New Student Orientation

Members of the orientation team are key student leaders who welcome new students, families and guests to WCU.

As a member of the orientation team, you'll help new Golden Rams learn to navigate life on campus while enriching your own undergraduate experience through the many opportunities you'll have for personal and professional growth!

Members of the orientation team participate in:

• Training in June
• On-campus first-year orientations in June and July
• On-campus transfer orientation in August
• Welcome Week in August
• January 2025 orientation
• Other programming opportunities and campus events during the fall semester

Orientation team members are expected to: 

• Possess a sincere desire to help new Golden Rams and their families
• Serve as role models for new Rams
• Embrace new opportunities
• Support the University's diversity and inclusion efforts

Orientation Leader Compensation: 

• Orientation Leaders receive an hourly pay rate of $11/hr.
• Housing during June & July trainings and orientations (optional)
• Early move-in for those living on campus in Fall 2024 and working transfer orientation and Welcome Week
• Meal swipes into the Commons Dining Hall for training and orientation weeks
• Uniform and accessories

Spanish Language Interpreter Compensation: 

• Spanish Language Interpreters receive an hourly pay rate of $15/hr.
• Housing during June & July trainings and orientations (optional)
• Early move-in for those living on campus in Fall 2024 and working transfer orientation and Welcome Week
• Meal swipes into the Commons Dining Hall for training and orientation weeks
• Uniform and accessories
   

Orientation leaders must meet the following requirements:

• Be a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student currently enrolled in classes at WCU. 
• Be enrolled, and stay enrolled, in classes for the spring and fall 2024 semesters 
• Be in, and remain in, good judicial standing by complying with the University's Student Code of Conduct

Spanish language interpreters must meet the following requirements:

• Be a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student currently enrolled in classes at WCU
• Be enrolled, and stay enrolled, in classes for the spring and fall 2024 semesters
• Be in, and remain in, good judicial standing by complying with the University's Student Code of Conduct
• Pass a Spanish fluency test administered by a faculty member from the Department of Languages and Cultures

 

• What will I do as an OL?
  You'll lead groups of new Golden Rams and/or their guests throughout the orientation day and provide all the information they need to become successful members of the Ram Fam.  You'll also help with the many logistics of running an orientation day such as set up, check in, signage, parking and seating. In August, you'll be an integral part of new Rams' Welcome Week experience. 
• What will I do as a Spanish interpreter?
  As an interpreter, you'll work with Spanish-speaking families throughout the orientation day to help facilitate their participation in our guest orientation program. You may also help with logistical aspects of running an orientation day such as assisting with set-up. 
• What is the time commitment for orientation team members?
  The commitments for the 2024 orientation team are below. Please note that this schedule is subject to change as we finalize details for summer 2024.
  
  First-Year Orientation Training (7 days):
  Monday-Friday, June 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14 
  Monday, June 17
  Tuesday, June 18
  University closed in observance of Juneteenth, Wednesday, June 19 
  
  First Year Orientation Days (10 days)
  Thursday, June 20
  Friday, June 21
  Tuesday-Friday, June 25, 26, 27 & 28
  Tuesday-Friday, July 9, 10, 11 & 12
  No orientation sessions the week of July 1 
  
  Transfer Orientation Training (1 day)
  Monday, August 12 
  
  Transfer Orientation Days (3 days)
  Tuesday-Thursday, August 13, 14 & 15
  
  General Orientation (1 day)
  Friday, August 16
   
  Adult Learner Orientation (1 evening)
  Friday, August 16 
  Not all OLs will be needed for this orientation
  
  Virtual Orientation (1/2 day)
  Monday, August 19
  Not all OLs will be needed for this orientation
  
  Welcome Week Training (1 day) 
  Tuesday, August 20
   
  Welcome Week (5 days)
  Wednesday-Sunday, August 21,22, 23, 24 & 25
  
  January 2025 Orientations 
  One-half day training, one full-day orientation, one half-day virtual orientation
  Dates to be determined
  
  
• What if I have to miss an orientation over the summer? 
  Team members are expected to be available for all trainings and orientation programs; however, we know conflicts sometimes arise. If you know something may conflict with training or any of the summer work commitments, please contact us at orientation@wcupa.edu so we can discuss the issue before you apply.
• Can I be on the team for more than one summer? 
  Yes, we love returning returning team members!  Offers to return to the orientation team are based on satisfactory job performance throughout the prior contract period. You may be asked to complete an application and/or participate in a brief interview for returning team members.
• What are you looking for in job candidates? 
  We're looking for students who are:
  
  - Willing to learn and grow as student leaders
  - Committed to helping new Rams make a seamless transition to WCU
  - Passionate about WCU
   - Proud to be a Golden Ram!
  
  
• Do I have to be a first-year student to apply?
  No, any student registered for at least 12 credits can apply. We frequently have sophomores, juniors and even seniors apply for the team. 
• Can transfer students apply?
  Absolutely! We are always looking for transfer students to join our team.
• I graduate in May. Can I still apply? 
  Yes! In order to be eligible, you must  be available to work through August 2024. 

• Can I live off campus during the summer?
  You aren't required to live on campus, but we highly recommend staying in the housing that's offered during training and summer orientations unless you live in or very near West Chester.  

• Can I take summer classes?
  Please discuss taking summer classes with us before applying.  

• Can I have another job in addition to being an OL?
  If hired, you are committing to working all trainings and orientation programs. Depending on the final schedule, these commitments may total up to 40 hours per week during training and orientation weeks, so we strongly recommend that any outside employment be limited to 10 hours per week or less during those times. 
• Can I study abroad in the summer?
  That will depend on whether the timing of the study abroad conflicts with the summer training and orientation dates, so please reach out to orientation@wcupa.edu to discuss this before moving forward with applying.
• Can I be a Resident Assistant and an OL at the same time?
  Yes, however August scheduling can be a challenge.  New Student Programs works closely with Residence Life to manage overlapping OL/RA work commitments to try to minimize conflicts between the two positions. 
• I received a Golden Ticket from my OL. Does this mean I'm guaranteed a position? 
  Your Golden Ticket means your OL saw your leadership potential and wants you to apply for the 2024 team.  While it doesn't guarantee a position, your Golden Ticket says your OL thinks you would be a great addition to the team!

• How do I apply?
  Apply for the 2024 team using the appropriate link at the top of this page.

• Do I need to submit a resume?
  Resumes are optional; however, we highly encourage you to check out the Twardowski Career Development Center's website for guidance on resume writing if you do not have one.

• When are interviews?
  New Student Programs will contact you via your WCU email to set up an interview after you submit your application. Interviews will continue on a rolling basis while the application is open.
• Who will I interview with?
  You will have one individual interview conducted by two members of the New Student Programs staff.
• How long do interviews typically take?
  Interviews will last approximately 20-30 minutes.
• What will I be asked in my interview?
  Come to your interview prepared to talk about:
  • Why you want to be on the 2024 team
  • What qualities you think will help you be successful in the position
  • Any experience you feel will help you in the position, whether that's leadership and/or involvement in college or high school, previous employment, or even classroom experiences such as coordinating group projects
• How should I dress for my interview?
  Interview attire is business casual, or feel free to show your Ram pride and wear your WCU gear!
• Do I need to bring a resume to my interview?
  You are welcome to bring a copy of your resume to your interview, but it is not required.
• How can I prepare for my interview?
  Take advantage of all the resources for resume writing and interviewing available through the Twardowski Career Development Center to prepare for this, or any interview!