Iona Immersion Trip Moderators
Moderators serve as professional representatives of Iona University on Immersion Trips and are “active participants” who support the student Immersion leader. They function as an advisor to the immersion team their expertise and personal experience further enrich the group’s learning and strengthen bonds within the Iona community.
Some of their responsibilities include:
- Modeling open-mindedness and enthusiastic participation in activities and discussions;
- Helping the student leader respond to conflicts or emergencies;
- Communicating with the IIM Coordinator about safety issues;
- Ensuring the group’s adherence to Iona’s Code of Conduct.
Who Can Serve as a Moderator
The moderator should be a full-time faculty, administration, or staff member. Immersion leaders approach an Iona employee to ask if they would be willing to serve as their moderator.
If you want to be included in the 2024-2025 directory, submit an interest form by clicking here. For additional details about the role, please see below.
Learn More About Serving as a Moderator
Moderators are encouraged to spend time with the team as their schedule allows. It is not mandatory, but they are welcome to attend Pre-departure Meetings, serve with the team on their local Service Project, and attend the Commissioning Mass. The final pre-departure meeting (usually by Zoom) is important to attend. At that time, the team reviews travel logistics, last-minute updates, concerns, etc. If a moderator’s schedule prevents them from attending, the coordinator will meet with them individually.
The Office of Mission & Ministry covers 100% of the moderator’s costs (lodging, transportation, etc.). The moderator is only responsible for personal expenses (souvenirs, food at the airport, etc.).
The Immersion leader and moderator meet regularly to check in during the trip. (How is the leader? Is everyone getting along? Are there issues or concerns?) The moderator helps the student leader think through solutions or responses to issues by listening, offering ideas or advice, and giving emotional support.
Moderators must be mindful to let the student lead. This means acting as an advisor and supporting the student in making a decision rather than making a decision for the student. Leading an immersion can be very stressful, but it is a wonderful personal and professional growth opportunity for the student!
If a moderator has a safety concern, they should bring it up with the host site, the team leader, and then the team (if needed). Here are some examples of activities that may come up and should be avoided:
- Team members going off on their own (e.g., to visit family, shopping, sightseeing, etc.)
- Unsafe work conditions at the service site
- Extreme sports or activities i.e., Bungee jumping at Victoria Falls
Some immersions require moderators to be given a cash advance for gas, donations, or other expenses. The IIM coordinator reviews spending logistics with the moderator before departure. Any emergency purchases should be approved by the moderator if the IIM coordinator cannot be reached. All receipts should be saved.
While rare, emergencies can happen, and the moderator is a professional staff representative who helps respond to the situation. An emergency could be running out of money, an injury, illness, a physical conflict, or transportation troubleshooting. The moderator works with the leader and host site to discuss a plan of action, keeping the IIM coordinator informed as needed.
