Student Leadership Opportunities

Welcome to one of the most impactful student leadership opportunities at Goshen College.

The Office of Orientation, Transition, and Retention (OTR) assists with the orientation and transition of new students to Goshen College through events (Admitted Student Weekend, New Student Orientation, Welcome Week, and Welcome Weekend), and online resources (Online Orientation in Moodle). Orientation Leaders (OLs) play a pivotal role in this work and are part of the Student Success Team, which includes: OTR, the Academic Success Center, and the newly funded Title V grant: Conexiones.

Effective Orientation Leaders want to create a safe and welcoming space for all new students as they transition to Goshen College. They are creative and FUN and find fulfillment in creating social interactions that appeal to a diverse student body. They are natural problem-solvers, dependable, committed to the standards, and willing to step outside their comfort zone for others to feel a sense of belonging.

If this describes you, we invite you to apply to join our team for Fall 2025.

ORIENTATION LEADER APPLICATION

Orientation Leader (OL) Job Description

Position Summary

The Office of Orientation, Transition, and Retention (OTR) is seeking applicants for the Orientation Leader (OL) position for Fall 2025. Students who enjoy facilitating small groups, icebreakers, and discussions and creating a welcoming space for new students are ideal candidates. Primary responsibilities include leading an orientation group, fostering connections with new students and campus resources, and creating a FUN and engaging experience. OLs will work alongside a team of 20-24 other OLs under the supervision of the Director of Orientation, Transition, and Retention.

General Responsibilities

Provide Leadership for an Orientation Group

Attend the Spring Leadership Retreat in March with other campus student leaders.
Participate in a monthly OL training session beginning in March through August.
Arrive early at the beginning of the fall semester to participate in training and prepare for Orientation.
Expected to demonstrate support for the mission of Goshen of College and those of Orientation and the Student Success Team.
Be a role model in both your on-campus and off-campus behavior.

Foster a Sense of Community

Provide a trusting, caring, and inclusive environment for all Goshen College students.
Co-lead an orientation group of 15-16 new students. Assist with taking attendance, identifying missing students from your group, and providing outreach to those students.
Assist in the identification and referral of students to appropriate on-campus resources.

Implement Orientation Activities

Work with the Student Success Team to implement orientation. This includes setting up and tear-down spaces used for activities.
Help facilitate activities, including connection opportunities, small group discussions, and the annual trip to Merry Lea.
Participate in the assessment of the program via group debriefing sessions
Optional: Assist with New Student Orientation (NSO) during June and July.

Qualifications

Must be enrolled as a full-time student for the Fall 2025 semester
Effective oral and written communication skills
Willingness and ability to work with students from a variety of backgrounds
An ability to demonstrate sound judgment
A GPA of 2.50 or higher is strongly preferred

Compensation

This job is a non-paid volunteer position. Residential students move into their fall housing assignment early. Temporary on-campus housing is available for non-residential students (if space is available). Meals will be provided during training and orientation (students with a full meal plan – carte blanche – will swipe their card when board meals begin). OLs will also receive sweet GC swag, exclusive t-shirts, and the knowledge that you’re positively impacting the new student experience.

Application Process

Complete the application by Friday, January 24.
Request two references – one from a professor and one from a student leader (link to reference form included in the application).
Sign up for an individual interview at the Student Leadership Fair on Wednesday, January 15 (or emailed to you after January 15). Interviews will take place January 27 – February 7.
Attend the group interview (for new applicants only) on Tuesday, February 11, from 8:30 to 10 p.m.

Due to the time commitment involved the week before classes, RAs and fall student-athletes cannot serve as OLs.

Important Dates and Other Information