Orientation Leader (OL)

 

Group of student workers siting on steps of Memorial Stadium in t-shirts

What is an Orientation Leader (OL)?

The OL position is designed to offer students the opportunity to implement orientation programming for new first year and transfer students and family members. OLs are expected to be knowledgeable about the University of Illinois and have a desire to help new students have a successful transition. OLs attend a paid spring training session to help prepare them to be student leaders for New Student & Family Experience events. All OLs will assist at various events such as International Student Orientation, Welcome Week and various other orientation programs.   Opportunities for continued fall/spring OL work may also be available.  More information will be provided at training. The hourly rate for the OL position is $16/hour and OLs work 30-40 hours during Welcome Week.

Duties

  • Assist with International Student Orientation, Welcome Week, and other events.
  • Facilitate large and small group events and discussions
  • Serve as a resource for incoming first-year and transfer students 
  • Attend paid training sessions
  • Be on time for all programming, training, and events
  • Provide a positive, welcoming attitude to new students
  • Encourage new students to attend all Welcome Day events and future programming
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Positive attitude
  • Enthusiastic about the University of Illinois 
  • Desire to help welcome new students and help them be successful
  • Ability to handle numerous tasks that may come up quickly 
  • Interest in working with a diverse group of students, family, guests, and staff
  • Familiarity with campus resources both academic and extracurricular

Requirements

Orientation Leaders (OLs) must meet the following criteria:

  • Hold Full-time undergraduate student status (12 credit hours) at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus from Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and returning to Illinois as an undergraduate for Fall 2025
  • Able to work as an Orientation Leader August 17 – August 23
  • Attend and participate in all OL Training Sessions
  • Possess and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher with good academic and disciplinary standing with the University

Working Conditions

  • Indoors & Outdoors

Benefits

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign orientation programs strive to help student leaders develop their communication, organizational and leadership skills, which help prepare students for life beyond college. We truly believe that serving as Orientation Leader will reward you with many experiences and skills that will help you in your future career and serving as a productive citizen. In addition to these intangible rewards, the Orientation Leader will be provided the following:

  • Compensation for time worked at the rate of $16/hr.
  • Personal and professional relationships with faculty, staff, and lasting friendship with other students
  • Opportunities to develop communication, problem solving and leadership skills
  • Illinois apparel and other swag
  • Food at various events

How do I apply?

Applications are OPEN NOW! Please apply today!

Application Form

 

Questions?

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Gretchen Forman, Associate Director for the Freshman Experience, at gforman@illinois.edu.