New Student Orientation

WCU's Orientation Leaders (OLs) are key student leaders who welcome new students, families and guests to WCU. OLs help new Golden Rams learn to navigate life on campus while enriching their own undergraduate experience through the many opportunities they have for personal and professional growth as part of the team. 

OLs participate in:

• OL Training in June
• On-campus first-year orientations in June and July
• On-campus transfer orientations, adult learner, Philadelphia campus and virtual orientations in August
• Welcome Week in August
• January 2024 orientation
• Campus-wide events like Ram Fam Weekend

 OLs are expected to: 

• Possess a sincere desire to help new Golden Rams
• Serve as role models for new Rams as they make their transition to WCU
• Embrace new opportunities
• Support the University's diversity and inclusion efforts

Compensation: 

• Hourly pay rate of $11/hr.
• Housing during June & July trainings and orientations (optional)
• Early move-in for August trainings and orientations
• Meal plan during summer trainings and orientations
• OL uniform and accessories

In order to serve as an OL, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student currently enrolled in classes at WCU
• Be enrolled, and stay enrolled, in classes for the spring and fall 2023 semesters (seniors graduating in spring 2023 may apply but must be available to work through August 2023)
• Be in, and remain in, good judicial standing by complying with the University's Student Code of Conduct

 

• What will I do as an OL?
  You'll lead small groups of new students and/or guests throughout their orientation day and provide all the information they need to become successful members of the Ram Fam.  You'll also help with the many logistics of running an orientation day such as set up, check in, signage, parking and seating. In August, you'll be an integral part of new students' Welcome Week experience. 
• What is the time commitment for an OL?
  The commitments for the 2023 orientation team are below. Please note that this schedule is subject to change as we finalize details for the summer 2023 trainings and orientation programs.
  
  First-Year Orientation Training (7 days):
  Monday-Friday, June 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16 
  Tuesday, June 20
  Wednesday, June 21 
  University closed in observance of Juneteenth, Monday June 19 
  
  First Year Orientation Days (10 days)
  Thursday, June 22
  Friday, June 23 
  Tuesday-Friday, June 27, 28, 29 & 30 
  Tuesday-Friday, July 11, 12, 13 & 14 
  No orientation sessions the week of July 3 
  
  Transfer Orientation Training (1 day)
  Monday, August 14 
  
  Transfer Orientation Days (3 days)
  Tuesday-Thursday, August 15, 16 & 17
   
  Adult Learner & Virtual Orientations
  Friday, August 18 
  Not all OLs will be needed for these orientations 
  
  Welcome Week Training (2 days) 
  Monday, August 21
  Tuesday, August 22
   
  Welcome Week (5 days)
  Wednesday-Sunday, August 23, 24, 25, 26 & 27
  
  January 2024 Orientation
  Training:  Thursday, January 11
  On-campus orientation:  Friday, January 12
  Virtual orientation:  Friday, January 19
  January 2024 dates are tentative
  
  
• What if I have to miss an orientation session over the summer? 
  OLs are expected to work all trainings and orientation programs; however, we know conflicts sometimes arise. If you know something may conflict with training or any of the summer work commitments, please contact us at orientation@wcupa.edu so we can discuss the issue before you apply.
• Can I be an OL for more than one summer? 
  Yes, we love returning orientation leaders (or ROLs as we affectionately call them)!  Offers to return to the orientation team are based on satisfactory job performance throughout the prior contract period. As a potential ROL, you may be asked to complete an ROL application and/or participate in a brief ROL interview.
• What are you looking for in OL candidates? 
  We're looking for students who are:
  
  - Willing to learn and grow as student leaders
  - Committed to helping new students make a seamless transition to WCU
  - Passionate about WCU
   - Proud to be a Golden Ram!
• Do I have to be a first-year student to apply?
  No, any student registered for at least 12 credits can apply. We frequently have sophomores, juniors and even seniors apply for the team. 
• Can transfer students apply?
  Absolutely! We are always looking for transfer students to join our team.
• I graduate in May. Can I still apply? 
  Yes! In order to be eligible, you must  be available to work through August 2023. 

• Can I live off campus during the summer?
  You aren't required to live on campus, but we highly recommend staying in the housing that's offered during training and summer orientations unless you live in or very near West Chester.  

• Can I take summer classes?
  Please discuss taking summer classes with us before applying.  

• Can I have another job in addition to being an OL?
  If hired, you are committing to working all trainings and orientation programs. Depending on the final schedule, these commitments may total up to 40 hours per week, so we strongly recommend that any outside employment be limited to 10 hours per week or less during training and orientation periods. 
• Can I study abroad in the summer?
  That will depend on whether the timing of the study abroad conflicts with the summer training and orientation dates, so please reach out to orientation@wcupa.edu to discuss this before moving forward with applying.
• Can I be a Resident Assistant and an OL at the same time?
  Yes, however August scheduling can be a challenge.  New Student Programs works closely with Residence Life to manage overlapping OL/RA work commitments to try to minimize conflicts between the two positions. 
• I received a Golden Ticket from my OL. Does this mean I'm guaranteed a position? 
  Your Golden Ticket means your OL saw your leadership potential and wants you to apply for the 2023 team.  While it doesn't give you priority over other candidates, your Golden Ticket says your OL thinks you would be a great addition to the team!

• Apply for the 2023 orientation team on Handshake

• Do I need to submit a resume?
  Resumes are optional; however, we highly encourage you to check out the Twardowski Career Development Center website for guidance on resume writing if you do not have one.

• When are OL interviews?
  New Student Programs will contact you via your WCU email to set up an interview after you submit your application. Interviews will continue on a rolling basis while the application is open.
• Who will I interview with?
  You will have one individual interview conducted by two members of the New Student Programs staff.
• How long do interviews typically take?
  Interviews will last approximately 20-30 minutes.
• What will I be asked in my interview?
  Come to your interview prepared to talk about:
  • Why you want to be an OL
  • What qualities you think will help you be a successful OL
  • Any experience you feel will help you in the position, whether that's leadership and/or involvement in college or high school, previous employment, or even classroom experiences such as coordinating group projects
• How should I dress for my interview?
  Interview attire is business casual, or feel free to show your Ram pride and wear your WCU gear!
• Do I need to bring a resume to my interview?
  You are welcome to bring a copy of your resume to your interview, but it is not required.
• How can I prepare for my interview?
  Take advantage of all the resources for resume writing and interviewing available through the Twardowski Career Development Center to prepare for this, or any interview!