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). 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 2024.
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 2024. 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 Student Leader 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 Welcome Week/Weekend.
- 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 in implementing Welcome Week/Weekend. This includes set-up and tear-down of spaces used for activities.
- Help facilitate activities, including icebreakers, 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 2024 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 for training and Welcome Week. Meals will be provided from August 15 through August 25 (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 OL application by February 9.
- You will receive information regarding the interview process after submitting your application. Interviews will take place February 13-21.
Due to the time commitment involved the week before classes, RAs and fall student-athletes cannot serve as OLs.
Important Dates and Other Information
January 26 | Applications open
February 11 | Applications due
February 13-21 | Orientation Leader interviews
March 1 | Confirmations emailed
March 22-23 | Student Leader Retreat
August 15* | Return to campus for training (required)
August 17* | Welcome Week begins (required) – runs through August 25
August 22 | Welcome Weekend begins (required) – runs through August 25
* – Dates for Welcome Week are being finalized. Confirmation of a start date (which impacts training) will be available in mid-March.