Orientation Leaders (OLs) are undergraduate or graduate students who play an integral role in introducing new international students to Ohio State by connecting new students to important university resources and policies as well as sharing their experiences as successful students. Throughout the academic year, OLs assist our incoming students and their families in a variety of capacities, all to make the newest members of our community excited and prepared to achieve a successful beginning to their Ohio State career. OLs work in collaboration with other OLs, Office of International Affairs (OIA) professional staff, and other OSU administrators to ensure that new students have a positive check-in and orientation experience.

Qualifications

An OL must be a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student at Ohio State who has completed at least one quarter at the time of application (Deadline March 2) and whose degree will not be completed prior to Spring 2013. OLs should be in good academic standing and good disciplinary standing. The OIA staff is looking for individuals who are representative of the diversity of the Ohio State community in their experience and interests. OL candidates should possess a variety of qualities, including (but not limited to):

• Effective cross-cultural communication skills (knowledge of a multiple languages is a plus, but not required)
• Proactive problem solving abilities
• Familiarity with Ohio State campus resources and services
• A desire to work collaboratively with students, families, faculty, staff, other OLs
• Proficient computer skills including data entry
• Punctual and reliable
• Friendly, flexible, enthusiastic attitude
• Readiness to take initiative and take responsibility for continually improving the quality of check-in and orientation

Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in all OL training sessions
• Assist with the preparation of all check-in and orientation materials and activities
• Use multiple databases to perform check-in and orientation related tasks, such as making sure students are scheduled for mandatory placement tests, health screenings, etc.
• Acquaint new students with campus services, building locations, and university policies and procedures
• Lead small groups of new international students on campus tours and to various trips such as grocery shopping, dinner trips, etc.
• Serve as a knowledgeable, friendly, welcoming representative of Ohio State
• Participate in welcome activities such as, welcome party, ice cream social, and other events
• Participate in cultural adaptation student panel and other orientation sessions
• Respond promptly to emails regarding your work schedule and work responsibilities
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

The OL position offers a variety of benefits:

• Pay rate of $8.50 /hr
• Development of leadership and communication skills
• Cultivation of relationships with University faculty, staff, and students
• Résumé enhancement
• Help new international students get settled and become members of the community at The Ohio State University!

Additional Information

• The OL position requires a significant time commitment during training in late July and throughout all check-in and orientation sessions during summer breaks. Duties during check-in and orientation sessions require that OLs are alert and engaged from early in the morning until late in the evening.
• Once check-in begins, OLs will be required to work during evenings and weekends to lead small group trips and participate in events.
• Students applying to this position must communicate any additional employment to your OIA staff supervisor. If it interferes with job performance, the OL may be asked to terminate the outside employment.

Orientation Leader Important Dates to Know

Application Deadline March 2

• Download 2012-2013 Orientation Leader Application (PDF)

Individual interviews will be conducted in late March and early April. Final hiring decisions are planned for mid April.