Become An Orientation Leader

APPLY TO BE AN ORIENTATION LEADER

• Serve as a role model to new students
• Assist new students and their guests with their adjustment to the Seahawk community
• Facilitate small groups to help new students connect with each other
• Give presentations about campus resources, services and programs
• Share their experiences with new students and their guests
• Give campus tours to help introduce new students to the campus during orientation
• Assist with the preparation of orientation including setup, cleanup, material preparation, etc.
• Reach out to new students and respond to questions, concerns, and sensitive issues of new students and their guests
• Attend all meetings, training, and orientation sessions

• Be enrolled as a full-time UNCW undergraduate student at the time of application
• Maintain an overall and semester GPA of 2.5
• Be in good academic and disciplinary standing with the university
• Be available for ALL Orientation Leader meetings and trainings
• Be available to work required orientation sessions in June and August
• Have a willingness and be able to fulfill all the responsibilities of an orientation leader
• Return to UNCW as a full-time student during the fall semester

The application process is designed to allow you a chance to showcase your individual strengths, personality, and what you bring to a team. 

Step 1: Apply

The application is an opportunity to share more about yourself and why you want to be an Orientation Leader. It includes the application form, supplemental essay questions, and an agreement to authorize Transition Programs professional staff to verify your academic and disciplinary standing. Applications are due by October 8, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Step 2: Group Interview

The group interview provides a space for professional staff and team leadership to observe how you work with others. All applicants are required to participate in a group interview in order to take their next step toward being an Orientation Leader. Upon submission of your application, you will be guided to a link to select a group interview slot. Show your Seahawk spirit by wearing your favorite Seahawk gear during these interviews. Group interviews will be held on October 25, 2025. 

Step 3: Individual Interview

The individual interview process provides an opportunity for you to share your experiences and desire to serve as an Orientation Leader with professional staff members and members of the Orientation Leadership Team. Invitations for individual interviews will be sent after participation in group interviews. The recommended attire for individual interviews is dressy casual. Not all applicants will be selected for an individual interview. 

Step 4: Selection

Applicants will be informed of their decision by late November through their UNCW student email.

The following dates and times are subject to change. However, the dates below can provide an example of the requirements and general time commitment.

Meetings & Training

• Team Welcome: December 1, 2025
• Spring Meetings: Thursdays 5-7 pm beginning on January 22, 2026
• Team Retreat: TBD
• Summer Pre-Orientation Training: May 17-30, 2025

2025 First-Year, Transfer, and Parent/ Supporter Orientation 

• June 1-30, Sunday-Thursday
• August 10-17

Orientation Leaders receive approximately $2200 for summer training and orientation sessions. Expenses associated with attendance at the team retreat are covered by the Office of Transition Programs. OLs receive on-campus housing during May training and June orientation sessions, meals during orientation sessions, and a uniform with the exception of bottoms. OLs must purchase navy bottoms to be worn during orientation.