Each year, Orientation and New Student Programs will select a group of mature and dedicated undergraduate leaders to assist with implementing orientation programs during the summer and fall. Orientation Leaders serve as guides for new students, who are making the transition from their previous environment to the diverse academic, intellectual and social culture of the University.
Orientation Leader Application Information
Apply
Make sure to read the Orientation Leader Application Information Packet (pdf) before applying: it has tentative training and work dates, information on the application and selection process and general information about qualifications and expectations.
Apply Now | Application Deadline: February 6, 2013 4:00pm
References
In addition to your application, you need to submit names for 2 references. Have ONLY ONE of your references complete and submit the Reference Form by 4:00 pm on February 6.
Important Orientation Leader Dates
- Spring Training Meeting 1
- April 12, 2013 4 — 6 pm
- Spring Training Meeting 2
- April 26, 2013 4 — 6 pm
- OLs move in to Hereford
- June 19
- OL Training
- June 20 — July 3
- Summer Orientation
- July 5 — July 26
- OLs return for Session H
- August 19
- Session H International Student Session
- August 21 — August 23
- Fall Orientation
- August 24 — August 26
Orientation Program Overview
Orientation is designed to help entering students and their parents acclimate to the University of Virginia. The goals of orientation are:
- to introduce entering undergraduate students to the opportunities and responsibilities of academic life at the University
- to integrate entering students into life at the University by connecting them to other students, faculty and administrators and by familiarizing them with Grounds
- to help students learn how to maintain their personal health and wellness
- to familiarize the parents of new students with the University experience
- to introduce students to University resources
Position Description
Orientation and New Student Programs will select a group of mature and dedicated undergraduate leaders to assist with implementing orientation programs for summer and fall. Orientation Leaders serve as resources for new students and family members, who are making the transition from their previous environment to the diverse academic, intellectual, and social culture of the University. Orientation Leaders are expected to possess a specific body of knowledge about the University acquired through training and experience, and they must be sincerely interested and skillful in sharing this information with orientation participants. Selection to the Orientation Leader team is a unique honor and a rewarding opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Job Description
Minimum Qualifications
- Good academic standing, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Good disciplinary standing
- Knowledge of and commitment to the mission and goals of Orientation and New Student Programs
- Leadership potential, professional demeanor, strong work ethic, and willingness to take initiative
- Positive attitude, high energy level, knowledge of and enthusiasm for the University of Virginia
- Good teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of team members, students, and parents
- Desire to learn about the University’s community, programs, resources, policies, and procedures
- Flexibility, responsibility, and willingness to assist others
Orientation Leader Roles & Responsibilities
- Attend and participate in all spring and summer training sessions
- Serve as a positive representative of the University to new students and their guests
- Answer questions about both social and academic aspects of University life
- Facilitate new students’ introduction to the University by maintaining an open, helpful attitude and using effective communication techniques
- Promote interaction among new students during small group discussions, icebreakers, meals, and activities
- Facilitate small group interactions on various topics, including course enrollment and student life issues
- Explain academic advising and course enrollment procedures for all undergraduate schools and answer basic questions about requirements, course loads, and elective classes
- Supervise activities while living among new students attending Summer Orientation sessions
- Facilitate social activities for new students through direct involvement and participation
- Work closely and cooperate with other Orientation Leaders and Orientation and New Student Programs staff to develop, prepare, implement, and evaluate Orientation programs
- Provide administrative support for the program, including preparation of Orientation materials
- Work with Orientation and New Student Programs staff to assist with and support all aspects of the Orientation program, including Move-In Day and Fall Orientation
Terms and Conditions of Employment
- Orientation Leaders must be returning, full-time students for the 2013 fall semester, and they must remain in satisfactory academic and disciplinary standing for the 2013 spring semester.
- Training: Orientation Leaders must be present and on time without exception for all scheduled training sessions and work assignments. During the training period, Orientation Leaders will have time off Saturday and Sunday, June 22 – 23 and Saturday and Sunday, June 29 – 30. Additionally, Orientation Leaders will be expected to attend team meetings as designated by their Senior Orientation Leader.
- Orientation Programs: Throughout the Summer Orientation period, Orientation Leaders will be expected to work full days on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Orientation Leaders are required to attend two Wednesday debriefing sessions on July 10 and 17. All other times are designated as time off.
- Summer Housing: Orientation Leaders will remain in residence in the facilities provided during training and Summer Orientation sessions. Specifically, Orientation Leaders must stay in their assigned residence halls on Sunday and Wednesday nights prior to each orientation session and on Mondays and Thursdays during orientation sessions.
- Summer Classes/Employment: Orientation Leaders may not commit to any other compensatory or non-compensatory engagements that would interfere with their work during the orientation work period (June 19 — July 26 and August 19 — 26). Orientation Leaders are allowed to enroll in Summer Session I only, as Orientation Leader work dates conflict with Summer Sessions II and III.
Compensation and Benefits
- $1,700, subject to required payroll deductions
- Housing in a single, air-conditioned room at Hereford, Gooch, or Dillard during training and Summer Orientation sessions
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during each orientation session and breakfast for Wednesday debriefing meetings between sessions. All meals are provided during Orientation Leader Training.
- Orientation Leader uniform shirts
- Parking privileges at Hereford/Scott Stadium during Training and Summer Orientation
- Option to purchase discounted summer pass for intramural-recreational privileges
2013 Selection Timeline
- Information Session
- Jan 22, 7-8 pm, Ern Commons
- Information Session
- Jan 24, 6-7 pm, Newcomb Commonwealth Room
- Application deadline
- February 6, 4:00pm
- Notification of acceptance for group interview
- February 12
- Group interview sign-ups
- February 13 – February 14
- Group interviews
- February 16
- Notification of acceptance for individual interviews
- February 18
- Individual interview sign-ups
- February 19
- Individual interviews
- February 20 — February 22
- Selection announcement
- February 27
- Acceptance deadline
- March 8, 4:00pm