Join the Orientation Leader Team!

2023 OL Retreat

Student Leaders Wanted for Orientation!

Each year, hundreds of students apply to represent the San Jose State University as an Orientation Leader (OL). A summer on our team is a unique experience to foster leadership skills while supporting new Spartans and helping them find their place at SJSU.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Orientation Leaders (OLs) cannot serve as Resident Advisors (RAs) due to overlapping time commitments. Orientation Leaders (OLs) must be available beginning in the Spring through the end of the Fall.

Orientation Leader applications open September 4th!

Applications for the 2024 Orientation Leader team will open on September 4th at 8 a.m. and close September 25th at 11:59 p.m. Read below for information on the team and how to apply. Make sure to review our application packet [pdf] for full details about the position prior to submitting an online application!

Apply to be an Orientation Leader!

Learning Outcomes
- As a result of being an Orientation Leader, students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of transitional challenges as it relates to the new student experience (homesickness, transfer shock, academic and social acclimation)
  2. Display a comprehensive understanding of student services and campus resources designed to support new students and their families in their transition to SJSU
  3. Develop positive relationships with new students, parents and family members, faculty and staff in order to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all orientation participants
  4. Employ problem solving and conflict management techniques in a professional manner upon supporting various programmatic pieces of the orientation program
  5. Gain an appreciation of SJSU’s unique history, institutional culture, and traditions while portraying authentic campus spirit to all orientation participants
Responsibilities
- 1. Dedicate time and energy into the learning, growth, self-discovery, and development of new students
  2. Communicate effectively and regularly on an individual and group basis with student and professional orientation staff as well as campus partners during the academic year and summer
  3. Participate in mentorship meetings and activities with Leadership Team members
  4. Work ALL orientation sessions (Dates and specific duties TBD):
  5. Be available for all orientation sessions hosted during the summer of 2024 (Dates TBD)
  6. Serve as a small group leader during orientation sessions for first-year and transfer students throughout the summer
  7. Work individually and in teams to provide administrative and operational support during orientation sessions
  8. Assist students in planning their first-semester schedule and disseminating accurate information regarding class scheduling and course registration during academic advising sessions
  9. Articulate knowledge of campus resources and programs to new students and family members
  10. Be a reliable, punctual, energetic, responsible, flexible, collaborative, and caring team member
  11. Be highly motivated, dependable, and sincere in representing San Jose State University, the New Student and Family Programs Office, and the Spartan community
  12. Participate and support various campus events and initiatives as requested by orientation, the Division of Student Affairs, and wider SJSU campus departments (Admitted Spartan Day, etc.)
  13. Required to continue as a Spartan Village House Leader in Fall 2024 Semester
  14. Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications and Expectations
- 1. Be in good academic standing and have a minimum SJSU cumulative GPA of 2.5
  2. I must be in good standing with the university at the point of application. Issues of probation will be discussed as they arise with consideration for the individual staff member and impact of the team.
  3. Maintain good academic and disciplinary standing from time of application until Fall 2024
  4. Be a current SJSU student and have passed at least 12 semester units at SJSU prior to Spring 2024
  5. Complete the mandatory 3-unit UNVS 199 course during the Spring 2024 semester (Tuesdays, 4:30 - 7:15 pm) beginning Tuesday, January 30, 2024
  6. Can NOT enroll in more than 18 units (including the UNVS 199 class) in Spring 2024
  7. Will return to SJSU as a student in the Fall 2024 semester
  8. Be reliable, punctual, responsible, flexible, a team player, and demonstrate strong communication skills
  9. Attend and participate in all orientation team trainings and required events (e.g., January 2024 training, OL Retreat in January 2024, Admitted Spartan Day in April 2024, Orientation Leader Final Training and orientation session days in Summer 2024)
  10. Can NOT work another on campus job during the Summer 2024
  11. Can NOT be enrolled in summer session classes at SJSU (on campus or online)
Time Commitment
- To ensure you are available for the entire Orientation Leader commitment from now until Fall 2024, please note the following tentative program dates and keep them available:
  1. UNVS 199 (Orientation Leadership Studies) 3-Unit Course: Every Tuesday of Spring 2024 semester, 4:30pm-7:15pm beginning Tuesday, January 30, 2024
  2. Spring Orientation Leader Training: Tuesday, January 9 – Thursday, January 11, 2024 (9am-5pm)
  3. Spring Frosh + Transfer Orientation: Friday, January 12, 2024 & Wednesday, January 17, 2024 (6am-6pm)
  4. Orientation Leader Retreat: Friday, January 19 - Sunday, January 21, 2024 (1 weekend)
  5. Admitted Spartan Day: April 2024 (Typically the first Saturday of April)
  6. Orientation Leader Final Training: Summer 2024 (Typically the first week of June)
  7. Orientation Sessions: Summer 2024 (exact dates and modality TBA) **Please note that, if our orientation program is hosted in person, this is tentatively a summer live-on campus position and all staff are required to be on campus by 8pm before every Orientation Session and be present during all Orientation Sessions.
  8. Orientation Leader Final Banquet: End of Summer 2024 (Exact date TBA)
  9. New Student Convocation: August 2024 (Typically the middle of August)
  10. Spartan Village House Leader Training: August 2024 (Typically the middle of August)
  11. Parent and Family Weekend: September 2024 (Typically the end of September)
Compensation and Benefits
- Benefits of being an Orientation Leader include:
  1. Paid $17/hour during the summer.
  2. On-campus housing provided during the summer.
  3. University gear, including but not limited to Orientation staff polos, name tags and t-shirts.
  4. 3-units of elective credit for completing UNVS 199: Orientation Leadership Studies course in Spring 2024 semester
  5. Priority registration for the Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 semesters
  6. Meals provided during Trainings and Orientation Sessions.
  7. Membership to the Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center (SRAC) during the summer.
  8. Professional development by way of mentorship, trainings and hands-on experiences.
  9. Networking opportunities with university staff and fellow student leaders.

