Application Deadline Extended to June 30
The deadline for OL applications HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO JUNE 30!
Apply today to join our passionate Orientation team of student leaders.
Mary Graydon Center, Room 328 on a map
Orientation 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 United StatesOrientation Leader info sessions will be held on Zoom on Tuesday, March 5, at 4 pm and Wednesday, March 6, at 6 pm.
Interested in welcoming new students to AU? Join the Office of New Student and Family Programs as an Orientation Leader!
Orientation Leaders (OLs) are responsible for welcoming and supporting incoming first-year students, transfer students and their families. The Orientation Team is responsible for leading a variety of sessions and activities within the New Student Orientation program during Welcome Week as well as Extended Orientation programming during the first several weeks of the semester.
Orientation Leaders play a critical role in shaping the first impression for our newest Eagles. OLs help to introduce new students to university resources, to explore our campus and city, and to get to meet other Eagles. OLs literally guide students to events, but also serve as guides and advisors as new students learn how to be successful members of the American University Community
In-person Onboarding (early April) and Leader Training and Event Prep
Orientation leaders begin training in the spring:
Orientation Program (August 19– 23)
Orientation Leaders play a critical role in supporting new student orientation events at the beginning of the academic year, including but not limited to:
Extended Orientation (Optional, additional work opportunity) (September – October)
Orientation Leaders support students through their initial transition to life at AU. Orientation Leaders plan and lead small group activities through on- and off-campus activities that help students get to know each other, our campus and our local DC community. Recent events have included sightseeing trips, local hikes, sporting events, and on-campus game or craft nights. OLs who sign up for these hours will be compensated additionally at an hourly rate of $17.50.
To be an Orientation Leader, you must meet and follow the requirements below:
· Be willing to accept a challenge and step out of your comfort zone
As a condition of employment, all Orientation Staff must be available for all required dates and programs. This requires a full-time commitment from August 12 – August 23.
Due to this commitment, OLs may not also serve as RAs (Resident Assistants).
Note: Earnings are taxable. Wages earned may impact your financial aid; please check with your financial aid officer prior to applying for the position.
Submission of Application Materials (due May 24)
All parts of the application must be completed and submitted by May 24 at 11:59pm. The application is considered complete once you submit all the following documents:
Interviews
If you are selected for an interview, we will invite you to sign up for a 30-minute interview slot with a panel of New Student and Family Programs staff and campus partners. Interviews are conducted online via Zoom.
For more questions about the Orientation Leader position or the application process, please contact New Student and Family Programs at (202) 885-3303 or orientation@american.edu.
Interested in planning Orientation activities and supporting students and families in their transition to AU? Join the Office of New Student and Family Programs as an Orientation Chair!
Orientation Chairs (OCs) are responsible for the efficient and effective implementation of all New Student and Family Programs projects and goals. Orientation Chairs are responsible for welcoming and supporting incoming first-year students, transfer students and their families. The Orientation Team is responsible for leading a variety of sessions and activities throughout the summer as well as during New Student Orientation/Welcome Week. This support continues with Extended Orientation programming during the first several weeks of the semester.
Being an OC requires a significant commitment and dedication to the work of supporting students and families in their transition to AU. There are 4-6 vacant positions. Please see below a list of possible projects and responsibilities for the OC position. Please note that with the changing nature of the orientation program and growth of the New Student and Family Programs office, there may be more project opportunities and responsibilities. Once hired, the responsibilities below will be divided and shared between OC positions.
Orientation Planning
Orientation Team Management
Pre-Orientation/Pre-Arrival Programming
In-person Leader Training (August 12 – August 16)
New Student Orientation
Orientation Chairs play a critical role in supporting new student orientation events at the beginning of the academic year, including but not limited to:
Extended Orientation (Optional, additional work opportunity) (September – October)
Orientation Chairs support students through their initial transition to life at AU. Orientation Chairs plan and execute small group activities through on- and off-campus activities that help students get to know each other, our campus and our local DC community. Recent events have included sightseeing trips, local hikes, sporting events, and on-campus game or craft nights. OCs who sign up for these hours will be compensated additionally at an hourly rate of $18.00.
All Chairs work together as members of the New Student and Family Programs staff. The qualifications, requirements and compensation are consistent for each position.
To be an Orientation Chair, you must meet and follow the requirements below:
Orientation Chairs must be able to:
Because of these commitments, OCs cannot be concurrently employed as a Residential Assistant (RA) or a Conference Staff while serving as an OC.
Submission of Application Materials (due April 8)
All parts of the application must be completed and submitted by April 8 at 11:59pm. The application is considered complete once you submit all the following documents:
NOTE: The application requires you to include short essay responses to two prompts. We encourage you to prepare your responses (200-300 words each) in a Word document in advance so you can upload your answers into the online application with your resume and cover letter. Here are the two prompts:
Interviews
If you are selected for an interview, we will invite you to sign up for a 30-minute interview slot with a panel of New Student and Family Programs staff and campus partners. Interviews are conducted online via Zoom.
Offers
Selected candidates will be invited to accept the Orientation Chair position via email by early April
For more questions about the Orientation Leader position or the application process, please contact New Student and Family Programs at (202) 885-3303 or orientation@american.edu.
Apply today to join our passionate Orientation team of student leaders.
Interested in becoming an OL? Learn more about the role and why you should apply to be a part of the community welcoming new students.
Orientation Leaders support incoming students during New Student Orientation as they get to know AU through events and activities.