Orientation Assistants

Description

Each year Orientation & Transition Programs (OTP) selects three mature and dedicated undergraduate leaders to assist with implementing University orientation programs throughout the year. The Orientation Assistant, Leadership Assistant and Family Assistant build upon the knowledge and skills they gained as SOAR leaders to further advance their leadership and professional development.
 
They collaborate with OTP professional staff to ensure SOAR sessions are aligned to OTP’s mission, achieve program goals, and operate effectively and efficiently. They serve as both mentors and supervisors to SOAR leaders; they must be strong role models who are focused on SOAR leaders’ development both individually and as a team.

The Orientation Assistant, Leadership Assistant and Family Assistant work together to oversee many aspects of the SOAR program. They contribute ideas and energy to the development of orientation programs, assist with logistics involved with planning and implementing orientation programs, supervise and encourage the work of SOAR leaders, and manage day-to-day activities during SOAR sessions.
 
In addition, they contribute to the completion of the following specific tasks:

  • Assist professional staff in coordinating logistics of the SOAR program, such as reserving spaces, obtaining supplies, planning processes, etc.
  • Assist in creating and implementing recruitment and selection plans for new SOAR leaders, which includes informational sessions and SOAR Carousel
  • Provide suggestions for curriculum for IDS 280: Student & Life Leadership, as well as plan and lead select class sessions
  • Assist professional staff in developing and implementing training activities
  • Other duties as assigned by OTP professional staff

Qualifications

Eligible candidates must:

  • Exhibit commitment to the mission of Orientation & Transition Programs
  • Possess the following personal qualities: organized, dedicated, self-directed, hardworking, patient, confident, and willing to learn
  • Exhibit strong writing, public speaking, group facilitation, and problem-solving skills
  • Exhibit the ability to appropriately manage conflict
  • Exhibit the ability to provide and receive constructive feedback
  • Exhibit the ability to effectively serve as a peer mentor
  • Exhibit the ability to work effectively with a partner and a diverse group of team members
  • Possess general office skills (i.e., answering phones, emails, filing, filling out forms, etc.)
  • Possess and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher throughout employment and be in good standing with the University

Commitments and Responsibilities

General Responsibilities

Orientation Assistants are expected to:

  • Contribute 10 - 15 office hours per week during Fall and Spring semesters
  • Complete office duties including answering phones, making copies, and assisting with various projects as necessary
  • Attend and contribute to the regular OTP staff meetings throughout Fall and Spring semesters (usually held weekly)
  • Schedule and lead monthly meetings with leadership team to share information, guide program development, and ensure regular progress is made toward goals
  • Assist with phone/Zoom interviews for NODA Intern recruitment and selection

SOAR Leader Recruitment

  • Assist with presenting SOAR Leader Information Sessions (mid-October)
  • Assist with planning and facilitation of SOAR Carousel (early November), including second-round individual interviews (mid-November)
  • Plan and facilitate New SOAR Leader Welcome event (early December)

IDS 280: Student & Life Leadership

  • Attend a minimum of one IDS 280 class session per week (Monday/Wednesday, 4:00-5:00 PM)
  • Serve as a teaching assistant and plan/lead select class sessions
  • Facilitate group discussions, community builders, and other training activities

Staff Training

  • Assist with professional staff in the planning and execution of Orientation Team Staff Training (late May - early June)

Other OTP Events

  • Assist with execution of Family Weekend (usually September)
  • Assist with execution of Spring Family Day (late March - April)
  • Assist with the execution of select University events, at the direction of the Director