Orientation Leader Program
Orientation Leader Program
Do you love St. Lawrence? Do you like working in a team environment? Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and interactive environment? Become a SLU Orientation Leader!
What is an Orientation Leader?
Each Orientation Leader, or OL, works with a specific First-Year College or group of transfer students throughout Orientation assisting students in their transition to St. Lawrence University. As an Orientation Leader you will:
- Share your University experiences with new students and families
- Facilitate small groups in discussions, ice breakers, and team-building activities
- Help students and their families navigate campus
- Be approachable and available to all new students within your group
- Serve as a role model and mentor to all new students, especially those in your group
- Participate in all Orientation meetings, functions, including the FYP college and community meeting and dinner
- Work with the faculty and Community Assistant staff to facilitate activities and programs during Orientation
- Ensure that students from your FYP attend Orientation programs and the First-Year Cup Festival
- Maintain an outgoing relationship with your FYP throughout their first semester
- Work collaboratively and constructively with fellow Orientation staff
Qualities of a Successful Orientation Leader
- Demonstrates leadership skills, initiative, motivation and professionalism
- Has the ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Enthusiasm and a positive attitude
- Has the ability to work effectively with diverse populations
- Has the ability to adapt to new situations
- Demonstrates troubleshooting and problem solving skills
- Shows pride in and enthusiasm for St. Lawrence!
Time Commitment
Orientation Leaders meet once during the Spring semester for training and an overview of Fall Orientation. Leaders will return to campus at the end of August, typically the Tuesday before classes begin, to attend Orientation Training and prepare for Orientation. The commitment continues through the three day Orientation period and lasts until the First-Year Cup festival, which is generally scheduled for the Friday after the first day of classes.
Qualifications & Expectations
- An applicant must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 GPA and be in good judicial standing with the University. "Good Judicial Standing" means that you are currently not on probation, have completed all required judicial sanctions, and have not been found responsible for any serious infractions as a student here at St. Lawrence.
- We are also looking for students who have contributed positively to the St. Lawrence community both inside and outside of the community.
- Refraining from alcohol whether you are 21 or not is a non-negotiable expectation of Orientation Leaders. As an Orientation Leader you are serving as the first role models for new students at SLU and we ask that you refrain from using alcohol during your contracted time as an OL so you are able to show new students what is offered at SLU and are able to be an engaged and responsible leader.
- Click here to read more of the expectations of Orientation Leaders as outlined in the contract for the position.
Benefits
- Opportunity to develop your verbal communication, group facilitation and other important leadership skills
- Chance to share your love of SLU!
- Free room and board during training and Orientation until the upper-class meal plan begins
- Opportunity to get to know some of your peers and faculty at SLU through working with the OL team, CAs and FYP faculty members.
- Super Sweet Swag! Each Orientation Leader is provided with multiple pieces clothing to wear during Orientation.
APPLY NOW TO BE AN ORIENTATION LEADER
Quotes from Past Orientation Leaders
"Being an Orientation Leader has been one of the greatest experiences I've had at St. Lawrence thus far. I was able to show my love for SLU as I helped students acclimate during the first week on campus. Not only did I form strong bonds with my fellow OL's, but I was also able to form connections with my entire first-year college. Because of this, instead of being just a role model or another upperclassmen, I became a friend to many of these students. My time as an OL has allowed me to build stronger leadership skills and I feel even more prepared working with others in group situations" ~ Mary Baucom'13
"The most important thing I have learned from being an OL is how to lead but also how to be lead by others as well. I have the responsibility to ease new students into the college experience and to be a leader to them, but as the days of orientation pass by, I have found that I had to step back and let these newest Laurentians lead themselves as they start their college careers" ~ Ryan Walsh '12