Orientation Leaders

Orientation Leaders (OLs) are a team of dedicated and diverse 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.

The application for 2019 Orientation Leader closed on Monday, October 15, 2018 at 8:00am. Visit the Recruitment and Selection webpage to learn more about the application and interview process for the position.

If you’re interested in applying for summer 2020, complete this interest form, and we will contact you when the application opens in September 2019.

Duties

  • Serve as a role model and resource to students while representing the University professionally
  • Share knowledge about the University’s history, campus resources, and expectations. When appropriate, they refer guests to additional resources and campus departments.
  • Facilitate engaging and well-organized small group meetings for new students
  • Help students and parents acclimate to the physical campus by leading campus tours, providing directions, and escorting them to sessions
  • Assist students with navigating MyPack Portal during the course registration process
  • Proactively provide customer service to guests throughout the program
  • Provide assistance to faculty and staff who present or advise during Orientation
  • Work as a team with the Orientation Leaders to deliver information through various performances
  • Develop and display a level of understanding regarding social justice, diversity, and inclusion
  • Serve as an ongoing resource to new students and families with a professional OL Twitter account

Requirements

Selected students must meet the following requirements:

  • Be enrolled as a full-time student (undergraduate)
  • Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Be in good standing with the university
  • Be eligible to work in the United States
  • Live in the provided on-campus housing accommodations throughout summer employment
  • Not take any summer coursework or have outside employment from June 5 – August 2, 2019

Time Commitment

Individual commitment to all training and employment dates is essential to the success of the Orientation Leader team. If you have a conflict with any of the employment dates and would like to know if you are still eligible to apply for the position, please contact Quentin Hodges at new-students@ncsu.edu or 919-515-1234. Dates are subject to change.

Fall 2018 Semester

  • Meet the Orientation Leaders Meeting: Friday, November 16 from 3:00pm-6:00pm

Spring 2019 Semester

  • USC 223 Orientation Leader Development: 2-credit hour course, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00pm – 4:15pm
  • NSP Leadership On-Campus Retreat: Saturday, January 12, 2019 (8:00am – 8:00pm)
  • SROW Preparation Days
    • Saturday February 16, 2019 (1:00pm – 6:00pm)
    • Saturday, February 23, 2019 (1:00pm – 3:00pm – optional)
    • Saturday, March 2, 2019 (1:00pm – 6:00pm)
  • SROW (Southern Region Orientation Workshop) at Coastal Carolina University
    • Friday, March 15 – Sunday March, 17, 2019

Summer 2019

  • Summer Training: June 5, 2019 – June 16, 2019 (Full-time)
  • Summer Orientation Sessions: June 17, 2019 – August 2, 2019 (not including weekends)
    • The typical working day for an OL during Orientation Sessions is 7:00am – 11:00pm
    • Note: Outside employment is not permitted June 5 – August 2, 2019.
    • Note: Summer coursework at NC State or any other institution (in-person or online) is not permitted fromJune 5 – August 2, 2019.

Fall 2019 Semester

  • August Orientation Session: Thursday, August 15 – Friday, August 16, 2019
  • Wolfpack Welcome Week (Friday, August 16 – Saturday, August 24): Provide on-site assistance at the Meet the Pack, Convocation, Chancellor’s New Student Cookout, and at least one other event (based on OL availability).

Spring 2020

  • Spring Orientation 2020 (Dates in January 2020 TBD)

Compensation and Benefits

  • $2225 gross salary paid throughout the summer employment period. 2020 Spring Orientation will also be paid at an hourly rate for $9 per hour. (Pay dates will be determined by the University payroll system.  All pay is subject to state and federal taxes.)
  • Funded trip to participate in the Southern Regional Orientation Workshop (SROW) including conference registration, overnight accommodations, meals and other materials needed
  • On-Campus Housing provided June 5 – August 3, 2019
  • Most meals provided during orientation sessions with $100 conference card supplement

In addition to the compensation, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn more about the University’s history, 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

FAQ

Are OLs the tour guides that lead tours for prospective students during the academic year?

  • No. Tours for prospective students are led by University Ambassadors. 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?

  • No. Only undergraduate students are eligible for the Orientation Leader position.

I am unable to take the USC 223 class. Can I still be an OL?

  • No. You must be able to enroll in the USC 223 class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:00-4:15pm during the Spring 2019 semester.

Can I take summer classes while I am an OL?

  • No. Orientation Leaders will not be permitted to take any summer coursework at NC State or any other institution (in-person or online) from June 5 – August 2, 2019.

Can I be employed by another job while I am an OL?

  • Outside employment is not permitted fromJune 5 – August 2, 2019 including weekends.

I plan to study abroad in the Fall 2019 semester. Can I still be an OL?

  • Yes, we are willing to work with students who plan to study abroad. If your departure date prohibits you from the employment dates in August, your stipend would be reduced accordingly.

Do I have to live on campus while employed as an OL?

  • Yes. Even if an OL has off-campus housing, they must stay in the residence hall during summer training and orientation sessions. When new students are not staying in the halls (typically Friday and Saturday nights), OLs are permitted to stay off campus.

Let’s hear from the OLumni!

“If you’re looking for that one thing that is going to completely transform your experience at NC State, this is it. Serving as an Orientation Leader, without a doubt, has been the best decision I have made since choosing to come to NC State in the first place.”

  • Reid Harris, Senior (Transfer) in Communication

“The OL team pushed me to branch out of my comfort zone and brought out the confidence I never knew I had. Now I feel like I can do anything!”

  • Sarah Martin, Sophomore in English

“My favorite things about the summer were the 40 other amazing OLs I worked with, as well as all of the new students I got to know. The people make the job, and I wouldn’t trade this summer for the world.”

  • Brandon Daggerhart, Sophomore in Engineering

“Students should apply for the position because it gives you priceless memories, amazing friends, and valuable skills that last a lifetime — all in one summer!”

  • Pauline Bulala, Sophomore in Nutrition Science

“As a transfer student, I am so glad I made the decision to apply to be an Orientation Leader. The position brought me closer to campus and really made NC State feel like my home. In this role I not only had the opportunity to strengthen my leadership and communication skills, but I also had the opportunity to do this with peers who turned into great friends.”

  • Sam Miranda, Senior (Transfer) in Business Administration

“Students should apply for this position because you get to welcome new students to campus and connect with them in a meaningful way. You also learn how to work on a team and become the best leader you can be. It’s truly a life changing experience.”

  • Iyanna Wallace, Sophomore in Psychology

“My favorite thing about working with NSP was living, learning, and working with a diverse and welcoming community of individuals that supported each other personally and professionally.”

  • Sarah Wienecke, Sophomore in Business Administration

“I think students should apply for the position because it was honestly one of the best summers I’ve had will here at NC State. I learned so many valuable skills such as public speaking and I’ve made a second family here at New Student Programs.”

  • Eli Whitley, Sophomore in Communication

 

Questions? Email New Student Programs at new-students@ncsu.edu