Pre-Orientation Leaders

Applications for 2025 Pre-Orientation Leaders are open from January 20 - February 16, 2025.

Thank you for your interest in being an Ignite Pre-Orientation Leader. Pre-Orientation Leaders (Pre-OLs) are selected to serve as small group leaders throughout the Ignite Pre-Orientation program. Pre-OLs 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 is a 5-day, optional interest-based pre-orientation program. Through both large and small group activities, first-year students set goals for the upcoming academic year, explore communities of Atlanta, and grow a sense of belonging at Emory through social opportunities and peer-to-peer mentorship.

In 2024, Ignite included seven tracks or focus areas in collaboration with departments across Emory University:
  • Ignite Intersections (hosted by Belonging & Community Justice)
  • Ignite Community Engagement (hosted by Civic & Community Engagement)
  • Ignite Innovation (hosted by The Hatchery)
  • Ignite Leadership (hosted by Student Involvement, Leadership, & Transitions)
  • Ignite Sustainability (hosted by the Office of Sustainability Initiatives)
  • Ignite Arts (hosted by Emory Arts)
  • Ignite Athletics (invite only; hosted by Emory Athletics) 

Students interested in applying as a Pre-Orientation Leader can apply to both Orientation and Pre-Orientation but must commit to only one.

We recognize that being a Pre-Orientation Leader is a large responsibility. Pre-Orientation 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.

Pre-Orientation Leader Position Description

Eligibility

To be considered for the Pre-Orientation Leader position, students must:

  • 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 for International Student Welcome or be an Orientation Leader in August 2025

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 Pre-Orientation ends
  • Participate in all required trainings from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mandatory Dates

If selected, Pre-Orientation Leaders must attend the following:

Sat, April 12 (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Pre-Orientation Leaders Spring Retreat

Wednesday, Aug. 20 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Ignite Pre-Orientation Leader Move In

Thursday, Aug. 14 - Sunday, Aug. 17 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Ignite Pre-Orientation Training

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

Monday, Aug. 18 - Friday, Aug. 22
Ignite Pre-Orientation

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

September (Dates TBD)
Participate in ECS 101 session on Campus Involvement

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

Frequently Asked Questions

After applications close, staff members will review applications and contact applicants via email with a status update. Applicants who will be moving forward will sign up to participate in a 30-minute individual interview. Applicants will be able to select a timeslot for their individual interview. Interviews will take place in-person, on campus unless a virtual interview is requested. More information on scheduling your interview and the deadline to sign up will be noted in a follow-up communication.

Absolutely! Being a Pre-Orientation Leader is a great way to either begin or continue your leadership development. Through this position you will have the opportunity to learn skills around facilitation, problem-solving, logistics support, and more!

Yes! The application is saved to your student account in The Hub, and you can revisit it up until the deadline date.

After reviewing the position description, if you have questions about the Pre-Orientation Leader position, please reach out to Carson Banks (carson.banks@emory.edu) or Kai Mitha (kmitha@emory.edu).