Orientation Leaders
Orientation Leaders (OLs) are a team of dedicated undergraduate students whose primary responsibility is to assist new students and their families with their transition into the NC State community and Wolfpack family. They serve as resources, facilitators, and official representatives of the University during Orientation and transition programs.
To help aid applicants with preparation for what the role will entail, this website contains a description of responsibilities and expectations for the orientation program. All interested applicants are highly encouraged to attend an information session to learn more about the application process and the expectations of the role.
The Orientation Leader role will provide you with the opportunity to learn more about yourself and your personal values, challenge yourself, and most importantly aid new students in their transition to North Carolina State University. We are excited you are considering making this role a part of your NC State experience.
- Be enrolled as a full-time student (undergraduate) in Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 semesters
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher throughout employment period
- Be in good standing with the university
- Attend Spring Training Dates & Student Leader Retreat
- January 17th 4PM-6PM – Training
- January 19th-21th – Retreat (Summer Start Mentors & Orientation Leaders)
- January 31th 4PM-6PM – Training
- February 14th 4PM-6PM – Training
- February 28th 4PM-6PM – Training
- March 27th 4PM-6PM – Training
- April 10th 4PM-6PM – Training
- April 24th 4PM-6PM – Training
- Be eligible to work in the United States
- Exhibit commitment to the mission of New Student Programs
- Orientation Leaders must be available to live on campus early June – early August 2024
- Outside employment and coursework is discouraged; however, should an OL wish to hold outside employment or take a course, they must receive written approval by New Student Programs prior to the start of the program
- Assist with Wolfpack Welcome Week Events
- New Student Convocation – tentatively slated for Sunday, August 18, 2024
- Work two other NSP sponsored event from August 15 – 24, 2024
- Show the potential for development in the following qualities and skills: willingness to learn and grow as a leader, ability to work effectively on a team, ability to serve as a role model for incoming new students, creativity, flexibility, problem-solving skills, commitment to identity development and social justice, and the ability to effectively communicate with others.
Orientation Leaders will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience and provide new students and family members with experiences that will support their transition to NC State:
- Facilitate engaging and well-organized small group meetings and activities for new students to build community
- Share knowledge about the University’s traditions, campus resources, and expectations. When appropriate, refer guests to additional resources and campus departments.
- Provide customer service to guests proactively throughout the program
- Help students and families acclimate to the physical campus by leading campus tours, providing directions, and accompanying them to activities
- Serve as a role model and resource to students while representing the University
- Provide assistance to faculty and staff who present or advise during Orientation
The learning objectives below will guide your growth and development throughout your time as an Orientation Leader. Students should be prepared to engage in training, workshops, and more to develop in these learning objectives.
- As a result of serving in the Orientation Leader role, students will be able to…
- Utilize personal leadership strengths and facilitation tools to encourage dialogue (Facilitation)
- Communicate to different audiences using a variety of delivery techniques (Communication)
- Apply knowledge of campus resources to support students and families in their transition to NC State (Resource Sharing)
Compensation:
While we anticipate an in-person experience, summer compensation may change based on summer housing and dining availability:
- Gross salary of $4000 throughout summer employment. (Pay dates will be determined by the University payroll system. All pay is subject to state and federal taxes)
- Meals at Fountain Dining Hall during Orientation sessions
- On-Campus housing in a single room during summer employment (early June – early August 2024)
- Summer membership to Wellness and Recreation facilities
- Note: on-campus parking is not included in the summer employment package but can be purchased by the employee. A vehicle is not necessary for this position.
During 2025 Spring Orientation, an hourly rate of $10/hour will be paid.
In addition to the compensation, you will have the opportunity to:
In addition to the compensation, you will have the opportunity to:
- Learn more about the University’s traditions, opportunities, and resources, and share this knowledge with incoming students and their families
- Gain both leadership and professional experience including time management, group facilitation, cultural competency, and public speaking
- Meet and work with administrators, faculty, and staff from across the University
- Be part of a supportive team of student leaders while having an unforgettable summer experience
Spring 2024 Required Dates
- Retreat:
- January 19-21 (Location: TBD)
- Spring Training:
- January 17th 4PM-6PM
- January 31th 4PM-6PM
- February 14th 4PM-6PM
- February 28th 4PM-6PM
- March 27th 4PM-6PM
- April 10th 4PM-6PM
- April 24rd 4PM-6PM
Summer 2024 Required Dates
Orientation Leaders can expect full-time employment on weekdays and some evening work required. Dates below are tentative, and candidates will be notified when they are finalized.
