What is an Orientation Leader?

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 summer and early fall orientation and transition programs.

On a daily basis, Orientation Leaders…

• Share knowledge about the University’s history, campus resources, and expectations. When appropriate, they refer guests to additional resources and campus departments.
• Help students and parents acclimate to the physical campus by leading campus tours, providing directions, and escorting them to sessions
• Provide assistance to faculty and staff who present or advise during Orientation
• Proactively provide customer service to guests throughout the program
• 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
• Demonstrate organizational skills, time management, and flexibility

Each session, Orientation Leaders are assigned to work with either new students or parents, and to work with a specific college’s program.

When Orientation Leaders are working with new students, they…

• Welcome new students while assisting with logistics of New Student Orientation Check-In
• Facilitate engaging and well-organized small group meetings for new students
• Build social connections among new students through community building activities
• Assist students with navigating MyPack Portal during the course registration process
• Work as a team with the Orientation Leaders to deliver information through various performances
• Serve as a role model and resource to students while representing the University professionally

When Orientation Leaders are working with parents and family members, they…

• Welcome parents and family members while assisting with logistics of Parents’ Orientation Check-In
• Escort parents and family members between sessions and lead campus tours
• Respond to parent and family members’ questions and concerns
• Serve on student panels, which includes sharing student perspectives while educating family members on the resources and expectations of the University

What is the 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 orientation@ncsu.edu or 919-515-1234. Dates are subject to change.

Fall 2016 Semester

• Meet the Orientation Leaders Meeting: Friday, November 18 from 3:30-6:00pm

Spring 2017 Semester

• USC 223 Orientation Leader Development: 2-credit hour course, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-4:15pm
• OL On-Campus Retreat: Saturday, January 21, 2017 (Full Day)
• Staff Training Days
  • Saturday, February 4, 2017 or Sunday February 12, 2017 (Half Day – choose one of the two to attend)
  • Saturday, February 25, 2017 (Full Day)
• SROW (Southern Region Orientation Workshop) at Georgia Southern University: Friday, March 10 – Sunday, March 12 (note: this is during the last weekend of Spring Break)

Summer 2017

• Summer Training: June 10, 2017 – June 18, 2017 (Full-time)
• Summer Orientation Sessions: June 19, 2017 – July 28, 2017 (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 10 – July 28, 2017.
  • Note: Orientation Leaders will not be permitted to take any summer coursework at NC State or any other institution (in-person or online) from June 10 through July 28, 2017.

Fall 2017 Semester

• August Orientation Session: Thursday, August 10 – Friday, August 11, 2017
• Wolfpack Welcome Week (Friday, August 11 – Saturday, August 19): Provide on-site assistance at the Meet the Pack (Sunday, August 13), Convocation (Monday, August 14), and one other event (based on OL availability).

Why Should I Apply?

As an Orientation Leader, 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 skills;
• Meet and work with administrators, faculty, and staff from across the University;
• Be part of an incredible team of student leaders while having an unforgettable summer experience.

Compensation:

• $2200 gross salary paid throughout the summer employment period (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) to include conference registration, overnight accommodations, meals and other materials needed
• On-Campus Housing provided June 10 – July 29, 2017
• Most meals provided during orientation sessions with $100 conference card supplement

Check out what some of our 2016 #OLumni have to say about the position:

“I became an OL to make a difference, but in the end, there was a difference in me.”
–Ada Evbuomwan, Senior, Business Administration

“Being an OL really helped me develop amazing public speaking skills. I used to be the person that would never speak up in class, but now I’m never afraid to share my thoughts and opinions!”

–Hunter Gibson, Senior, Social Work

“To be an OL is to be provided with an opportunity to affect our campus climate for the better. When you hear how wonderful it is to be part of the Wolfpack, 5, 10, or 20 years from now, you will know that you played a large role in creating that.”

–Craig Prince, Sophomore, Electrical Engineering

“I applied to be an OL because I wanted to help incoming students find community here at NC State. In this process, I found myself immersed in a community that is stronger than I could have ever imagined! Not only did this experience help me find lifelong friends, I also learned about campus resources and gained connections with campus partners. Undoubtedly, these will be to my benefit for the rest of the time I spend at NC State!”
– Stacy Partin, Sophomore, Environmental Sciences

“Being an Orientation Leader was one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences I have had at NC State. Working with like-minded people who care about the wellness of first-year students and their success created a community for me that has shaped my college experience and given me life-long friendships.”
– Shaunaci Stevens, Sophomore, Exploratory Studies

“My Orientation Leader experience is something I will always cherish. Not only was it one of the most fun summers I’ve ever had, but it was also the most fulfilling. I learned more about myself and the world around me in three months than I previously had in 20 years. I would strongly recommend the OL experience to any student who wishes to make a real difference on campus, and also better themselves as a person.”
– Josh Stone, Junior, Civil Engineering

How Do I Apply?

