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.
The application for Orientation Leaders has reopened for a short period until all spots are filled on the team. The application will be open until January 20th.
Majors changes to the information already listed below:
- Application will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until January 20th
- Interviews will be conducted via Zoom with two NSP staff members
- Decisions after the interview will be released after 48hrs
Please review all of the information below about the position including Requirements, Responsibilities, Learning Objectives, Compensation, Time commitment, Information Session and Interview Information.
Note: USC 298 is a required 1 credit hour course for applicants in Spring 2023. Students will be added late by New Student Programs staff.
- Be enrolled as a full-time student (undergraduate) in Spring 2023 and Fall 2023 semesters
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher throughout employment period
- Be in good standing with the university
- Earn an 80% in “USC 298: NSP Student Leader Development (Special Topics in University Studies) [course pending University approval] in the Spring 2023 semester (after being selected for the role)
- 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 2023
- 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 20, 2023
- Work two other NSP sponsored event from August 17 – 26, 2023
- 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
- Develop and display a level of understanding regarding social justice, diversity, and inclusion
- 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)
- Recognize how different social identities and experiences affect new student transitions (Identity and Transition)
Compensation:
While we anticipate an in-person experience, summer compensation may change based on summer housing and dining availability:
- Gross salary of $3750 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 2023)
- 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 2024 Spring Orientation, an hourly rate of $9/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 2023 Required Dates
- USC 298: NSP Student Leader Development (Special Topics in University Studies) [pending University approval]
- Tuesdays, 3:00 – 4:15 p.m. (New Student Programs will add students to this class once they are selected)
Summer 2023 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 2023
- OL Summer Training: Early-June through mid-June 2023
- 40 hours per week (approximate)
- Orientation Sessions: Mid-June through early-August 2023
- 45 hours per week (approximate) with number of hours ranging from 30 per week to 50 per week depending on the orientation calendar
- August 2023 Orientation: tentatively slated for Thursday, August 17 – Friday, August 18, 2023
- 20 hours (approximate)
- Wolfpack Welcome Week (approximately 8 hours total between events)
- New Student Convocation – tentatively slated for Sunday, August 21, 2023
- Work two other NSP sponsored event from August 17-26, 2023
Spring 2024 Required Dates
- Spring 2023 Orientation: tentatively slated for Friday, January 5, 2024
- 10 hours (approximate)
| Application Opens | Monday, September 19, 2022 |
| 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 | Thursday, September 22 at 3pm – Talley 3210 Monday, September 26 at 3pm – Talley 3285 Tuesday, October 4 at 7pm – via Zoom (register here) Thursday, October 6 at 12pm – Talley 4280 |
| Application Deadline | Extended: Thursday, October 20 at 11:59pm |
| Interview Notification | Ongoing |
| Deadline to Schedule an Interview | 3 days after Interview Invite |
| Interviews | Starting September 22 – October 21 |
| Selection Notification | Friday, October 28 |
| Deadline to Accept the Role | Tuesday, November 8 at 5PM |
Highly Recommended Information Session: As a part of the application process, we highly recommend you to attend an information session. Potential applicants can hear from a panel of 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
If you have questions, please reach out to new-students@ncsu.edu.
Application
The 2023 Orientation Leader Application is now open!. Below is an overview of what you will be asked to fill out in the application. We recommend preparing any materials ahead of time and typing answers to the essay questions in a word document prior to starting the online application as you will not be able to save your progress.
You may choose to submit you answers in essay format or video format for any of the following questions.
Length: There is no limit related to your responses; however, you are encouraged to be as thorough as possible in your answers.
Format: Essays will be submitted directly on the online application. Videos should be uploaded to Google Drive and then you will share the link of your video in your application. Make sure your link is accessible to users at NC State to view. You are allowed to be as simple or creative as you like if you select to record a video.
Please be prepared to upload/provide the following documents and information before completing the Orientation Leader application.
- General information about yourself
- Responses to the following questions:
- What three pieces of advice would you give a new student who is experiencing challenges during the beginning of their time at NC State?
- Learning to facilitate across differences in identity and experiences are core components of Orientation Leader training in the spring and summer. How do you hope to make time to learn about others and their experiences at NC State? Why is this important to do as an Orientation Leader?
- Why would you be a good Orientation Leader, and what do you hope to gain from the experience if selected?
If you are selected to move on to the interview stage, this section will review what you can expect for your 2023 Orientation Leader Interview. Please remember to sign up for an interview time slot 3 days after your invitation is sent.
- 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 3229.
- 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 1 professional staff member and 1 Student Staff Member. 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 60 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.
What is the USC 298 Training Course?
- The “USC 298: NSP Student Leader Development (Special Topics in University Studies) is a required course that OLs must take in the spring semester and receive an 80% to continue into the summer. The course will focus on learning objectives related to facilitation, communication, resource sharing, and identity and social justice. NSP Staff will enroll selected students in the course in late – November. Students should plan on having the available time empty on their MyPack course schedule.
I am unable to participate in USC 298 in the spring. Can I still be an OL?
- No, the course is the primary training OLs receive in the spring to prepare for their role and is also vital to developing an effective team dynamic.
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