
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. Applications for 2021 Orientation Leaders are now closed.
To help aid applicants with preparation for what the role will entail, this website contains a description of responsibilities and expectations for both a virtual and in-person orientation program. Make sure you read through this entire application website thoroughly.
All interested applicants will also be required to review the recorded information session about the role prior submitting their application 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.
Applications for 2021 Orientation Leaders are now closed.
The below 2021 Orientation Leader Application is contingent upon several, unforeseeable circumstances and events. New Student Programs will attempt to honor all aspects of this application process to the best of our ability. Please note that all dates are required, but tentative. As the US still continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we have attempted to provide detailed outlines and transparency about the 2021 Orientation Leader experience; however, unforeseen challenges will undoubtedly impact this opportunity, dates, and decisions. New Student Programs will provide as much advance notice to any date changes. Orientation Leaders will be expected to adjust their schedules in alignment with these date changes. All aspects of the 2021 Orientation Team experience will be facilitated online until May 2021. After May 2021, aspects of the role will be reevaluated for an in-person or online experience.
All new hires at the university are contingent upon Chancellor approval and budget availability.
- Be enrolled as a full-time student (undergraduate) in Spring 2021 and Fall 2021 semesters
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher throughout employment period
- Be in good standing with the university
- Be eligible to work in the United States
- Exhibit commitment to the mission of New Student Programs
- If housing is available, Orientation Leaders must be available to live on campus early June – end of July 2021
- Not take any summer coursework or have outside employment from early June – end of July 2021
- 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, 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 whether in a virtual or in-person environment.
Whether the summer 2021 Orientation Leader experience is in person or virtual, 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:
- Virtual and In-Person:
- Provide assistance to faculty and staff who present or advise during Orientation
- 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
- Share knowledge about the University’s traditions, campus resources, and expectations. When appropriate, refer guests to additional resources and campus departments.
- Facilitate engaging and well-organized small group meetings for new students
- Proactively provide customer service to guests throughout the program
- Virtual Additional Responsibilities:
- Facilitate summer events and/or social media content for new students to build community virtually
- In-Person Additional Responsibilities:
- Help students and families acclimate to the physical campus by leading campus tours, providing directions, and accompanying them to activities
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:
- $9/hour during Orientation Leader Spring Training
- If you hold another on-campus job, you will not be allowed to exceed a total of 20 hours per week of on-campus work. For example: if you work at Wellness and Recreation, you would only be allowed to work 18 hours during the weeks we have Orientation Leader Training because you will be working 2 hours a week as an OL.
- Summer compensation may change based on summer housing and dining availability and method of program implementation (e.g., in-person, virtual, etc.)*:
- Gross salary of $2225 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 during summer employment (June – July, 2021)
- *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.
- $9/hour during 2022 Spring Orientation
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 2021 Required Dates
All spring training activities will take place virtually
- Orientation Leader Training #1
- Tuesday, March 16 from 3 – 5 PM
- Orientation Leader Training #2
- Tuesday, March 23 from 3 – 5 PM
- Orientation Leader Training #3
- Tuesday, March 30 from 3 – 5 PM
- Orientation Leader Training #4
- Tuesday, April 6 from 3 – 5 PM
- Orientation Leader Training #5
- Tuesday, April 13 from 3 – 5 PM
- Orientation Leader Training #6
- Tuesday, April 20 from 3 – 5 PM
- Orientation Leader Training #7
- Tuesday, April 27 from 3 – 5 PM
Summer 2021 and Spring 2022 Required Dates
The format of the responsibilities below (in-person, virtual, or hybrid) will be determined at a later date. Regardless of format, Orientation Leaders can expect full time employment on weekdays and some evening work required.
