What you'll do
The Orientation Leader role
As an Orientation Leader, you help to shape the future of incoming first-year and transfer students' lives at the University by serving as their mentor. Ahead of Fall and Spring Welcome Weeks, you will provide these students and their families with guidance on academics, student life, and campus resources. You will also develop and lead virtual and in-person programs for incoming students ahead of their arrival and during their first year on campus, so they can build community and develop relationships.
Orientation Leader responsibilities
- Collaborate with fellow Orientation Leaders and professional staff to plan and assist in leading activities for pre-arrival programs
- Facilitate discussions and activities for small groups of incoming students through direct engagement during online orientation, pre-semester programs, and Fall and Spring Welcome Weeks
- Collaborate with fellow Orientation Leaders and professional staff to plan and lead large- and small-scale social events for Fall and Spring Welcome Weeks
- Develop activities and events for specific populations including, but not limited to, transfer students, international students, and first-generation students
- Coordinate and communicate with University of Rochester student organizations to build a schedule of student-led events throughout Fall Welcome Week
- Assist with programs to enhance the new student experience throughout the academic year
- Provide mentorship and guidance to incoming students as they transition into the University
- Develop and execute an engaging and dynamic social media strategy to new students (first-year, transfer, international) and families
- Communicate with mentees (new students) regularly during the summer, fall, and spring semesters through email, 1:1 interaction, group activities, and small- and large-scale programming
- Assist professional staff with the execution of the fall orientation communications plan
- Serve as a representative of the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs, assisting with the implementation and supervision of events and programs Provide administrative support and customer service in-person, on the phone, and via email Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the orientation professional staff
What you'll gain
Experience and lasting memories
"Making an impact on the incoming class was such a rewarding experience. It was so fulfilling to see our hard work pay off during Fall Welcome Week and meet the students that I had mentored over the summer. Being one of the first people to welcome them to our wonderful Rochester community was such an incredible honor."
Jenny Jordahl '23
2021-22 Orientation Leader
Position details
Details about the 2025-26 Orientation Leader position, including applicant qualifications, required hours and time commitment, and pay, will be available in late fall 2024.
Apply
Application launches this fall
The application for the 2025-26 Orientation Leader position will be available later this year. If you have any questions, contact us at orientation@rochester.edu.
Frequently asked questions
There is no single set of characteristics that make up an ideal Orientation Leader. Instead, we are committed to creating a group of Orientation Leaders that reflect the diversity and values of our campus community. It is a priority for our team to select students who committed to and enthusiastic about supporting all incoming students and their families, and who can effectively and sincerely share relevant University of Rochester resources with them.
Yes! The Orientation Leader position is a great opportunity for you to learn about and practice leadership skills, no matter your major, membership in student organizations, or leadership experience.
Unfortunately, no. However, you can view the form questions prior to officially submitting your application on JobLink. We recommend copying the questions into a separate document and completing your answers there to allow yourself as much time as you need. When you are ready to share your final responses, simply copy and paste your answers from the document into the JobLink form to officially submit your application.
After the application closes, orientation professional staff members will review applications and contact you via email. If you are selected to move forward in the process, your email will include a link to sign up for a 30-minute individual interview with the professional staff during the individual interview period. Following your individual interview, you will be invited to sign up for a group interview during the group interview period.
Training for Orientation Leaders will begin in in late March or early April with up to 10 hours of initial training to be scheduled around your classes and other commitments for the remainder of the spring semester. The remainder of your mandatory training will be completed within the first two weeks of your full-time hours over the summer. Both training periods will focus on individual and team development, as well as helping you to hone your communication, mentorship, and event planning skills.
In addition to having the opportunity to ensure all incoming students have a welcoming and memorable orientation experience, our previous Orientation Leaders have expressed gaining experience with the following transferable skills, among others:
- Mentorship and relationship building
- Understanding and working with team dynamics
- Event planning and management
- Project management
- Communications
- Understanding personal strengths
Of course! Reach out to us anytime at orientation@rochester.edu and one of our professional staff will be happy to answer any questions you have about the position.