Become an Orientation Leader

Become and Orientation Leader - Decorative Banner

Join our Team

Thank you for expressing interest in joining our Orientation Team! This is a wonderful opportunity for current students to share their experiences and guidance with our incoming students and their families. You have the chance to enhance your resume, work with a team of student leaders, and develop strong leadership and communication skills. Most importantly, you will become a memorable resource for our incoming GOLDEN RAM FAMILY!

Here are our position descriptions and responsibilities. Note, that these are general responsibilities and not all-encompassing:

What is an Orientation Leader (OL)?
- Orientation Leaders are undergraduate students responsible for welcoming and orienting incoming students, families, and guests to West Chester University during all New Student Orientation programs offered for incoming students.
  ORientation Leader
  Job DESCRIPTION Apply to be an
  Orientation Leader
What is a Returning Orientation Leader (ROL)?
- Returning Orientation Leaders (ROLs) are undergraduate, returning students responsible for welcoming and orienting incoming students, families, and guests to West Chester University during all New Student Orientation programs offered for incoming students. They also play a key role in mentoring new orientation leaders and leading presentations.
  Returning Orientation Leader
  Job Description Apply to be a
  Returning Orientation Leader
What is a Spanish Interpreter?
- Orientation Student Interpreters are a part of a team responsible for welcoming and offering language support to Spanish speaking families and guests at West Chester University during orientation programs offered for first year students, transfer students, and adult learner students. This position is an exciting opportunity to receive practical experience in the field of Languages and Cultures, while also building valuable leadership skills working on a larger team.
  Spanish Interpreter
  Job Description Apply to be a
  Spanish Interpreter

Orientation Leaders decorative photo

Orientation Leaders decorative photo of students

Rammy on stage at orientation

Orientation Leaders decorative photo taking a tour

Orientation Leaders decorative photo. Leaders sittin at sign up table

Student group tour

Orientation Leader Hiring Process

(specific dates will be updated at a later time)

Applications open early October for all undergraduate positions
The deadline for applications is early November
There is one interview that new OLs have to complete before potentially being offered the position

Orientation Leader Commitments and Expectations

Orientation leaders will be paid $11.00 per hour.
On-campus housing during the weeks of June/July orientation and training (optional).
Early move-in opportunity for those living on campus in Fall 2025 for working Transfer Orientation and Welcome Week events.
Meal swipes into the Commons Dining Hall for weeks of working orientation sessions, training, and Welcome Week.
New Student Programs branded polo, rain jacket, backpack, and other spirit gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What characteristics are you looking for in an Orientation Leader?

You don’t have to be highly extroverted or super outgoing-- We look for someone who is excited about welcoming new Golden Rams to the WCU community! We look for Orientation Leaders who are willing to help others and connect with new people.

Do I need to have a certain major, previous work experience, or be involved in organizations on campus?

We welcome anyone to apply regardless of their past work experience, current major, or other involvement at WCU! Part of what makes our team so special is that every Orientation Leader is unique and can speak to their own experiences on campus.

Is this a summer job?

Yes! You are expected to work June-August. In the spring and fall, during the academic year, we do not mandate any work commitments. However, smaller opportunities may appear during the academic year.

Will meals be provided?

Yes! You will receive a meal card for the summer that you can use for 3 meal swipes in the Commons Dining Hall, even on weekends!

Can I bring a car with me over the summer?

Yes! During the summer, all student lots are available for you to park in for free. We recommend keeping your car in K Lot, behind Sykes Student Union.

Can I work another job or take classes during the orientation season?

Orientation leaders cannot miss more than 2 days total out of the entire summer (including training). Past orientation leaders have worked weekend jobs and taken fully online courses. After training you will have one or two days off per week when you may also work a second job or do whatever you’d like.

I am an RA, can I still be an orientation leader?

Yes! We have had RAs be orientation leaders and orientation leaders become RAs.

How many hours will I work per week?

Orientation leaders tend to work 40 hours a week (4 days a week) during orientation.

What can I wear?

On training days, you can wear casual clothes - think what you wear to class. However, please don’t wear apparel promoting other universities or with inappropriate words or images on it (drug/alcohol use, etc.).
On Orientation Days, you will wear your OL polo, name tag, and work-appropriate pants (no athletic wear, pajamas, leggings, etc.). Sneakers are highly suggested, closed-toed shoes are a must-- No crocs, flip-flops, or slides.

New Student Orientation