Orientation

Orientation | General Information

General Information

What is an Orientation Assistant?

Orientation Assistants play a vital role in helping new students adjust to our campus and community by creating a warm, welcoming and informative environment for new student and their families and by serving as a general resource for them. This is a full time commitment in the summer and part time for fall and spring semester orientations during the academic year. (2009 - 2010) See "compensation" below.

The OA:

Assists with all Orientation events with the goal of welcoming and informing new students/families
Leads discussion groups with incoming students and family members
Assists in the preparation of Orientation activities and materials
Explains academic and co-curricular opportunities at the University
Acquaints new students with campus services and building locations
Serves as a role model of the successful student at UAlbany
Will participate in a 3 week Leadership Training Program

Who May Apply?

Matriculated University at Albany undergraduate students who are currently enrolled and will attend Albany in the Fall of 2010 may consider applying if they are:

In good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.

In good judicial standing (no current judicial sanctions at the University).

Available to participate in the interview process. (Group Interview, Individual Interview, and All Staff Meeting in May if hired.)

Compensation:

Stipend of $2400 covers: 3 Weeks of Leadership Training and Summer Orientation Conference timeframe (approx. June 6th to Aug. 7th)
Free room and board during Training and the Summer Planning Conferences (approx. June 6th to Aug. 7th)
Fall Orientations scheduled for just before the start of the Fall Semester (approx. Aug. 25th - 29th extra pay)
Spring Planning Conferences scheduled for just before the start of the Spring Semester (extra pay)
December and May Conferences - 1 day each (extra pay)
Chance to increase marketability by strengthening your inter-personal and organizational skills
Opportunity to work in an exciting and creative environment with other students and faculty

Responsibilities:

Each O.A. is responsible for approximately 18-24 freshmen or transfers students in her/his group. This includes:

Welcoming new students and helping them to feel comfortable.
Being responsive to and aware of their needs and concerns.
Giving out packets and other materials, answering questions, assisting with check in and out.
Being available to students at all times while they are on campus.
Holding group meetings for purposes of becoming acquainted with members of your group and relaying information.
Organizing and participating in discussions, activities and special interest groups.
Evaluating each session and offering assessment and suggestions.
Conducting various bus and walking tours throughout the orientation programs (students, parents, etc.).
Writing final evaluation reports of the entire summer experience, and assisting with office move from temporary summer location to academic year location before leaving in August.
Maintaining and supervising residence hall space according to University, Residential Life, and Orientation Office expectations.
Assisting with general administrative preparations as assigned by Director(s).
Decoration of lounge area and posting all pertinent information concerning important phone numbers, fire procedures, etc.
Preparing/stuffing check-in packets for students/parents and generally assisting with office procedures as assigned.

Job Restrictions:

O.A.s will be required to adhere to the following restrictions:

NO outside commitments during the week unless prior approval granted by Director.
NO visitors or overnight guests Sunday - Thursday nights. Guest policy in effect Friday/Saturday.
NO Summer Session Courses between 6/6/09 and 8/7/09.
NO outside jobs or weekend jobs unless approved in advance by Director.
Restrictions apply.
ALL OA's will be expected to live in residence hall as assigned for the duration of the Summer Planning Conference except for holidays and weekends.
NO drinking/drug use at any point during or in preparation for conferences regardless of age.

Selection Process:

The staff selection process will consist of a thorough committee review of materials (application including essays, GPA, judicial standing, and recommendations) presented by each applicant. All applicants will have a small group interview. Those selected to continue the process will have an individual interview(s) with a committee consisting of the 2-3 interviewers including the Administrative Assistants of the Program. All applicants will be notified of their final status by email no later than Tuesday, April 7th, 2009 after 1:00pm.

Criteria for Selection:

Throughout the process, each candidate is evaluated on the following:

Sense of responsibility and seriousness of purpose.
Enthusiasm and energy.
Ability to build initial rapport quickly.
Ability to work with others different than yourself.
Ability to communicate in an honest, clear and objective manner.
Awareness of the purpose of the orientation programs for new students.
Evidence of leadership ability.
Ability/desire to be an involved member of the Summer Planning Conference "team".
Sensitivity toward the needs and concerns of incoming freshmen and transfers.
Ability to respond to different ideas, attitudes, opinions, etc., in an objective manner.
Awareness of self with regard to strengths, weaknesses, skills and interests and how these will help or hinder should you be selected for the orientation staff.
Ability to deal with problems and situations associated with the position.
Awareness of the impact that the personal opinions of staff have upon new students/parents.
Demonstration of a positive attitude toward the University and ability to deal with criticism about the University in a constructive manner.
Participation in clubs, organizations, other campus activities/events.
Evidence of good academic/judicial standing and a sense of responsibility regarding academic matters.
Awareness of and concern for basic goals/philosophies and/or controversial issues in the University.
Ability to work during the pre-fall, pre-spring, December and May conferences in 2009-10.

Applicant's "TO DO" List:

Complete application form, including essays.

Give the Reference Letter, with the Return Envelope provided, to your Recommender.
Ex: Instructor, Job Supervisor, Residence Hall Director, Academic Advisor, etc.

As part of this process, we may contact supervisors/those who know you. Please sign the bottom of the application form to authorize this and a check of your GPA and judicial standing.

Turn in application to Orientation Office by Monday, March 16, 2008 before 5:00 p.m., even if your reference has not yet completed the reference letter.

When you turn in your Application materials, sign up for a group interview.

Calendar of Important Dates:

March 2 (M)

Interest Meeting 7pm on Colonial Quad in the Penthouse and 8pm on Dutch Quad in the Penthouse

March 3 (T) Interest Meeting 7pm on Indian Quad in the Penthouse and 8pm on State Quad in the Penthouse

March 4 (W)
Interest Meeting 7pm in Lecture Center 21

March 16 (M) or before
Deadline for submitting applications in the State Quad U-Lounge
Schedule your Group Interview

March 18 - 20 (W-F) All Applicants participate in Group Interviews

March 24 (T) from 1-5 pm Notification of applicant status, (going on in the process or not) available in the State Quad U-Lounge

March 26-April 3 (Th - next F)    Individual Interviews for those selected to continue process

April 7 (T) from 1-5 pm Email of notification of final status

April 15 (W) Students deadline to accept OA position

May 6 (W) from noon-3pm
Mandatory All Staff Meeting