Orientation Leaders

While there are various aspects of being an Orientation Leader, below are some highlighted responsibilities of this role:

• Welcome and acclimate new students and their families to Stonehill in both an in-person and virtual environment. 
• Oversee two small groups and one large group, while promoting interaction during small group discussions, icebreakers, meals, and activities. These may happen in person or virtually.
• Serve as an active presence for your small group throughout the summer and fall semester.
• Participate in all aspects of in-person and virtual Orientation, including but not limited to small group sessions, academic presentations, meal times, and events.
• Communicate with incoming students prior to and after Summer Orientation through social media and ZOOM.
• Perform assigned logistical tasks related to Orientation, including door decorations, folder and nametag stuffing, placement of signage, and event preparation and implementation. 
• Participate in comprehensive training required at the spring, summer, and fall trainings (see dates below).
• Work with an Orientation Leader partner to create an inclusive and fun experience during Orientation. 
• Serve as a resource for new students to address issues as they come up (e.g., homesickness, alcohol-related concerns, and scheduling classes). 
• Assist new students in developing an awareness of health, social, and academic resources, as well as understanding the process of course scheduling and registration. 
• Attend all in-person and virtual Orientation activities (e.g., spring training, summer training, summer Orientation, fall training, and fall Orientation) with a positive, can-do attitude. 
• Collaborate and work closely with all Orientation Leaders, the Core Team, the Office of Student Engagement, and other Stonehill staff and faulty to develop, prepare, implement, and evaluate Orientation initiatives.
• Report any concerns that arise to Stonehill staff.
• Represent Stonehill in a positive, appropriate, and professional manner. 

• Full-time Stonehill student 
• 2.5 GPA and in good disciplinary standing (records will be checked) 
• Serve as a role model for incoming students
• Ability to appreciate and work effectively and collaboratively with a diverse group of students, families, staff, and faculty
• Prior campus involvement in work-study, athletics, club leadership, or other campus roles 
• Exhibit a positive attitude and ability to motivate others
• Commitment to all required activities and trainings
• Ability to be in-person and virtual, as needed
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; willing to stand up in front of groups and facilitate activities and discussions 
• Success in time management, while having the ability to be adaptable and flexible 
• Dedication and commitment to all aspects of the Orientation program

Remuneration

At this point, the Orientation Leader position is a nonpaid, volunteer experience. While payment is not given, there are numerous benefits of this experience, outside the of the incredible leadership skills learned and achieved. These include but are not limited to the following: limited edition clothing, most meals during summer Orientation Leader training and sessions, housing during summer orientation, social experiences, and most meals during fall Orientation Leader training and sessions. 

Being an Orientation Leader requires a significant time commitment. This investment will teach valuable leadership skills, as well as provide once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Orientation Leaders must attend all spring, summer, and fall training sessions, as well as be available to lead and participate in both Summer and Fall Orientation. Orientation Leaders are also required to engage with their groups throughout the fall semester. 

If commitments will prevent you from attending all aspects of Orientation, you cannot serve as an Orientation Leader.  

REQUIRED Availability 

Tentative Spring Training Dates (Times TBD)

• March 18 
• March 25 
• April 1 
• April 8 
• April 22

Orientation & Training Dates 

• June 13-20 – OL Training 
• June 21-25 – Summer Orientation 
• Aug 17-19 – OL Training 
• Aug 20-22 – Fall Orientation

Study Abroad Policy 

Students who have not served as an Orientation Leader in the past are not eligible to be an Orientation Leader if they are studying abroad in Fall 2022.  

Internship Policy 

Students may have an internship during Summer 2022 if the internship allows time off during the above-mentioned Required Availability. Additionally, any spring internships must allow the flexibility to attend all spring training sessions. If you cannot attend training or Orientation because of an internship, you cannot be an Orientation Leader. 

It’s important to remember that with being selected as an Orientation Leader is a privilege. Several students apply and not everyone is chosen. Therefore, serving as an Orientation Leader should not be a backup for an internship during the summer.

Fall Athletes  

Student athletes with fall sports may apply to be an Orientation Leader with written permission from your coach. While there may be some flexibility with fall training, students must attend all of Fall orientation. If you are not able to have the time to be part of Fall Orientation due to an athletic commitment, you cannot serve as an Orientation Leader. We have had numerous Fall athletes as Orientation Leaders, and they have been allowed to be fully engaged and present for all activities and trainings. If you are considering applying to be an Orientation Leader, please talk with your coach(es) first. 

Resident Assistants, ABS Leaders, & Moreau Student Ministers

If you are applying to be a first time RA, ABS Leader, or Orientation Leader, you are only eligible to serve in one of those roles. If you are a returning RA or ABS leader, you are eligible to apply to be an Orientation Leader. You are not eligible to serve as an Orientation Leader if you are a Moreau Student Minister or Volunteer Coordinator through Campus Ministry. 

Orientation Selection will be determined in three processes for new applicants: 1.) A fully completed, thoughtful application (including resume and written responses); 2.) Group Activities & Evaluation event; and 3.) Individual Interview. Students will be evaluated during each phase and invited to continue through the selection process bases on satisfactory performance. Below is the timeline for the Selection process:

• Application deadline: Sunday, January 23rd @ 11:55 p.m. via Handshake
• Group Activities & Evaluation event: Either Wednesday, Feb. 2nd, Thursday, Feb 3rd, or Friday, Feb,. 4th. Times TBD.
• Individual Interviews: Week of February 7th
• Notification of OL Selection: Around February 18th
• Deadline to Accept & OL Contract: February 25th