- OL Summer Training
- Early June – Mid June 2021 (specific dates to be determined)
- Orientation Sessions
- Mid June – Late July 2021 (specific dates to be determined)
- August 2021 Orientation (specific dates to be determined)
- Wolfpack Welcome Week
- August 2021 (specific dates to be determined)
- Spring 2022 Orientation
- January 2022 (specific dates to be determined)
Application Opens Required Information Session Available to View | Friday, December 4 |
Live Q&A with the OLs Join Orientation Leaders from 2020 to learn more about their experience in the role. Attendance is optional, but highly recommended. Recording from December 10 | Thursday, December 10 3 – 4 PM |
Live Q&A with the OLs Join Orientation Leaders from 2020 to learn more about their experience in the role. Attendance is optional, but highly recommended. https://ncsu.zoom.us/j/93601506102 Meeting ID: 936 0150 6102 | Wednesday, January 20 4 – 5 PM |
Live Q&A with the OLs Join Orientation Leaders from 2020 to learn more about their experience in the role. Attendance is optional, but highly recommended. https://ncsu.zoom.us/j/97603955425 Meeting ID: 976 0395 5425 | Monday, January 25 4 – 5 PM |
Application Deadline | Sunday, January 31 at 11:59 PM Eastern |
Interview Notification | Tuesday, February 2 |
Deadline to Schedule an Interview | Noon on Friday, February 5 |
Interviews | Friday, February 5 – Friday, February 12 |
Selection Notification | Wednesday, February 24 |
Meet the Team Event for All Selected OLs | Friday, February 26 from 1 – 2 PM |
Deadline to Accept the Role | Wednesday, March 3 |
The Orientation Leader Application is now available. 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.
Please review the following information prior to submitting your application:
- Required: Review the Information Session Recording. You will be required to indicate that you have reviewed the information session when submitting your application.
- Optional, but highly recommended: Attend a Live Q&A with the OLs. Potential applicants can join New Student Programs staff for a live panel on Zoom with past Orientation Leaders. OLs will share about their experiences and there will be time for applicants to ask their own questions as well.
Live Q&A with the OLs Join Orientation Leaders from 2020 to learn more about their experience in the role. Attendance is optional, but highly recommended. Recording from December 10 | Thursday, December 10 3 – 4 PM |
Live Q&A with the OLs Join Orientation Leaders from 2020 to learn more about their experience in the role. Attendance is optional, but highly recommended. https://ncsu.zoom.us/j/93601506102 Meeting ID: 936 0150 6102 | Wednesday, January 20 4 – 5 PM |
Live Q&A with the OLs Join Orientation Leaders from 2020 to learn more about their experience in the role. Attendance is optional, but highly recommended. https://ncsu.zoom.us/j/97603955425 Meeting ID: 976 0395 5425 | Monday, January 25 4 – 5 PM |
Please be prepared to upload/provide the following documents and information before completing the Orientation Leader application by Sunday, January 31, 2021:
- General information about yourself
- Responses to the following:
- Fifteen Random Things: Please share with us “15 Random Things” about you. New Student Programs wants to get to know YOU – beyond the involvement listed above. Share with us important life experiences, your hobbies, achievements, goals, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are. Please limit your response to 450 words maximum. Present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 15. Some points may be brief, while others may be longer.
- Application Question: Learning to facilitate across difference in identity and experience are core components of Orientation Leader training in the spring and summer. Please answer ONE of the following questions:
- How have you made time to learn about others and their experiences at NC State? Why is this important to do as an Orientation Leader? (250 word maximum)
- 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? (250 word maximum)
- Video Submission: All applicants are required to film a short video to submit with their Orientation Leader application.
- Prompt: Why would you be a good Orientation Leader, and what do you hope to gain from the experience if selected?
- Length: Videos must be between 3 and 5 minutes.
- Format: Videos should be uploaded to Google Drive and your link will be shared 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 in your video presentation.
- If you are unable to submit a video for accessibility reasons please reach out to Molly Basdeo Mountjoy at mbmountjoy@ncsu.edu to discuss an alternative that would be most accessible to you.
Will there be an information session?
- The recorded information session will be required for applicants to watch before submitting their application. We will also have live Q&A sessions with previous Orientation Leaders for you to join and ask about their experiences as a student leader.
Can I apply to be both an Orientation Leader and Summer Start Mentor?
- Yes, you can apply to both positions. However you will complete a separate application and interview process for each role. Students will only be offered one position and will be able to indicate during the interview process if there is a position they prefer over another. Positions are not guaranteed to be offered.
How many Orientation Leaders will be hired? Do you re-hire staff from the previous summer?
