in the Jacobson Hall community. Their role is distinct in its emphasis on community leadership. Key responsibilities include:

• Building relationships through dorm dinners, 1-on-1 time, and group outings.
• Leading pod meetings and initiating at least four targeted events per semester.
• Educating peers on TWU policies and modelling respect for the Student Code of Conduct.
• Assisting in conflict resolution and partnering with Resident Directors for accountability.
• Serving as “campus resource experts” to guide students toward appropriate supports

The Equipped for Life Pathway is Trinity Western University’s comprehensive framework for developing student leaders in Residence Life. It is more than a curriculum - it is a transformative journey that integrates spiritual formation, moral development, relational leadership, and vocational readiness. Rooted in TWU’s mission to cultivate godly Christian leaders, this pathway equips students to lead with purpose, compassion, and conviction in the communities they serve.

Philosophy and Foundations

At its core, the Equipped for Life Pathway is built on four educational priorities:

1. Whole Persons – Encouraging self-awareness, emotional health, identity formation, and personal growth.
2. Resilient Discipleship – Fostering spiritual maturity through life-on-life ministry, discipleship, and gospel-centered leadership.
3. Compassionate Servant Leadership – Modeling empathy, justice, and care in leadership roles.
4. Thoughtful Global Citizenship – Promoting intercultural awareness, social responsibility, and community engagement.

These pillars are biblically grounded and reflect the character of Christ, aiming to shape students holistically—spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and communally.

Curriculum Structure and Implementation

The Equipped for Life Pathway is embedded into every aspect of Residence Life leadership. It is not a static syllabus but a dynamic, lived experience that unfolds through mentorship, training, and community engagement.

Key components include:

• Leadership Training Modules: Delivered through workshops, RAD meetings, and small group sessions, these modules cover conflict resolution, crisis response, policy enforcement, and spiritual care
• Mentorship and Development: Student Leaders are led by full-time staff, who work to intentionally develop them through 1:1 meetings, group training, and assessment and goal setting
• Co-Curricular Transcript Integration: Leadership experiences are formally recognized, reinforcing the academic and professional value of student leadership
• Event-Based Learning: Leaders plan and execute events that align with the curriculum’s learning outcomes—such as Fort Week, Consent Café, and Culture Week—creating spaces of belonging and growth.
• Peer Mentorship: CFs and RAs mentor first- and second-year students, guiding them in spiritual and moral development while modelling relational leadership.

Strategic Alignment and Continuous Improvement

The Equipped for Life Pathway aligns with TWU’s strategic goals, including the Career Ready Framework and the Centre for Excellence in Faith, Learning, and Life. It is regularly assessed through feedback loops, strategic planning, and departmental reviews. Leaders are encouraged to reflect on their growth and impact, and the Residence Life team uses tools like the Residence Life Dashboard and Moodle to track progress.

Assessment and Goal Setting

Assessment and Goal Setting are integral to the Equipped for Life Pathway, ensuring that student leaders not only grow but also intentionally reflect on their development. Each leader engages in regular self-assessments, one-on-one coaching conversations, and team reflections to evaluate their progress in areas such as spiritual maturity, relational leadership, and community impact. These assessments are guided by the four pillars of the pathway and help leaders set meaningful, personalized goals that align with their roles and the broader mission of Residence Life. Through this process, student leaders are empowered to take ownership of their growth, celebrate milestones, and identify areas for continued learning and service.

Mentorship and Supervision

Mentorship and supervision are foundational to the Equipped for Life Pathway and the broader Residence Life Leadership Program at Trinity Western University. These elements ensure that student leaders are not only supported in their roles but are also continually growing in character, competence, and calling.

Intentional Mentorship

Every student leader is paired with a dedicated supervisor—typically a Resident Director or senior staff member—who serves as a mentor throughout the academic year. These mentors provide:

• Weekly one-on-one meetings focused on spiritual formation, leadership development, and personal well-being.
• Real-time coaching during moments of challenge, such as conflict resolution, crisis response, or event planning.
• Reflective conversations that help leaders process their experiences and discern growth areas.

Mentorship is not transactional—it is relational and transformational. Supervisors model servant leadership and walk alongside student leaders as they navigate the complexities of community life.

Supervision as Formation

Supervision is framed as a formative practice, not just oversight. Supervisors are trained to:

• Provide constructive feedback grounded in the four pillars of the Equipped for Life Pathway.
• Use goal-setting frameworks to help leaders articulate and pursue personal and professional objectives.
• Facilitate team development, ensuring that CFs, RAs, and other leaders are collaborating effectively and supporting one another.
• Monitor student leader wellness, recognizing signs of burnout, stress, or spiritual dryness and responding with care.

Supervision also includes performance reviews, mid-year check-ins, and end-of-year evaluations that celebrate growth and identify next steps.

Peer Mentorship and Leadership Multiplication

In addition to staff mentorship, student leaders are encouraged to mentor their peers. CFs, for example, lead teams of first- and second-year volunteers, guiding them in spiritual and moral development. This peer mentorship model:

• Multiplies leadership capacity across residence communities.
• Creates a culture of discipleship and mutual support.
• Reinforces the Equipped for Life philosophy through shared learning and lived experience.

Tools and Resources

Mentorship and supervision are supported by a suite of tools and resources, including:

• The Residence Life Dashboard for tracking goals, feedback, and progress.
• Moodle-based training modules that reinforce leadership competencies.
• Assessment rubrics aligned with TWU’s Career Ready Framework.
• Co-curricular transcript integration, ensuring leadership development is recognized academically.