Frequently Asked Questions

Check out some commonly asked questions about the Orientation Leader job and selection process.

Jen and Mondo get creative and make signs for the Freshman Kickoff.

How do I get more information about what Orientation Leaders do?

The easiest way is by exploring the rest of this website, but if you have specific questions you can contact us via phone at (206) 543-4905 or email uwao@u.washington.edu. If you are on campus, you can stop by our office located in Mary Gates Hall Room 191.

What types of characteristics or abilities are you looking for in the Orientation Leader candidates?

There is no single set of characteristics or attributes that make up an ideal Orientation Leader. Instead it is important to note that our campus is home to a very diverse student and staff population and our goal is to have our Orientation Leader staff represent that same diversity. Given the nature of the Orientation Leader position, it is also a priority for us to select students who are committed to supporting entering students and their families and who can effectively and sincerely share relevant UW resources new students.

Where can I get an Orientation Leader Application?

There is a downloadable version of the Orientation Leader application in a PDF form that can be accessed on the "Job Description and Application" page. Orientation Leader applications can also be found at the Gateway Center front desk in Mary Gates Hall room 171.

Are Orientation Leaders hired for just the summer, or do they work during the school year as well?

Though the majority of the work done by Orientation Leaders occurs during the summer, Orientation Leaders are employed through the academic year as well. There are a number of orientation programs and small meetings that will occur during the academic year, which Orientation Leaders will be expected to attend (your class schedule will be taken into account).

During the summer, what's a typical workweek like for Orientation Leaders?

The typical summer workweek for an Orientation Leader is approximately 35–40 hours a week. Orientation Leader hours vary from about 7am to 9pm depending on the program being presented. Orientation Leaders are provided with some meals during the hours while they are working with the office.

When is the deadline for applying to be an Orientation Leader?

5:00pm on January 30th, 2008.

What's the Orientation Leader selection process like?

1. The Orientation Leader selection process begins with a paper application. The purpose of the paper application is for us to get an idea of who you are and what you are involved in. The paper application process is a chance for you to tell us the things about yourself you think we should know when considering you for this position.
2. Once our office has reviewed the paper applications, qualified applicants will be invited to take part in a group interview. The group interview is a chance to see how applicants respond to situations or challenges in a group setting.
3. After the group interviews have taken place, a select group of applicants will be invited to take part in an individual interview with First Year Programs staff.
4. Once the individual interviews have been completed we will make final staffing decisions and extend offers to our 2008 Orientation Leader staff.

The selection process is in no way meant to be intimidating; our primary goal is to make sure that we have the opportunity to evaluate all of the candidates from as many perspectives as possible. We hope to give all applicants the chance to exhibit their best qualities and to share how they might contribute to the Orientation Leader staff.

Do Orientation Leaders help during Dawg Daze?

Orientation Leaders play a very important role in Dawg Daze, from planning projects that begin in early June through Dawg Daze event management in late September. Throughout the summer Orientation Leaders will be assigned projects that they will need to plan and complete in a timely and professional manner. The projects range greatly in size and scope, but there will be plenty of support for you as you work on them. Work hours may also vary during Dawg Daze events.

Making sandwiches for lunch at the annual retreat.

Can I take summer classes and be an Orientation Leader?

Orientation Leaders are asked to refrain from enrolling in classes or committing to other jobs outside of our office during the summer because the amount of time and energy required running a successful advising and orientation program during the summer does not allow for any other sizable commitments.

Can I be a Resident Adviser and an Orientation Leader at the same time?

We are happy to work with first-time or returning RA's to accommodate employment in our office and the housing office.

How are Orientation Leaders trained?

Orientation Leaders register for a 3-credit General Studies course Spring Quarter that will meet Mondays and Wednesdays. The course will be credit/no credit and will cover all of the material that Orientation Leaders will need to know to facilitate a successful Advising and Orientation program. Orientation Leaders will also be required to attend a retreat April 12th–13th where they will continue planning for the Advising and Orientation program, and develop the team that will carry them through the summer. Training and program preparation concludes the week before programs start when Orientation Leaders will take part in an intensive one week training program so that they can "fine tune" all of the skills and information they need during the Advising and Orientation programs.