Join Team NSO

General Information

Each year, the Orientation staff selects a group of dedicated undergraduate leaders to assist with implementing Orientation programs during the Spring, Summer and Fall. Orientation Leaders serve as guides for new students who are making the transition from their previous environment to the diverse academic, intellectual and social culture of SWOSU.

Orientation Leader
Returning ApplicationOrientation Leader
New Application

Orientation Leader Staff

SWOSU Orientation Leaders are students who are well respected, academically successful and leaders in their community. Students are selected for this premier program because of their interpersonal skills, academic achievements and leadership abilities.

Orientation Leaders are expected to possess a specific body of knowledge about SWOSU acquired through experience and training, and they sincerely must be interested and skillful in sharing this information with Orientation participants. Selection to the team of Orientation Leaders is a unique honor and rewarding opportunity for personal and professional growth. Students may only serve as an Orientation Leader for two years.

Orientation Leader Advisory Board

In addition to fulfilling the duties of an Orientation Leader, members of the advisory board will play a greater role in planning orientation and training sessions. The members will serve as liaisons between the Orientation Leaders and Orientation staff. Students must serve as an OL for one year before applying for Advisory Board.

Qualifications

• Exhibit leadership potential and be willing to take initiative
• Exhibit commitment to the mission of New Student Orientation
• Possess the following personal qualities: maturity, responsibility, initiative, punctuality, self-confidence, motivation, problem solving skills, enthusiasm, creativity and resourcefulness, and positive attitude
• Exhibit good interpersonal and group presentation skills
• Exhibit the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of team members
• Dedication to the Orientation Leader program…looking for leaders who are not overly involved. A student cannot serve as a Resident Advisor (RA) at the same time as serving as an Orientation Leader due to the time commitments required of both positions.
• Completed at least 12 semester hours at SWOSU (Students who apply before completing 12 hours may be hired on a conditional basis.) Students must remain in good standing (GPA 2.0) with the university throughout their time as an Orientation Leader. No student may hold an Orientation Leader position while on academic or disciplinary probation.
• Each applicant must be a full-time student (enrolled in at least 12 hours each semester.)

Orientation Leader Selection Process

Students interested in applying to serve as Orientation Leaders may begin the process by completing an application. Applications are due September 30! Applicants then complete a group and individual interview process.

Responsibilities – Make a Difference!

The following is a summary of the significant expectations for which Orientation Leaders are responsible:

Assistance to Students and Parents

• Welcome new students and families to SWOSU and assist them during orientation sessions
• Develop a rapport with new students and their families
• Be constantly accessible and willing to assist with any information needs of families and students throughout each orientation session
• Assist students with enrollment process and academic advising as necessary
• Serve as an academic and social role model
• Go “above and beyond” to anticipate and meet both expressed and unexpressed needs

Educational Duties

• Complete all class requirements for theStudent Leadership course during the Spring and Fall semesters (The course must be completed with a grade of “B” in order to serve on the Orientation staff)
• Communicate information to students about academic resources and student activities/services
• Assist students in understanding academic language and requirements and development of class schedules
• Educate students about their responsibilities at the University by explaining university policy and procedures
• Communicate logistical information to students to assist in their adjustment to university life at SWOSU

Administrative Responsiblities

• Attend all staff training sessions and meetings and complete all assignments
• Assist with the assimilation of materials for orientation sessions
• Efficiently complete all logistical tasks as requested by the Orientation staff and their assistants to ensure the orientation program proceeds smoothly and effectively
• With a positive attitude, participate in all assigned duties of orientation fully and take initiative with unanticipated tasks or problems
• Be supportive of all team members and Orientation staff members
• Remain flexible at all times because changes may occur at any time.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Orientation Leaders will be responsible for the following commitments:

Training

• Complete all class requirements for Student Leadership course during the Spring and Fall semesters (The course must be completed with a grade of “B” in order to serve on the orientation staff)
• Orientation Leaders are required to attend a leadership retreat during the spring semester
• Orientation Leaders will participate in enrollment sessions for fall 2022 incoming freshmen.
• Orientation Leaders will return to campus a week before classes begin for training and Welcome Week activities.
• Orientation Leaders will plan and attend programs and activities for Dawg Days 2022.
• Orientation Leaders will serve as Teaching Assistants and Peer Mentors during Fall 2022 SWOSUConnect classes.

Benefits

All Orientation Leaders who are in-state students will receive a two-hour tuition waiver for the Spring 2022 and Fall 2022 semesters. Orientation Leaders that are out-of-state students will receive a non-resident tuition waiver for their service, as long as they meet the guidelines outlined in the Scholarship Handbook. Orientation Leaders will be able to use the credit gained from Student Leadership courses toward a Service Learning Honor Cord. To receive this Honor Cord, students must complete nine hours of Service Learning courses. 

Employment Termination

Orientation Leaders must adhere to all state and federal laws and the SWOSU Student Code of Conduct. An Orientation Leader's employment may be terminated at any point in the year, if it is determined that he/she is not maintaining ethics befitting a paraprofessional, not performing satisfactorily, not able to work productively with others, or jeopardizing the success of the program. If termination occurs, the Orientation Leader will forfeit his/her scholarship.