Orientation Leader
Position Title: Orientation Leader
Semester/Year: 2025 Summer/ Beginning of Fall Semester
Total Positions Available: 10
Supervisor: Kristen Tapscott
Pay rate: $650
Start Date: August 20, 2025
End Date: September 22, 2025
Other Information:
Compensation includes a $650 stipend for completing all training, orientation responsibilities, and continued support initiatives during the first 3 weeks of the semester. Ability to move into academic year on-campus housing prior to the start of O-Team training. All meals provided during training and Orientation.
Application Instructions
Review of applications will begin immediately. To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and application packet on the Campus Life website link- https://www.hws.edu/offices/campus-life/orientation-info.aspx. You may be contacted by the hiring supervisor for additional information.
Position Summary
The First Year Experience at HWS empowers all students to develop skills and habits that will enable them to engage in academic excellence, demonstrate personal well-being, and actively contribute to an equitable community.
During the first-year, student will engage their resources at the Colleges:
- Students will gain the ability to self-reflect about their motivations, behavior, strengths, and challenges, and use this reflection to plan for the future.
- Students will learn to appreciate and engage with difference and complexity in their communities.
- Students will establish a sense of belonging at HWS through connections with their cohort peers, upper-class mentors, staff, faculty and Geneva community members.
During the first-year, student will engage their resources at the Colleges:
- Students will be aware of the offices, services, and individuals on campus that are available to support them as they take action to realize their academic and personal goals.
- Students will engage in specific conversation with key offices and individuals on campus.
- Students will develop a list of their own resources on campus (that wok best for them and to whom they can refer when they do need assistant at a future time).
OVERVIEW:
Orientation Leaders work directly with Campus Life and campus collaborators to help new students, family and friends realize a smooth transition to the Hobart and William Smith community. OLs are responsible for specific aspects of the program such as social media, event planning, spirit, orientation central, community service, etc. O-Team members will facilitate new student outreach coordinated by Campus Life during the first 3 weeks of the semester. O-Team will assist with providing on-going support, encouragement, and resources to new students. Some examples include sending emails and text messages, bringing new students to Involvement Expo, meeting for a meal on campus, and attending a campus event together. This continued outreach helps to ensure a smooth transition to the academic year and campus life.
Responsibilities
- Arrive on-time and actively participate in all OL/OM trainings, meetings, & assigned duties
- Serve as a leader & role model for the Orientation Mentors
- Assist with all program planning & logistics as assigned to your leadership role
- Work cooperatively with the Orientation Leaders and Orientation Mentors
- Serve as a role model in terms of academic, social, & ethical behavior
- Ensure accurate information is disseminated properly to new students & families
- Encourage new students to attend all required activities during their first semester
- Attend meetings and facilitate activities assigned by the Campus Life staff
Qualifications
- 2.5 cumulative GPA or better and in good academic & social standing
- Strong record of reliability, honesty, & trust
- Campus leadership, student work-study/research or other campus experience preferred
- Knowledge of & commitment to the Orientation Program goals
- Positive attitude & demonstrated ability to motivate others
- Strong interpersonal & communication skills
- Ability to work effectively with diverse team members, including students & administrators
- Demonstrate flexibility, responsibility, & willingness to assist others