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Orientation Programs
Time Type:
Part time
The office of New Student and Family Programs is seeking dedicated undergraduate leaders to serve as Orientation Leaders for the 2024 Orientation program.
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.
Roles and Responsibilities:
In-person Onboarding (early April) and Leader Training and Event Prep
Attend in-person onboarding and teambuilding in early April.
Actively participate in all OL training (August 12 – 16). Schedule to follow.
Participate in pre-arrival in-person orientation activities and functions, including preparing materials, working with campus partners, supporting affinity programming, assisting with move-in, engaging in family/guest programming and providing logistical supports. (August 17-18, in shifts).
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:
Serve as a guide and point of contact for students throughout the Orientation program
Facilitate group activities, such as icebreakers, campus tours, peer panels and Q&A sessions
Assist with implementation of campus partner content sessions, DC area excursions and peer-led evening activities
Foster a sense of belonging through active engagement with affinity programming, campus dialogues and cohort programming
NOTE: This role may involve direct support for Empower AU sessions. If so, appropriate training will be provided during OL training week.
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:
Must be enrolled as an undergraduate student at American University having completed at least 24 credits.
Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75.
Be in good judicial and academic standing with the university .
Demonstrate a sincere interest in helping new students and their families/supporters to feel welcomed and supported in their transition to American University.
Be willing to support activities and programs related to diversity, inclusion, sexual consent and community standards. Training and guidance provided.
Work well with others and communicate effectively.
Demonstrate patience, flexibility, strong organizational skills, and a willingness to learn.
Possess a strong sense of responsibility to manage multiple tasks with little supervision.
Display public relation skills and maturity of judgment as an ambassador of AU.
Must exhibit cultural competency and knowledge in topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Be willing to accept a challenge and step out of your comfort zone.
Time Commitment & Compensation:
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).
Mandatory in-person/on-campus training: August 12 – 16 will require a full-time commitment. This may involve some evening and/or weekend shifts.
Move-in and Orientation: August 18 – 23 will require a full-time commitment. This will include evening commitments.
Compensation: Orientation Leaders earn up to $1500 for work between August 18 – August 23.
Optional - Extended Orientation: OLs will be offered additional hours (with additional compensation) to support evening and weekend programming throughout the first 6-8 weeks of the semester. Details TBA. Compensation for extended orientation is $17.50 per hour.
Note: Earnings are taxable. Wages earned may impact your financial aid; please check with your financial aid officer prior to applying for the position.
Compensation Range:
Orientation Leader Application Process:
Submission of Application Materials:
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 when you upload your resume. Here are the two prompts:
The Orientation team works with three distinct populations: first-year students, transfer students, and families. During orientation, what do you anticipate are similar needs across all populations? What needs do you think are different or unique for each population and why?
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.
Selected candidates will be invited to accept the Orientation Leader position via email by April 5th.
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.
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Other Details
This position is available only to enrolled American University students.
Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American University is an
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Current American University Employees
American University current employees (including those employed in student positions) must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email
theworkline@american.edu
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American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.