Orientation Leaders are American University students who assist the New Student Programs Coordinators (NSPCs) in the implementation of orientation programs for all new students at American. They work closely with the NSPCs and serve as leaders for a designated group of new students at each orientation program and during Welcome Weeks.

Orientation Leaders are responsible for:

• Serving as a role model to first year students
• Providing first year students with a general introduction to the university and its functions
• Leading discussions around topics such as diversity, alcohol, and safety
• Providing encouragement and support to first year students
• Encouraging group interaction
• Informing new students about the registration process
• Ensuring student attendance at all orientation events

Characteristics desired of all Orientation Leaders:

• Demonstrated leadership skills, initiative, motivation, and professionalism
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment
• The ability to adapt to new situations
• Proven troubleshooting and problem solving skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations
• Enthusiasm and a positive attitude
• Pride in AU!

Qualifications:

• All applicants must be in good academic standing and have a minimum GPA of 2.85
• Applicants must be in good judicial standing
• Must attend one information session (see below for dates)
• Must attend and participate in all training programs
• Must be available for all orientation sessions and Welcome Week events

Quotes from previous Orientation Leaders:

"The Orientation Leader position is one of the most rewarding, but challenging, opportunities on campus. Our staff was like a family and we were truly blessed with the opportunity to prepare new students for the college life by sharing our personal experiences. Over the
summer, you meet individuals who are instrumental at AU and gain facilitation and mediation skills in addition to knowledge about the university. I loved being an Orientation Leader because of the impact we as a group made on the incoming students and the bonds that we formed with each other. Becoming an Orientation Leader was definitely one of the best decisions I made in college."

~Alicia Arnold, 2007 OL

"Being an Orientation Leader was an incredibly rewarding experience. Working with the new students made me feel like I was really making a difference and also allowed me to reflect on my own experiences as a first-year student."

"My favorite part of being an Orientation Leader was becoming more connected to the AU community because of all the things you learn about the university and all the people on campus that you meet over the summer."

~Katie Young, 2005 OL