Become an Orientation Leader
Job Requisition/Application Details
Purpose
Being a part of the New Student Orientation staff is not just a typical summer job – it is an experience that allows you to give back to the entire campus community while making new connections. If you are passionate about the University of Arkansas, want to help new students find their place at the university, and want to be part of a team that makes a difference, this is the job for you.
Orientation Leaders are a carefully selected group of students whose primary responsibility is to help first-year and transfer students make a smooth transition to the U of A by serving as resources and role models for the newest members of the Razorback community and their supporters.
Job Duties
- Orientation Leaders will facilitate student check-in, transitions between campus facilities, lead campus tours, host evening activities for students staying overnight during their session, and assist an assigned academic college in enrollment and logistics, per college leadership.
- Serve as a paraprofessional in presenting and distributing information to new students and guests.
- Work productively and cooperatively with all members of the university community, especially the orientation support staff and other leaders.
- Actively participate in leader training and any activities prior to summer and spring orientation sessions.
- Perform any additional duties as assigned by the professional staff and/or Team Leads.
Education & Qualifications
Orientation Leader applicants must be a current undergraduate student at the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville with a minimum of 12 hours completed and have at least a 2.5 overall cumulative grade point average at the time of application or at the conclusion of the spring semester if enrolled in your first semester. No student may apply for or hold a New Student Orientation Leader position while on academic or disciplinary probation.
If selected to be an Orientation Leader you must attend all of Leader Training (May 11-18, weekdays only) and work all required Orientation dates (May 19-22, 26-29 and June 8-30, weekdays only). There will be optional additional hours available in August 2026 and January 2027.
Additional Information
Hourly Pay & Benefits
Orientation Leaders receive an hourly pay rate of $12.00, with overtime pay included. From the beginning of the training program mid-May to the conclusion at the end of June, leaders will work an estimated 225 hours for a total of approximately $2700 in hourly wages (before taxes). Hours and wages may vary based on the needs of the program. Students will only be required to work Monday-Friday, no weekend hours are available or required.
Complimentary on-campus housing in Founders Hall, a community style hall, is available upon request for the duration of the program in May and June for any student who may not have local accommodations. This housing accommodation will be offered from May 11 through July 1. Housing is not provided to those working the optional August or January orientation sessions.
A meal plan of $150 dining dollars will be provided to all leaders. Leaders can also expect to be provided with at least one meal during each shift.
Summer Classes:
Orientation Leaders may take an online, asynchronous summer school course during the May/June Orientation sessions; however, the summer school course may not interfere with any obligations within the Orientation session schedule.
Terms of Employment
An Orientation Leader’s employment may be terminated if it is determined within the contract period that they are not maintaining ethics befitting a paraprofessional, not performing satisfactorily, unable to fulfill contractually obligated tasks, not able to work productively with others, or jeopardizing the success of the program.