Attend an Information Session: Learn More About the Position and the Selection Process!

Information sessions are offered in the Fall semester to give applicants unfamiliar with the orientation program a chance to learn more about the Orientation Leader position and prepare for the Group Interview Workshop. At this time, applicants can interact with professional and student staff from the orientation program to get questions answered and learn about the many enticing benefits that come with being an Orientation Leader.

RSVP for OL Info Session

Date	Time	Location
Thursday, September 7, 2023	11:00am - 12:00pm	Zoom (https://sjsu.zoom.us/j/87523691267)
Tuesday, September 12, 2023	10:00am - 11:00am	Student Union Meeting Room 1A
Thursday, September 21, 2023	3:00pm - 4:00pm	Student Union Meeting Room 2A

Application Process

All new applicants are required to complete the online application. Selected applicants based on the online applications will be invited to attend a large group interview in which applicants will be evaluated on a series of skills we look for in an Orientation Leader. Selected applicants from the workshop will be invited to individual interviews.

Date	Time	What
Monday, September 4, 2023	5:00 PM	Orientation Leader Application Available: tinyurl.com/2024SJSUOrientationLeaderApp
Thursday, September 7, 2023	11:00 AM - 12:00 PM	Orientation Leader Informational Session #1 (Virtual) Location: Zoom: https://sjsu.zoom.us/j/87523691267 RSVP Here!
Tuesday, September 12, 2023	10:00 AM - 11:00 AM	Orientation Leader Informational Session #2 (In-Person) Location: Student Union - Meeting Room 1A RSVP Here!
Thursday, September 21, 2023	3:00 PM - 4:00 PM	Orientation Leader Informational Session #3 (In-Person) Location: Student Union - Meeting Room 2A RSVP Here!
Monday, September 25, 2023	By 11:59 PM	Orientation Leader Online Application Due tinyurl.com/2024SJSUOrientationLeaderApp (mandatory for all applicants)
Wednesday, September 27, 2023	By 5:00 PM	ALL applicants will receive an email stating whether or not they will move on to the Group Interview Workshop.
Friday, September 29, 2023	9:00 am – 1:00 pm OR 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm	Orientation Leader Group Interview Workshop (INVITE ONLY) [mandatory for all applicants who are extended an invite]
Sunday, October 1, 2023	By 5:00 PM	ALL applicants will receive an email stating whether or not they will move on to the Individual Interview Process.
Monday, October 2, 2023 – Friday, October 6, 2023	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Orientation Leader Individual Interviews (INVITE ONLY) (mandatory for all applicants who are extended an invite)
Wednesday, October 11, 2023	By 5:00 PM	Orientation Leader Offers Extended (once student conduct records & grades are cleared)
Thursday, October 19, 2023	By 5:00 PM	Orientation Leader Deadline to Accept Offer
Friday, October 27, 2023	By 5:00 PM	Orientation Leader Mid-Semester Grade Checks Due
Friday, December 1, 2023	12:00 PM - 3:00 PM	First Orientation Leader Mandatory Wrap Up Selection Process Meeting

Preparing to be an Orientation Leader

Through all training opportunities described below, Orientation Leaders will gain substantial knowledge about the university, campus resources and community expectations. Trainings also give Orientation Leaders the opportunity to bond with their fellow teammates and build deeper connections prior to the start of Summer Orientation.

Orientation Leader Staff Retreat
- Our 3 day, 2 overnight staff retreat is typically held the last weekend of January and provides the first opportunity for all Orientation staff to come together and get to know one another, set expectations for their experience, and build a foundation for being a team for the following nine months and beyond.
UNVS 199 Class: Orientation Leadership Studies
- In the Spring semester, all new Orientation Leaders are required to enroll in this 3-unit, academic course. This class is designed to prepare undergraduate students who have been selected to serve as Orientation Leaders to be effective ambassadors and peer leaders at San José State University. Through lectures, videos, readings, papers, discussions, group projects, and participation in various university programs and events, students will learn the theoretical and practical aspects of student leadership. Students will also be provided training opportunities in university policies and procedures and other skill building areas pertinent to their role as Orientation Leaders. Developing a thorough working knowledge of the resources and services available to new students and their families will prepare students in the course to not only successfully orient and transition incoming students and their families, but also familiarize themselves with these same resources and services available to them as current students on campus.
Orientation Leader Final Training
- Final Training is one week and will take place sometime in late-May/ early-June, before the first Orientation session. Attending and being present at all components of Final Training is mandatory.
Summer Orientation Programs
- All orientation staff must be available for all orientation sessions during the summer. This includes living in on-campus housing and being available from 8:00 PM the evening before each session through 8:00 PM on the day of each session.