Off-Campus Community Leaders Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Off-Campus Community Leader (OCL) program?

OCLs are undergraduate or graduate students hired and trained to create a network of leaders who live off-campus and assist with executing the mission of the Office of Off-Campus Student Services. In their role, these students will act as a resource to their peers, disseminate information, coordinate social and informational programs, and build community. In short, OCLs will provide students’ perspectives to the Off-Campus Student Services staff to assist in the creation of programs and services, while also serving as advocates and resources for their peers.

Advocates and resources? That’s vague.

1. They can help students with general concerns or questions. For example, if a landlord is being unresponsive in making repairs, an OCL can help the student access the appropriate resources like the Landlord Information Sharing program at Off-Campus Student Services.
2. OCLs serve as good neighbors. They are friendly and approachable and want to hear about your off-campus living experience. With this information, they can help improve it.
3. OCLs help build community by holding programs like cookouts and contests for students living nearby. If you have an idea for a program, you should let your OCL know. In the past, programs have included cookouts, half-time parties with wings and pizza, and nighttime s’more making over a campfire. Don’t ask your OCLs to buy you alcohol though. They can’t do that.
4. OCLs provide information to their peers. OCLs can help their peers learn information about the rules and expectations of the university, town, and landlord/management group.

Rules? That sounds like OCLs are off-campus CAs!

No, no, and no. Off-Campus Leaders are not intended to be policy enforcers for the university, town, or landlords/management groups and are in no way related to CAs. OCLs provide information so that students can make informed decisions. To the best of our ability, we want to keep students from getting into trouble and not knowing why. Also, we want to keep students safe. To that end, if a significant issue is brought to the attention of an OCL, the OCL can mobilize appropriate resources to help.

How are OCLs chosen?

OCLs are chosen for their skills and for the location in which they live. We try to place OCLs in areas where there are high concentrations of UConn students. Currently, there are OCLs living in Carriage House, Celeron Square, Hunting Lodge, Clubhouse, and one in a house along Hunting Lodge Road.

What skills should OCLs have?

In short, OCLs should have all the skills and traits that would make them strong role models for their peers. For instance, OCLs should be outgoing, understand the needs of students living off-campus, possess clear communication skills, work well alone and in a team, display a high level of maturity, and be willing to serve as a resource to their peers. OCLs must also maintain a 2.5 or better cumulative GPA and not be under probation.

Role model. Does this mean I have to give up my social life?

No. We expect OCLs to be social because we want them to connect to their peers. That being said, we do expect OCLs to make responsible decisions and remember that they are representing the University of Connecticut and Off-Campus Student Services in their position.

How can I apply?

Off-Campus Student Services will begin the application process in the spring semester of each year. Students are hired based on their leadership abilities and potential as well as their commitment to living in an identified priority area. Click here for more information.