Why should I be involved with Summer Orientation?

Working as an Orientation Staff Leader is one of the most rewarding, exciting, and important jobs you will ever have! As a part of the Orientation team, it will be your responsibility to help incoming first-year students feel welcome in a large, urban university. You will meet and develop relationships with talented, intelligent, and fun members of the NYU community, including the CAS Advising staff and other administrators. You will be able to impact the college experience of the incoming first-year class while having an amazing time!

Are Undergraduate Orientation Leaders paid?

As a UOL, you will receive a stipend, some meals, and accommodations in a University residence hall for the duration of the program.

Where will I be living during Orientation?

UOLs live in a University residence hall. While Orientation sessions are in progress, UOLs work with the incoming CAS residents on their floor to foster community and friendship.

What if I plan on living in Summer Housing before and after Orientation?

If you are paying for summer housing, you can move into the Orientation residence hall for the duration of Orientation, where your cost of living is provided, and then move back into Summer Housing when Orientation is over.

Is food provided?

During the week of June training and while Orientation sessions are in progress, meals will be provided for the Orientation staff. When Orientation sessions are not in progress, UOLs are responsible for their own meals.

Can I take summer classes and still work as a UOL?

Most summer classes conflict with Orientation dates, making it very difficult to do both. UOLs are allowed to take summer courses if the times do not conflict with Orientation or staff training; however, this is not recommended due to the large time commitment required of UOLs.

Can I have another job while I work for Orientation?

It is possible to have another job while you are working as a UOL, as long as it doesn't conflict with the dates of training and sessions. However, it is strongly discouraged. Orientation sessions can be long and taxing, requiring time for rest and recovery. Leaders in the past who have worked additional jobs have recommended against it.

What is the timeline for Summer Orientation?

Orientation runs for five weeks, beginning mid-June and ending mid-July. The five weeks of Orientation include a week of training, followed by four weeks of Orientation consisting of five three-day sessions. Please refer to the Orientation section for the specific dates of each session.

What is the interview process like?

After submitting your application, you will be asked to sign up for a group interview with 10-12 other applicants. If you successfully complete this stage of the interview process, you will be called back for an individual interview with a CAS Advising Center staff member. The final staff will be drawn from the pool of students we meet with in individual interviews.

May I submit my application via e-mail?

Unfortunately, due to the large amount of applications we anticipate receiving and the time it takes to print each application, we request that all applications are submitted in hard copy form.

What sort of questions might I be asked in the individual interview?

This interview is designed to assess not only your interest in the position, but also your leadership skills. You may be asked to describe how you qualify as a leader or tell us about the qualities you possess that would make you a good UOL. We are looking for sincere and dynamic leaders to help welcome our newest first-year class. To sharpen your interviewing skills, you are encouraged to utilize the services of the Wasserman Center for Career Development

How many UOLs will be hired?

Last year we hired 30 UOLs from a pool of over 140 applicants, so the process is quite competitive. But don't let this discourage you! If you are a qualified applicant who is excited to do the job, there is an excellent chance that you will be accepted.

What does it mean to be an "alternate" UOL?

Each year we select a number of students to serve as alternate UOLs. Alternates are students we consider very well qualified to serve as UOLs; we simply did not have enough spots to offer them a position. If for any reason a UOL we does not accept our offer, we will select someone from the alternate pool to take that UOL's place. Last year we hired many students from the alternate pool.

What kind of person works for Summer Orientation?

Lots of different people are involved with Summer Orientation! One of the best things about working as a UOL is meeting people from all walks of life, and with all types of personalities. We intentionally seek out and select a diverse group for Orientation. If you are excited about welcoming the new class of students, this is the job for you!

What rules do I have to adhere to while working Orientation?

UOLs hired for Orientation are required to adhere to all NYU rules and policies, as well as CAS Orientation policies. UOLs must adhere to the same curfew that we require of the orientees during the Orientation sessions. Also, drug and alcohol use is strictly prohibited during Orientation sessions, even if you are of age.

What goes on during Orientation?

Orientation consists of five 3-day sessions. Each session includes advisement on first-year classes and registration for each first-year student's first fall semester. We also include other fun events such as walking tours, workshops on health and wellness, diversity, and campus resources. Students and UOLs participate in a talent show on the evening of Day 2. The UOL is an integral part of every step of Orientation. Please see the Orientation section of the website for more details on the 3-day event and the role of the UOL.

How is the Program Assistant position different from the UOL position?

The Program Assistant will work 20 hours a week for most of the summer, while the UOLs only work during training week and during each Orientation session. Unlike the UOLs, the Program Assistants are not provided with housing. This is a great opportunity for someone who would like to be involved with Orientation, but cannot or does not want to serve as a UOL.