- We are unsure of exactly how many Orientation Leaders we will hire for Summer 2021. Last year we hired 42 new Orientation Leaders. Previous staff members cannot return as Orientation Leaders, but can apply for our Student Coordinator position.
What is Spring Training?
- Spring Training takes place in the second half of the spring 2021 semester on Tuesdays from 3 – 5 PM. Attendance and participation in Spring Training is required to be an Orientation Leader or Summer Start Mentor.
- Orientation Leader Spring Training will focus on learning objectives related to facilitation, communication, resource sharing, and identity and social justice
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.
I am unable to participate in Spring Training. Can I still be an OL?
- You must be able to attend and participate in Spring Training on Tuesdays from 3 – 5 p.m. from March 16 – April 27.
Can I take summer classes while I am an OL?
- Currently Orientation Leaders will not be permitted to take any summer coursework at NC State or any other institution (in-person or online)
Can I be employed by another job while I am an OL?
- Currently outside employment is not permitted during the summer
I plan to study abroad in the Fall 2021 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 August, your stipend would be reduced accordingly.
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.
If you are selected to move on to the interview stage, this section will review what you can expect for your 2021 Orientation Leader Interview. Please remember to sign up for an interview time slot by noon on Friday, February 5.
- Attire for the interview is “OL Zoom 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 over zoom. The link to join the zoom session will be available to you on your eRezLife platform. Interviews will be recorded for office records. These will only be available to NSP staff to review.
- Upon joining the zoom session you will be placed in a waiting room. When we are ready for your interview, you will be let into the main room.
- To be as transparent as possible and prepare you as much for the OL Interview, you can expect the following structure in your interview. Please keep in mind that due to scheduling and availability, the format might change slightly from what is represented below:
- Zoom Room Set Up: When you are let into the main zoom room, you will be joined by 1-2 other OL candidates. Also in attendance will be 3 professional staff members and 2-3 Student Coordinators (SC) who work in our office. Student Coordinators served as OLs last year and are now in a peer-supervisor role for OLs. In total, there will be 7 – 9 people in the zoom room. Interviews will last no more than 40 minutes.
- Introductions: We will do initial introductions and ask you to share your name, pronouns if you would like, major, and the answer to a fun get to know you question that we will share in the interview.
- Individual Interview: After initial introductions and instructions, you will be placed into a zoom breakout room with an SC and a professional staff member. They will do an individual interview in this breakout room and will ask you to share about the items listed below. While we are sharing the questions with you in advance, we hope that you are as authentic as possible in your answers and do not come across as if you are reading from a document you have prepared:
- Tell us about yourself and why you are interested in the Orientation Leader role.
- You will be asked to pick one of the following two questions to answer:
- What is a social justice topic you have learned about in the last year and how will this knowledge help you as an Orientation Leader?
- What is a social justice topic you want to learn more about this year and how will this knowledge help you as an Orientation Leader?
- What questions do you have for us?
- Group Activity: After your individual interview, you will be brought back into the main room for a group activity with the other 1-2 OL candidates.
- The activity will be to work together to put together a Google Slides presentation. You will receive more instructions in the interview, but it would be helpful to familiarize yourself with Google Slides functionalities prior to the interview.
- We will wrap up in the main room with time for questions and to make final announcements before you leave.
Let’s hear from the OLumni!
“Being an Orientation Leader was an incredible professional experience for me! I gained so much confidence in my self and in my abilities while also having a lot of fun. This has definitely been my most memorable job experience yet!!”
- Samantha Temucin, Senior in Human Biology
“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, Sophomore in Nuclear Engineering
“I learned so much about myself and about the university, and I gained another family in the other 34 OLs that I worked with all summer long.”
- Emma Carter, Sophomore in Graphic Design
“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, Sophomore in Business Administration (from Exploratory Studies)
“I think people should be OLs because it provides an opportunity to overall increase your confidence in public speaking, delivering information, and being a resource for others.”
- Madissen Keys, Sophomore 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, Sophomore in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
“I am so glad I applied for this position! I made great friends, created awesome new experiences, and added to my Wolfpack Family with the #NSPFam!”
- Ashley Nelson, Sophomore in Biological Sciences
“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, Sophomore in Chemical Engineering
“You get to keep the polos… forever.”
- Sam Thornton, Sophomore in Physics