2025 NSFP Orientation Leader (Student)

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University.

Department:

Logistics & Operations

Time Type:

Part time

Job Description:

Summary:

Orientation Leaders (OLs) are responsible for welcoming and supporting incoming first-year students, transfer students, and their families. The Orientation Team is responsible for leading a variety of sessions and activities such as pre-orientation programs, New Student Orientation (NSO), and Welcome Week. OLs play a critical role in shaping the first impression for our newest Eagles; they help to introduce new students to university resources, explore our campus and city, and get to meet other Eagles. OLs literally guide students to events, but also serve as guides and mentors as new students learn how to be successful members of the American University community.

Responsibilities:

1.) In-person Onboarding (early April) and OL Training and Event Prep

• Attend the OTeam Kick-off event near the end of the spring semester (specific date/time TBD).

• Actively participate in all OL Training (August 11-15).

• OL Training is a full-time commitment, lasting from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day of training.

2.) Event Preparation and Pre-Orientation Programming

• Participate in cohort-based, pre-orientation programming (August 16-18).

• Assist with pre-arrival activities and functions, including materials prep, new student move-in, family programming, and other logistical support.

3.) New Student Orientation (August 19-22)

• Serve as a guide and point of contact for students throughout New Student Orientation.

• Facilitate group activities, such as icebreakers, campus tours, peer panels and Q&A sessions.

• Assist with implementation of campus partner sessions, DC area excursions and peer-led evening activities.

• Foster a sense of belonging through active engagement with affinity programming, campus dialogues and cohort programming.

• NOTE: This role may involve direct support for Empower AU sessions. If so, appropriate training will be provided during OL training week.

4.) District Adventures (Optional, additional work through the fall and spring semesters)

• OLs support students through their initial transition to life at AU.

• As such, Orientation Leaders have the opportunity to facilitate and lead off-campus excursions throughout the academic year.

• This initiative, called District Adventures, provides new students with the opportunity to connect with the surrounding DMV area at no additional cost.

• Events may include, but are not limited to shows at the Kennedy Center, professional hockey and basketball games, trips to museums, and more.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-Time.

• 20 hours per week.

• As a condition of employment, all Orientation Leaders must be available for all required dates and programs.

• This requires a full-time commitment from August 11-22.

• Due to this commitment, OLs may not also serve as Resident Assistants (RAs).

• Orientation Leader Training: August 11-15 will require a full-time commitment and may involve some evening and/or weekend shifts.

• Move-in and Pre-Orientation Programs: August 16-18 will require a full-time commitment and will include evening and/or weekend shifts.

• New Student Orientation: August 19-22 will require a full-time commitment, including early morning and/or evening shifts.

• Optional - Extended Orientation: OLs will be offered additional hours (with additional compensation) t