Orientation Leader
Calling all undergraduate student-leaders! Apply to be an Orientation Leader!
The Orientation Leader (OL) position exists within New Student Programs to welcome and acclimate new students to the campus during New Student Orientation, Transfer & Adult Student Orientation, Panther Academic Welcome, Transfer & Adult Student Welcome and other programs. OLs play an essential role in helping facilitate the transition of new students and their families to UWM by providing information about University programs and services, making connections, and building relationships Through a variety of experiences and opportunities, OLs have the power to make a positive and lasting difference in the UWM community and develop great leadership and résumé-building skills in the process.
Orientation Leader Responsibilities
- Welcome and support new students and their families during Orientation and Transition programs (see date range below)
- Lead small groups of new students during Orientation by implementing appropriate content, sharing personal experiences or stories, and promoting interaction by facilitating icebreakers and group discussions on college transition-related concerns and opportunities
- Support Academic Advising staff through School/College meetings to assist students through the course enrollment process, utilizing the PAWS registration system
- Engage with diverse and energetic team of student leaders respectfully, modeling strong community standards and values.
- Provide Information to students and families on the Dean of Students Office, University Police and Safety, and the Student Health and Wellness Center
- Use problem solving skills in a fast paced and exciting environment
- Facilitate evening activities to help students develop social connections
- Assist in the preparation of Orientation activities and materials
- Participate in 1:1 meetings with Student Coordinator supervisor, bi-weekly team meetings, and weekly staff meetings during summer months
- Engage in reflection processes through the summer, including pre-training reflection, mid-summer self-reflection, end-of-summer experience survey, and other reflection and feedback opportunities.
- Participate in training activities including Educational Psychology 230 (2-Credit Leadership Course) spring semester, two-week summer training, mid-summer training, and Fall Welcome training (dates to be set in early Spring)
- Address inappropriate behavior among students and/or guests in attendance at programs
- Other duties as assigned and agreed upon
Skills Gained
- Knowledge of campus and commitment to the goals of Orientation
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Teamwork and leadership skills
- Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse groups of people
- Public speaking, 1:1 and group facilitation
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Problem solving and critical thinking; keeping composure in fast-paced, challenging situations
- Positive customer service and willingness to assist others
- Competency in technology communication
Job Requirements & Minimum Qualifications
- Enroll in Educational Psychology 230 (Leadership Course) spring semester and be available for all scheduled trainings and program dates *Dates are subject to change and date conflicts must be addressed before employment
- Be enrolled as a current undergraduate student at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.
- Highly motivated to work independently and be willing and able to work varied hours during summer programs
- Must have a minimum cumulative and semester grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 at time of application and maintain it throughout the entire term of employment
- Enrolled as a full-time student for the next fall term before the start of the summer
- Behavior/Conduct records in University Housing and the Dean of Students Office will be checked when making hiring decisions. Must be free of any conduct violations at time of appointment and remain free while employed.
Compensation
- Full time in summer with a stipend of $4,000 (Late May-first week of September, stipend paid out in regular installments)
- Housing (in Sandburg Hall, single room) and meal plan valued at $180 provided during summer months
- Uniform provided (polo/shirt, jacket, nametag, backpack, other items)
Required Dates
First Orientation Leader Meeting:
December 15, 2022: Orientation Student Staff Contract Signing (time TBD)
Spring Class & Spring Semester Obligations:
New OLs participate in a required semester-long leadership course discussing various leadership topics including communication skills, group facilitation skills, team building, conflict management and resolution, critical thinking, social justice, and campus knowledge. These topics are essential to the success of our OL team and Course meetings are held every Tuesday, 5:30 – 7:20 pm of Spring semester in person. OLs will register for the 2-credit (elective) Educational Psychology (ED PSY 230) class through PAWS by December 18, 2022. Participation in ED PSY 230 is the only mandatory obligation OLs have for this role during the spring semester. Because you will receive credit for this course, OLs will not be compensated financially for time spend in or on the course.
Summer Dates:
- OL Move-In: Any day between May 27-30
- Summer Training: May 30-June 12 (9:00am-5:00pm)
- Programs: Full months of June and July and select dates in August and early September. These dates will be communicated ASAP.
*All dates subject to change. Actual program dates will be provided upon hire.
Hiring Timeline:
Applications Open: Tuesday, September 20
Applications Due: Open Until Positions Filled
Individual Orientation Leader Interviews: Beginning October 26 – November 10
Final Decisions (sent via email): On or before Wednesday, November 23
Orientation Leader Accept Deadline: Monday, November 28 (the first day back from Thanksgiving break)
Orientation Leader Start Day: Thursday, December 15 —First OL Meeting (Required)
Please contact Catie Kocian (kocian@uwm.edu) or Hannah Menzel (hemenzel@uwm.edu) with any questions regarding the Orientation Leader position.