Become an Orientation Leader

Job Requisition/Application Details

Joining the New Student Orientation staff is not your typical summer job – it is an experience that allows you to give back to the entire campus community and make new connections. If you're passionate about being a Razorback and want to make a difference by helping new students find their place at the University, this is the job for you. 
 
Orientation Leaders' primary responsibility is to help first-year and transfer students make a smooth transition to campus by serving as a resource and role model for the newest members of our Razorback community and their supporters. 
 
If selected to be an Orientation Leader, you must attend all leader training sessions (May 12-19), weekdays only) and work all required orientation dates (May 20-23, 27-30 and June 09-27). There are optional additional hours available in August 2025 and January 2026. Orientation Leaders may take online, asynchronous summer course during the May/June orientation sessions. However, the summer courses cannot interfere with any obligations within the orientation session schedule.

 

New Student Orientation Informational Presentation

 

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 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.

Hourly Pay and Benefits

Orientation Leaders receive an hourly pay rate of $12.00, with overtime pay included. From the beginning of the training to the conclusion of programming, mid-May to the end of June, leaders will work an estimated 225 hours for a total of approximately $3000 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. 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 1 meal during each shift. 

Minimum 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. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's)

  • Pride in the University of Arkansas
  • A desire to lead others with integrity and serve as a positive role model
  • Effective decision making in busy environments
  • An emphasis on maintaining quality and recognizing details
  • Ability to value and communicate with a diverse population
  • Effective interpersonal, small group, and conflict resolution communication skills
  • Commitment to a high standard of personal values and a code of ethics
  • Openness to receiving necessary and critical feedback on performance