Orientation Leaders

Thank you for your interest in the Orientation Leader position. This year we are looking for hardworking, humble, and enthusiastic undergraduate students to help guide new students through their transition to Emory University.

Orientation Leaders serve as University liaisons to all new students and families and represent Emory during an intensive, week-long orientation session held the week prior to the start of classes.

The Orientation experience is a collaboration between Emory College of Arts and Sciences and Emory Campus Life to prepare students for their future in the Emory University learning community. This year we are offering two positions, one for new students and one for transfer students. Undergraduate students are eligible to apply both as a first year and transfer orientation leader within the same application. Students interested in applying as a Pre-Orientation Leader can apply to both, but must commit to only one.

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

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

OL Application Dates

Monday, January 20 
Orientation Leader Applications Open 

Sunday, February 16 (5 p.m.) 
Orientation Leader Applications Close 

Tuesday, February 25 
Notifications of Application Decision or Interview Invitation Sent 

Friday, February 28 (4 p.m.) 
Final Date to Sign Up for Orientation Leader Interview 

Tuesday, March 4 - Thursday, March 6 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) 
Orientation Leader Interviews 

Wednesday, Match 19 
Notifications of Final Decision Sent 

Saturday, April 12 
Mandatory OL Retreat 

Orientation Leader Position Description

Qualifications

• Be enrolled for Fall 2025 
• Have completed 12 credit hours at Emory University by January 2025 
• Not be studying abroad during Fall 2025 
• 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 (as an RA, SA, SRA, CA, or FA) or participate as a peer leader forthe International Student Welcome or any Pre-Orientation Program (i.e. SOAR, Ignite, STEM, WISE, etc.) in August 2025 

Responsibilities

• Serve as a role model for new students and demonstrate the ability to work with a diverse group of people 
• Represent Emory University with pride and actively promote campus activities, organizations, and resources 
• Assist incoming students and their families as they move into their residence halls 
• Attend assigned Orientation events and activities with new students 
• Communicate with and respond to small group members to provide support before, during, and after Orientation 
• Lead various small group discussions related to academics, new student challenges, and finding community 
• Engage in social events to build relationships and to help facilitate connections among new students 
• Provide guidance on the academic experience 
• Hold 1:1 or group conversations with new students over the summer via phone or Zoom 
• Contribute to summer Orientation initiatives by participating in social media campaigns, serving on panels, or communicating with new students 
• Attend all mandatory dates as outlined below 
• Other duties as assigned 

Mandatory Dates

Sat, April 12 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) 
Orientation Leader Spring Retreat 

Late July – Early August 
One-on-One Zoom Meetings with New Students 

Fri, Aug 15 
Orientation Leader Move-In 

Sat, Aug 16 – Fri, Aug 22 
Orientation Leader Training 

• Saturday training will begin at 8AM! Please ensure that you are available the entire day and evening for training and Orientation preparation. 

Sat, Aug 23 – Sat, Aug 30 
Orientation Week 

• You will be required to work events during this entire week, even after classes begin. After classes begin on Wed, Aug 27, responsibilities will typically be limited to evening hours 

Sept

Participate in ECS 101 Session on Campus Involvement 

• You will be able to select a session that aligns with your course schedule

Additional Information for Returning and Transfer OL Applicants

Returning Orientation Leader

In addition to the responsibilities of all Orientation Leaders (listed above) returning OLs will be expected to:

• Serve as a resource and additional point of contact for new Orientation Leaders, broadly.
• Serve as an assigned Peer Mentor to a group of first-time Orientation Leaders.
• Provide increased logistical support for Orientation programming (i.e. expectations of volunteering for additional shifts, programs, etc.)
• Provide increased support for all Orientation Coordinators. This includes:
  • Providing additional tips and mentorship to Orientation Coordinator training group when asked.
  • Serving as an example for facilitation training or other activities when asked.
  • Being a resource and mentor to other OLs when Orientation Coordinators are unavailable or when asked.

Transfer Orientation Leader

The Orientation Leader team is made up of OLs serving either the First-Year Student or Transfer Student populations. All OLs receive almost identical training, yet deviate when necessary, to ensure students are prepared to provide an exceptional level of support for our incoming classes.

Students are eligible to apply both as a first year and transfer orientation leader within the same application.

Frequently Asked Questions