- On-Campus Housing Move-In: Early-June 2024
- OL Summer Training: Early-June through mid-June 2024
- 40 hours per week (approximate)
- Orientation Sessions: Mid-June through early-August 2024
- 45 hours per week (approximate) with number of hours ranging from 30 per week to 50 per week depending on the orientation calendar
- August 2024 Orientation: tentatively slated for Thursday, August 17 – Friday, August 18, 2024
- 20 hours (approximate)
- Wolfpack Welcome Week (approximately 8 hours total between events)
- New Student Convocation – tentatively slated for Sunday, August 18, 2024
- Work two other NSP sponsored event from August 17-26, 2024
Spring 2025 Required Dates
- Spring 2025 Orientation: tentatively slated for Friday, January 5, 2024
- 10 hours (approximate)
| Application Opens | Monday, September 25, 2023 |
| Highly Recommended Information Sessions: Former Orientation Leaders & Summer Start Mentors from 2022 to learn more about their experience in the role. Recorded Information Session, to watch at your convenience | Wednesday, September 6, 2023 (12-12:45 p.m.) Thursday, September 14, 2023 (5 – 5:45 p.m.) Friday, September 15, 2023 (12 -12:45 p.m.) Monday, September 25, 2023 (12-12:45 p.m.) Monday, October 2, 2023 (5- 5:45 p.m.) Wednesday, October 11, 2023 (12 – 12:45 p.m.)(Zoom) |
| Application Deadline | Friday, October 20 at 11:59pm |
| Interview Notification | Ongoing |
| Deadline to Schedule an Interview | October 23, 2023 |
| Interviews | October 25 – November 3 |
| Selection Notification | November 8 |
| Deadline to Accept the Role | November 10 |
If you are selected to move on to the interview stage, this section will review what you can expect for your 2024 Orientation Leader Interview. Please remember to sign up for an interview time slot by October 23, 2023.
- Attire for the interview is “Casual” which means casual clothing:
- that does not promote other colleges or universities
- without inappropriate content (profanity, illegal activity, alcohol, bias-driven language, etc.).
- You will be asked to arrive 10 minutes prior to your interview start time. Keep this in mind when signing up for an interview time. If we are running ahead of schedule we will begin the interview earlier to make our process run more smoothly.
- Interviews will take place in Broughton Hall 3217 and 3221.
- If there is another interview in progress, please wait in the hallway until a staff member is ready for you.
- To be as transparent as possible and prepare you as much for the OL Interview, you can expect the following structure in your interview:
- Room Set Up: You will be joined by 2 staff members. There will be another candidate joining at the same time, but you will have individual interviews. You will be sent to different rooms to begin the process. This is not a group interview.
- Introductions: We will do initial introductions and ask you to share your name, pronouns if you would like, and major.
- Individual Interview: You will have two interviews during your 30 minute time frame. After initial introductions and instructions, you will be asked 6 – 7 questions by the student staff and the professional staff member in your first room. After your first interview, you will be switched to a different room where a different student staff member and professional staff member will ask you a different set of 6 – 7 questions.
- You will have a chance to ask questions in each room. After your second interview, you are free to leave.
NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. (POL 04.25.05 – Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action Policy http://policies.ncsu.edu/policy/pol-04-25-05)
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. If you want to request a reasonable accommodation for the interview process or position, click here to learn more and contact New Student Programs at new-students@ncsu.edu.
Will there be an information session?
- As a part of the application process, you are highly encouraged to attend one information session. Potential applicants can join New Student Programs staff for a live information session and panel with past Orientation Leaders and Summer Start Mentors. You hear about their experiences and there will be time for applicants to ask their own questions as well. Dates are listed above in the application and information session dates section. If you’re unable to attend these dates, a link to the October 4th virtual session will be posted on this website to watch at your convenience.
