Orientation Leaders are responsible for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for approximately 6,900 new first-year students and 1,200 new transfer students during New Student Orientation and Welcome Week. Both programs focus on providing a quality transitional experience for new students and their families. These experiences allow for Orientation Leaders to further develop leadership skills and have a large impact on the incoming class’ experience at the University of Minnesota. 

For Orientation Leader inquiries, please contact Orientation & Transition Experiences at [email protected].

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Responsibilities

Orientation Leaders support the logistics and overall implementation of New Student Orientation. Supporting the facilitation of over 24 in-person sessions, Orientation leaders work to support the program and welcome new students and family members to the university. 

This position reports directly to the Assistant Director, Orientation & Student Leadership and works with the entirety of the Orientation & Transition Experiences Professional Staff. 

Position responsibilities:

  • Register and complete OUE 3311: Leadership Development for University Student Leaders which is a one-credit, B-Term course meeting on Wednesdays from 4 - 6 p.m.
  • Staff 30 Orientation sessions for first years (2-day) and transfers (1-day) dates, which includes:
  • Positively representing the university throughout the entirety of Orientation programs.
  • Engaging in an appropriate manner with new students and families for each Orientation day.
  • Conducting campus and residence hall tours for new students and families, typically requiring walking/navigating across campus.
  • Lifting up to 25 pounds, with accommodations provided as necessary.
  • Presenting to both large and small audiences of new students and families, requiring a comfortability with public speaking (training will be provided).
  • Facilitating small group activities, including ice breakers and discussions.
  • Safely guiding new students and families to various locations throughout the day primarily outside in the elements.
  • Being able to follow and abide by a comprehensive schedule for Orientation programming.
  • Partake in the summer (3 day) overnight retreat and (2 week) training.
  • Housing in a University of Minnesota residence hall is provided during summer orientation sessions through May-July. Orientation Leaders are expected to live in the residence hall each day/night during programs, including Sunday nights. Religious exemptions and requests can be honored. 
  • Provide programmatic support to the Welcome Week Program, including training prior to Welcome Week and facilitating the entirety of Welcome Week.

Position Qualifications

Position Qualifications: 

  • Cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher to be maintained throughout employment and reviewed each semester of employment.
  • Enrolled full time (13 credits) as a student through Fall 2026 semester.
  • Not planning to study abroad before September 8, 2026 and will not graduate prior to December 2026.
  • No other on-campus employment exceeding 5 hours a week between May 18 and July 24.
  • Not planning to enroll in-person or synchronous summer courses in 2026.
  • Must reside in the United States during term of employment.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Position Qualifications: 

  • Prior presentation experience
  • Not enrolled in classes past 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday nights during the Spring semester during the OL class.
  • Strong organizational, administrative, customer service, and leadership skills including the ability to effectively communicate
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while delivering high-quality work along a specific set of deadlines
  • Ability to communicate effectively within a team and with supervisors 
  • Self-motivated and possesses a desire to work in a flexible team and focused atmosphere

 

Important Dates

2026 Important Dates: 

  • Monday, February 2, Noon Application Deadline

  • Wednesday - Thursday, February 5-13 Interviews

  • Thursday, February 19 Job Offer Notification

  • Wednesdays, March 18-April 29 OUE 3311 Class 

  • Saturday - Sunday, March 21 - March 22  On-Campus Retreat

  • Monday, May 18 - Wednesday June 3 Move-In + Off-Campus Retreat + Training 

  • Thursday, June 4 - Friday July 17*  Orientation Programming 

*specific session dates are to be announced 

  • Saturday, July 25  Move-out 

  • Thursday, August 27 Welcome Week Training

  • Sunday, August 30 - Monday, September 7 Welcome Week 2026

Timeline:

March - April 2026

  • First OUE3311 class on Wednesday, March 18 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Attend an on-campus one day retreat. 
  • Weekly Wednesday classes for OUE3311 from March 18 to April 29 from 4 - 6 p.m.

May 2026 - July 2026 (minimum 30 hours/week paid) *DATES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

  • Orientation Leader Overnight Retreat following finals 
  • Orientation Leader summer training from following May prior to June start date 
  • Orientation dates are from June to late July of 2026; various shifts as early as 7 a.m. and as late as 11 p.m.

August/September 2026 (30-35 hours paid) *Dates and times are subject to change

  • Facilitate Orientations on August 26, August 27, and August 31, 2026
  • Provide programmatic support to the Welcome Week Program, including training prior to Welcome Week and facilitating the entirety of Welcome Week from August 30 to September 6, 2026

Compensation

Orientation Leaders will be paid an hourly wage of $15.25. This position will work minimally 30 hours per week (with holiday week and special summer olympics as exceptions) and may work up to 39 hours per week, but is not eligible for overtime. 

Orientation leaders are provided housing in Comstock Hall as well as a meal plan during programming from May 18 - July 25, 2026. Housing and the meal plan are valued at over $3500. 

 

Application

Applications are currently closed for this position.