Ignite Leaders

Thank you for your interest in being an Ignite Pre-Orientation Leader. Ignite Leaders (ILs) are selected to serve as small group leaders throughout the Ignite Leadership Pre-Orientation program. ILs facilitate engaging discussions and activities related to self-awareness, goal-setting, and interpersonal skills. In addition, these students foster meaningful mentoring relationships to incoming first-year students while helping them discover what it means to be a student at Emory.

Ignite Leadership is a 5-day, optional pre-orientation program. Through both large and small group activities, first-year students set goals for the upcoming academic year, explore Emory's campus, and grow a sense of belonging at Emory through social opportunities and peer-to-peer mentorship.

Previously, Ignite hosted multiple tracks for interest-based programming. This year we are streamlining our offerings and hosting only an Ignite Leadership program.  

We recognize that being an Ignite Leader is a large responsibility. Ignite Leaders are compensated up to $600 for their contributions during the Pre-Orientation experience.

Please take a moment to review the important information below including qualifications, responsibilities, and mandatory dates before beginning your application.

Ignite Leader Position Description

Eligibility

To be considered for the Ignite Leader position, students must:

• Be enrolled for Fall 2026
• Have completed 12 credit hours at Emory University by January 2026
• Not be studying abroad during Fall 2026
• Not be a new Goizueta Business School student attending the Business School Retreat during August Orientation
• Not be on academic or disciplinary probation as defined by the Emory University Honor Code and Undergraduate Code of Conduct
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of application and maintain a 3.0 throughout employment (circumstances such as a disability, which may have impacted GPA, will be considered on an individual basis)
• Not hold a student position in Residence Life (e.g. RA, SA, SRA, CA, or FA) or participate as a peer leader for International Student Welcome, SOAR, WISE, or FirstSTEM in August 2026

Responsibilities

• Facilitate small group activities, discussions, and team building activities
• Support in the setup, tear down, and staffing of evening social programs as needed
• Serve as a role model for new students and demonstrate an ability to work with a diverse group of people
• Represent Emory University with pride and actively promote campus activities, organizations, and resources
• Support track staff during group discussions and off-campus trips, as needed
• Communicate with and respond to small group members in a timely manner
• Provide ongoing mentorship to students, even after Ignite ends
• Participate in all required trainings from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mandatory Dates

Please note that these dates are tentative and will be confirmed upon acceptance to the program.

If selected, Ignite Leaders must attend the following:

Wednesday, Aug. 12 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Ignite Leader Move In

Thursday, Aug. 13 - Sunday, Aug. 18 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Ignite Training

• Please ensure that you are available the entire day and evening for training and Pre-Orientation preparation!

Monday, Aug. 17 - Friday, Aug. 21
Ignite Pre-Orientation

• You must be available from 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. for each day of the program.

Frequently Asked Questions