The application process is underway to hire orientation leaders, or OLs, who work with diverse groups of first-time students, transfer students, their parents and other family members to facilitate their transition to a university.
“Portland State has been assisting incoming students through OLs for about 10 years. OLs will acquaint students and their families with the academic, cultural, social and physical environment at Portland State University,” said Johnathan Luster, New Student Programs coordinator.
Responsibilities include
– Assisting in the planning and implementation of orientation events—Advising and Registration Days, Quarterly Orientation Programs, Family Orientation, International Student Orientation, New Student Week, New Student Convocation and Party in the Park
– Dissemination of information about a variety of topics to entering students and their families
– Present a positive image of the university by facilitating campus tours and information sessions
– Assist incoming students with academic advising and course registration
– Participate in all OL training activities
– Participate in the continual evaluation process of all orientation programs
Benefits include
– Competitive student wages
– Meals during each of the full-day orientation programs and training sessions
– PSU gear and nametags
– Networking opportunities with PSU faculty and professional staff
“We are also ready to work with students who are majoring in studies related to social networking, if they want to consider working as OLs as an internship,” Luster said.
To qualify, an OL applicant must
– Be a currently enrolled undergraduate student at PSU
– Be in good academic standing with the university and have a minimum 2.25 grade point average (preferred GPA of 2.5 or higher)
– Be a fully admitted undergraduate student at PSU
– Have completed at least 12 credit hours at PSU by the end of fall term 2009 (freshmen are welcome to apply)
– Plan to continue as an undergraduate or graduate student at PSU during fall term 2010
– Complete the Orientation Leader Training Class with a grade of B or better
– Participate in all orientation commitments, activities and associated trainings
By joining PSU’s Orientation Team, students can expand their leadership skills and connect with new students and their families.
“We recruit and train both native and international students and we try to match them with incoming students who will best match with their field in which they are working, though OLs are not expected to be academic advisors,” Luster said.
During orientation sessions, OLs typically work between eight to 10 hours per day. OLs are allowed to work a second job, take classes and have vacation time with approval, but orientation work must remain first priority.
PSU is planning to offer approximately 20 fall orientation sessions between late June or early July and September.
Want to apply?
For more information, contact Johnathan Luster, coordinator for New Student Programs
Phone: 503-725-5555
E-mail: orientation@pdx.edu