Step 1: Read through our recruitment website thoroughly to familiarize yourself with the position. Attend an information session to learn more and contact us at 919-515-1234 or orientation@ncsu.edu with any questions. Information sessions will be held on the following days:

• Thursday, September 22, 5:30-6:30pm, Talley Student Union Room 4280
• Wednesday, September 28, 5:30-6:30pm, Talley Student Union Room 4280
• Tuesday, October 4, 5:30-6:30pm, Talley Student Union Room 4280
• Tuesday, October 11, 5:30-6:30pm, Talley Student Union Room 4280
• Friday, October 14, 3:00-4:00pm, Talley Student Union Room 4280 (*This session is intended for students who are not able to attend a session before the October 12th application deadline. You MUST have applied for the position to attend this session!)

Step 2: Make sure you meet all requirements and are eligible to apply for the position.

Step 3: Complete the online application by Wednesday, October 12 (NOW CLOSED).

Once your application has been submitted, NSP will review it and you will be notified by email as to whether or not you have been selected for an individual interview. Not all applicants will be invited to interview. Answer each question on the application to the best of your ability utilizing the recommended word counts.

What Happens After I Apply?

Once your application has been submitted, NSP will review it and you will be notified by email as to whether or not you have been selected for an individual interview.

Notes About the Interview Process:

• NSP will send an optional reference form to the listed references on your application.  Completed reference forms will be considered during the selection process.
• We will primarily communicate with you via your NC State email throughout the process. Make sure to check your email often, especially as your interview dates approach and on notification days (November 1 and November 17).
• For tips on interviewing, please stop by the Career Development Center in Pullen Hall or visit their website.
• Business casual attire is recommended for individual and group interviews.
• If at any time you need to withdraw yourself as a candidate from the OL recruitment process, please contact NSP as soon as possible at 919-515-1234 or orientation@ncsu.edu.

Equal Opportunity

NC State University promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination and harassment based upon one’s age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status. (POL 04.25.05 – Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy Statement http://policies.ncsu.edu/policy/pol-04-25-05)

Accommodations

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 Lori Wilson at orientation@ncsu.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions:

When and where are the OL information sessions?

The location, dates and times can be found at the top of this page.

Do I have to attend an information session?

Information sessions are not required, but are highly recommended. If your schedule permits, it is best to attend an information session before applying or interviewing for the position.

How many OLs 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 2017. Last fall we hired 42 new Orientation Leaders.  Previous staff members cannot return as Orientation Leaders, but can apply for our Student Coordinator position.

Is housing provided for the entire summer?

Housing is only provided from Saturday, June 10 – Saturday, July 29. OLs must make their own arrangements for housing for the rest of the summer.

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.

Orientation Leader Requirement Questions:

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 2017 semester.

I have a conflict with one of the employment dates. Can I still be an Orientation Leader?
Conflicts with the employment dates are handled on a case by case basis if there is a legitimate conflict with another academic or student leadership commitment. Please email questions to orientation@ncsu.edu or ask a staff member at an information session, prior to applying.

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 10 – July 28, 2017.

Can I be employed by another job while I am an OL?
Outside employment is not permitted from June 10 – July 28, 2017 including weekends.

It’s my first semester at NC State. How do I meet the 2.5 GPA requirement?
When Orientation Leaders are hired in November, it will be on a probationary basis. The office will check your Fall 2016 semester grades in December to ensure that you meet the GPA requirement.  Your GPA will also be reviewed after the Spring 2017 semester.

I plan to study abroad in the Fall 2017 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.

Interview Process Questions:

I see you have to bring a “personal item” to the individual interview. What kind of item should I bring?
It’s up to you! We ask that you bring an item that represents your time at NC State and helps us get to know you more.

What can I expect during the group interview?
During the group interview you will be partaking in a series of activities with other OL candidates. The most important thing is to come ready to be an active participant and to just be yourself!

I need to reschedule my interview. What should I do?
Please call 919-515-1234 in a timely manner and we will try our best to accommodate any rescheduling needs.

What should I wear to my interview?
Please consult the Career Development Center’s website for information on business casual attire for interviews.

When will I find out if I get the position?
You will be notified by email on November 1 about whether or not you have been invited to the group interview round. Final hiring decisions will then be announced by email on November 17.