Responsibilities
The Orientation team plays a vital role in helping new students and families adjust to our campus community. Orientation Leaders (OLs) create a welcoming and informative environment and serve as a resource for new students and their families.
OLs will participate in Orientation Leader Training and assist with Summer Connection Day programs, as well as Orientation and Welcome programs that take place prior to the start of the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters.
All Orientation Leaders will:
- Participate in Orientation Leader Training between June 8th and June 20th, 2025.
- Welcome new students and family members to the University and guide them through the Orientation programs. Specific tasks are assigned to each OL per session.
- Conduct small group meetings, team builders, and tours for new students and/or family members.
- Serve as a source of information regarding academics, policies and procedures, campus services, activities, building locations, and all other aspects of life at UAlbany.
- Work collaboratively with their Orientation team members to perfect skills and successfully implement Orientation programs.
- Assist with administrative tasks during Orientation as delegated by professional staff.
In total, 20 Orientation Leaders will be hired and assigned one of the following specialties:
16 Group Leaders: Responsible for leading and mentoring new students during their Orientation Connection Day programs (including student group team builders and activities, leading walking tours, and presentations).
4 Family Leaders: Responsible for leading and participating in aspects of the Family Orientation program (including leading walking tours, receptions, and presentations).
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Orientation is committed to fostering an environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of our programs and activities. We aim to acknowledge, celebrate, and increase the diversity that is reflected on many levels of our campus, with respect to ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, religion, ability, age, socio economic means, veteran status, and life experiences. Diversity of individual backgrounds and points of view will be affirmed and respected. Discriminatory language or actions will not be tolerated.
Orientation creates a culture of respect by speaking out against injustices faced by marginalized groups. A culture of respect which aims to support each member of our campus community on their path to Connect, Explore, and Be a GREAT Great Dane.”
Qualifications
All Orientation Leaders:
- Possess a positive attitude and enthusiasm for UAlbany.
- Exhibit leadership potential, professional demeanor, strong work ethic, and willingness to accept responsibility.
- Display good teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrate respect for the diverse UAlbany community and exhibit a desire to work well with a diverse group of students, staff, faculty, administrators, new students, and new family members.
- Have a working knowledge of University resources.
Conditions of Employment
All Orientation Leaders must:
- Be matriculated University at Albany undergraduate students who are currently enrolled and will attend UAlbany in the Fall 2025 semester.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 at the University at Albany (preferred GPA is 2.75).
- Be in good conduct standing (no active conduct sanctions at the University).
- Be available to participate in all training sessions and orientation programs between June 8th and July 16th and between August 14th and 23rd.
- Be free of outside commitments to organizations, employers, and/or classes between June 8th and July 16th (unless given prior permission from professional staff).
- Be available to participate in Welcome Week Orientation programs (August 14th – 23rd).
Compensation
- Stipend of $2,500 for work from June 9th – July 14th
- On-campus housing for the duration of training and connection days
- Hourly pay for fall and spring Orientation programs
Notes
- Applicants who have previously served as an Orientation Leader are not required to participate in a Group Interview. Former Welcome Leaders are required to participate in a Group Interview.
- Returning Orientation Leaders are expected to serve as mentors and role models to new Orientation Leaders. Returners will therefore receive a stipend of $2,600.
- We are seeking one student that is fluent in Spanish to work as part of the Orientation Family Leader team and support Spanish-speaking family members. This Family Leader will receive a stipend of $2,600.
