Be an Orientation Leader
Orientation Leaders (OLs) are members of a select team of students whose primary goal is to assist incoming students and their families with the transition to SDSU. Our program offers an opportunity for personal and professional growth that is both challenging and rewarding. Throughout the summer, OLs guide new Jacks through the Orientation process and help them get comfortable with academics, resources, services and life at SDState.
Compensation and Skill Development
- Base compensation
- OLs will be compensated at a rate of $15.00 per hour for all training, program preparation, and New Student Orientation (NSO) sessions.
- Summer benefits
- Housing provided for summer sessions (if needed). Lunch during sessions provided. Uniform polo, name tag, fanny pack provided.
- Marketable skills for your future
- The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) identified the top 10 attributes employers want to see on new college graduates' resumes, including: leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, verbal communication, strong work ethic, initiative, analytical thinking, adaptability and interpersonal skills. The OL program places emphasis on development in these and other areas to help our OLs enhance existing skills and develop new ones. Participation in our program can prepare you for future leadership roles, internships and employment.
Employment Timeline
- 2025 Summer Training and NSO Sessions
- Training and program preparation - May 19-May 30 (excludes weekends and holidays).
- OL team retreat - May 15 overnight (tentative).
- NSO sessions - May 29; June 3, 5, 6, 10, 11, 13, 16, 17, 23, 25, Aug. 5, 6.
- 2025 Fall Sessions and Programs
- Meet State (opening weekend) - OLs can expect to have hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of move-in weekend (Aug. 21, 22, 23).
- NSO sessions - sessions for spring 2025 admits will be held Nov. 25 (tentative), Dec. 9 (tentative) and Jan. 10 (all day)
January 13: Application is open.
January 29: Ongoing interviews begin.
February 12 at 11:59 p.m.: Application deadline.
February 14: Notification of status.
February 20: Accept or decline position.
Ask questions in person
Ask questions of current OLs, ask any application or job related question, learn more about the position!
Monday, January 27, 2025
11 a.m.-1 p.m., Main Street, University Student Union
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
11 a.m.-1 p.m., Main Street, University Student Union
Meet the OLs - Information Sessions
Hear what it's like to be an Orientation Leader from those who know best. Current OLs will share their own NSO stories, provide application information and answer your questions.
Monday, February 3, 2025
5 p.m., University Student Union, State Room 260
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
5 p.m., University Student Union, State Room 260
Application and Interview
Complete the application by February 12, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Schedule your individual interview time. This will be a rolling interview process, to be scheduled with NSO professional staff and current orientation leaders.
Successful OLs are individuals who
- Are well developed, responsible and flexible
- Are able to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
- Are enthusiastic and willing to intermingle with large groups of people daily.
- Possess a friendly and approachable demeanor to help students and families feel welcomed.
- Possess a strong verbal and written communication skills
- Show a willingness to learn.
- Serve as positive representatives of SDSU and the Jackrabbit community.
- Love SDSU and want to share their experiences with others.
- Are In good academic standing and a have a clean student conduct record with SDSU.
- Have completed 1 full semester on campus at SDSU.
- Are a full-time undergraduate or graduate student with a cumulative GPA of 2.5