Can I apply to be both an Orientation Leader and Summer Start Mentor?
- No, candidates can only apply for one role. However, you will be able to indicate if you wish to be considered for the other role if not selected for the one you applied. Positions are not guaranteed to be offered.
Do you re-hire staff from the previous summer?
- Previous staff members cannot return as Orientation Leaders, but can apply for our Student Coordinator position.
Are OLs the tour guides that lead tours for prospective students during the academic year?
- Tours for prospective students are led by University Ambassadors, not Orientation Leaders. You may contact the Joyner Visitor Center at 919-513-1200 to learn more about the Ambassador position.
I am a graduate student. Can I be an Orientation Leader?
- Only undergraduate students are eligible for the Orientation Leader position.
Can I take summer classes while I am an OL?
- Summer coursework at NC State or any other institution (in-person or online) during the summer commitment period (including summer training) is discouraged; however, should an OL wish to take a course, they must receive written approval by New Student Programs prior to the start of the program.
Can I be employed by another job while I am an OL?
- Outside employment and coursework is discouraged; however, should an OL wish to hold outside employment, they must receive written approval by New Student Programs prior to the start of the program.
I plan to study abroad in the Fall 2023 semester. Can I still be an OL?
- Yes, we are willing to work with students who plan to study abroad so long as they can fulfill the employment commitments through July. If your departure date prohibits you from the employment dates in mid-late August, your stipend would be reduced accordingly.
Let’s hear from the OLumni!
“It was a great experience getting to know and work alongside a group of peers that are really passionate about helping new students and becoming leaders in their community. The connections that you make as an Orientation Leader can’t be found anywhere else and will last throughout your time at NC State”
- Ryan Mulvihill, Junior in Humanities & Social Sciences, Psychology
“Being an OL has allowed me to connect to the Wolfpack family in ways that I cannot describe. To work with a team of people who want to see you grow as a leader and as an individual was something that I enjoyed the most during my time as an OL.During the summer, it was a wonderful opportunity to connect with incoming students and families to help them transition into college life. I feel even more connected to the NC State community than ever before.”
- Jay Jones, Senior in Nuclear Engineering
“My favorite part of being an Orientation Leader was bonding with other members of the NC State community. I met a lot of new people while serving in this role, and many of these introductions have turned into meaningful friendships. It is such a joy to run into students who were in your small group or tour group, see how well they have adjusted to college life, and hear about the memories they are making!”
- Maggie Hensley, Junior in Humanities & Social Sciences, English-Linguistics
“Being an OL gave me experience working with a diverse group of individuals and cohesive team. I also was able to hone my customer service skills by working with many different students and guests daily.”
- Justin Peterkin, Senior in Business Administration
“As an orientation leader this past summer, I was able to help incoming students during a difficult time for us all. As a first generation Latinx college student, it was a way that I could reach out to students who might also be struggling with the same questions that I had when I first transitioned to college. Not only that, but just to be able to connect and meet with new people with different backgrounds, cultures and stories made each and every day that much more exciting.”
- Nestor Rodriguez-Garcia, Junior, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Political Science and Public Relations
“My favorite part of becoming an Orientation Leader was being immersed into such a diverse and accepting team. My summer was filled with lots of teamwork, building friendships and endless amounts of support and encouragement and it’s one of my favorite experiences I’ve had here at State. Being an OL also sets you up for knowing almost everything about campus which Is pretty awesome, and I still sometimes share random facts I’ve learned with my friends!”
- Laila Mohamed, Senior in Psychology
“You should apply for this position because you’re going to have an experience of a lifetime. I’ve gained so much personal and professional development from this job like confidence and how to be a leader.”
- Stephy Lee, Senior in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
“Being an OL taught me patience and compassion for all kinds of people. I realized how much I enjoy meeting new people and learning about their unique experiences. I grew a lot this summer and became very patient and empathetic, but I also had a blast with 34 new friends!”
- Hannah Summers, Senior in Chemical Engineering
“My favorite part about being an Orientation Leader was getting to be a part of making new students feel more comfortable and excited about their new home at NC State. I loved getting to answer their questions and help them transition into college!”
- Nicholas Williams, Senior in Political Science