Become an Orientation Leader
The mission of Undergraduate Orientation Programs is to support incoming and current students, as well as their families and guests, through seamless orientation and transition processes that include intentionally-designed programs, effective online resources, and consistent outreach. Our programs ensure all students belong to the OHIO community, succeed as a new student, and own their unique experiences.
To accomplish this mission, we engage all units and staff across the university in collaborative partnerships and develop informed student leaders who value diversity and inclusion, embody OHIO spirit, and demonstrate a genuine passion for helping their fellow Bobcats with a service-oriented mindset.
Our vision is to create a welcoming and supportive environment for students to thrive as we establish the foundation for the transformational OHIO experience focused on personalized success.
Our initiatives include pre- and post-orientation modules, in-person orientation programs, and virtual orientation programs for all new first-year and transfer students beginning at OHIO each semester. We also coordinate Relocate Advising Day for regional campus students moving to the Athens campus, College Credit Plus orientation, and family/guest programs for all orientations, as well as co-coordinate the efforts of Welcome Week.
Undergraduate Orientation Programs welcomes approximately 5,200 new students and 6,800 family members and guests to the Athens campus of Ohio University each year through BSO programs.
Orientation Leader Nomination Form
Nominations are accepted from faculty, staff, students, and community members as a way to identify students who may be good for the position. After our office receives a nomination, we contact the student to encourage them to apply. Nominations are accepted in September and October of each year.
Job Responsibilities and Expectations
Responsibilities
Orientation Leaders guide program participants through orientation, facilitate small group sessions, assist faculty and staff who partner with our programs, and create an inclusive environment where learning and growth can occur.
OLs are assigned to work with at least two specific colleges. OLs will be expected to learn about the student experience in these particular colleges (such as curriculum requirements, internship expectations, and student organization opportunities). Student staff in this position will support participants in these programs in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, presenting sessions on academic expectations, facilitating small group icebreakers and activities, and assisting students as they learn course registration processes and register for first semester courses. Student staff will support family and guest program participants in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, serving on student panels, supporting sibling orientation programs, and answering general questions about academic expectations in specific majors.
Expected participation
Student staff are expected to participate in the following:
- One-Day Orientation Programs – January, May, July, and August
- UC 3690 Orientation Leader Course* – Spring Semester
- Relocate Advising Day – March
- OL Training* – May
- Fall Orientation Programs* – Entire Month of June
- College Credit Plus Orientation Programs – July/August
- Welcome Week (Events and Responsibilities Vary) – August/September
- Relocate Advising Day – October
*Students must commit to working all orientation programs in the month of June and attending and participating in the UC 3690 course and OL Training. Participation in the other events and experiences listed above are dependent on course conflicts and other student leader training and responsibilities. Generally speaking, the roles and work times for all programs not starred in the list above can be discussed.
New orientation leaders are typically not permitted to enroll in courses, on campus or online, or hold other employment during training in May and throughout the month of June. Between these dates, staff members are expected to focus on their roles with orientation.
Benefits and Reasons to Apply
- Support incoming students and give back to your OHIO community
- Network with faculty and staff
- Represent your college
- Develop your leadership and presentation skills
- Build your resume
- Make lifelong friends
- Compensation and other perks
- Paid stipend for May training and June BSO programs, based on hourly rate and expected hours
- Hourly pay for time spent working any other programs throughout the year, starting at 11.25 per hour
- Shared residence hall room during May Training and the month of June (when conducting in-person BSO programs)
- Meals typically provided during orientation programs and training (for in-person BSO programs)
Eligibility
Students must meet the following requirements to apply:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.2
- Good academic standing (must be maintained to continue employment)
- Enrolled on the Athens campus at the time of application
- Planning to enroll on the Athens campus in the spring and fall semesters of the upcoming year.
- Positive energy and enthusiasm for being an OHIO Bobcat (strongly encouraged)
Graduate students will not be considered for these positions, but can contact our office for other opportunities.
Hiring Process and Timeline
Step 1 - Online Application
Students must submit an online application. Applications have closed for the 2024 Orientation Leader position. The application will open in September 2024 for the 2025 team.
When submitting the application, candidates should be prepared to answer the following questions:
- Why are you interested in becoming an Orientation Leader and what motivates you to want to work with new students and their family members/guests?
- What knowledge, skills, or abilities will you bring to the Orientation Leader role?
- What does diversity and inclusion mean to you?
- Why is understanding and appreciating diversity important in working with new students and/or their family members and guests?
- As an Orientation Leader, how do you envision helping students and their family members and guests to transition successfully to Ohio University?
- Is there anything else about you or your experience that you believe we should consider when making our hiring decisions?
Step 2 - Individual Interview
All applicants participate in an individual interview as part of the hiring process. Candidates receive information about signing up for an interview after completing the application.
Step 3 - Group Interview
All applicants participate in a group interview as part of the hiring process. Candidates will receive information about signing up for an interview after completing the application.
Step 4 - Notification and Acceptance
Initial offers of OL positions happen in November and candidates are given a specific time frame in which to formally accept the position before it is offered to other candidates in the applicant pool. Unfortunately, we may have great candidates who we are unable to offer a position to. However, some of those candidates may be offered a slot in our alternate pool and could be asked to join the team at a later date if a position opens up.
Have questions or want to learn more?
Contact us with any questions or concerns.
