• Be enrolled as a full-time student (undergraduate) in Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 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
  • Mondays and Wednesdays from 3-4:15 p.m.
• 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 2027
• 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 Weeks
  • New Student Convocation – tentatively slated for Sunday, August 22, 2027
  • Work two other NSP sponsored events during Wolfpack Welcome Weeks
• 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.

• 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)

While we anticipate an in-person experience, summer compensation may change based on summer housing and dining availability:

• Gross salary of $4250 for fulfilling the commitment for the duration of the Orientation period.  If employment is terminated before the end of the Orientation period, salary will be reduced on a pro rata basis.  All pay is subject to applicable taxes.
• Meals at Fountain Dining Hall during Orientation sessions 
• On-Campus housing in a single room during summer employment (early June – early August 2027)
• 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 2028 Spring Orientation, an hourly rate of $11/hour will be paid.

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 2027 Required Dates

• Spring Retreat
  • February 6–7 (Location: Camp Caraway)

• Enroll in USC 223: NSP Student Leadership Development
  • Every Monday and Wednesday, from 3-4:15 p.m.

Summer 2027 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 2027
• OL Summer Training: Early-June through mid-June 2027
  • 40 hours per week (approximate)
• Orientation Sessions: Mid-June through early-August 2027
  • 45 hours per week (approximate) with number of hours ranging from 30 per week to 50 per week depending on the orientation calendar
• August Orientation: tentatively slated for Thursday, August 19 – Friday, August 120, 2027
  • 20 hours (approximate)
• Wolfpack Welcome Weeks
  • New Student Convocation –  tentatively slated for Sunday, August 22, 2027
  • Work two other NSP sponsored events during Wolfpack Welcome Weeks

Spring 2028 Required Dates

• Spring 2028 Orientation: TBA
• 10 hours (approximate)

If you are selected to move on to the interview stage, this section will review what you can expect for your 2027 Orientation Leader Interview. Please remember to sign up for an interview time slot by Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

• 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 Holmes Hall suite 315.
  • 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, contact New Student Programs at [email protected] and visit the Office of Equal Opportunity website.

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 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.