It is a big gig to be the first person to welcome wide-eyed first-year students to the University. That is the task for Orientation Leaders, the group of University students guiding the incoming first-year class through orientation. Despite the long days and demand of the job, this year’s OLs are excited to help students from near and far acclimate to Grounds.
Orientation takes place every summer from late June to mid-August. During orientation, matriculated first-year students come to Grounds for an overnight stay to enroll in classes, connect to Eduroam and learn about student life resources like Student Health and Wellness and the Gordie Center. More than that, they also begin their college experience, sleeping in a dorm and eating in the dining halls like all first-year students.
Over the course of the summer, OLs lead first-year students through their two-day orientation visit and serve as mentors for the newcomers. With this responsibility in their hands, OLs have to endure a lengthy selection process. After completing an essay-filled application, hopefuls go through two rounds of interviews. According to Orientation and Transition Programs, the resulting team of OLs is made up of warm, collaborative individuals who represent a diverse array of backgrounds and interests…