Orientation Assistant Position

NOTE: Applications will be available on February 22nd and are due by March 14th at 5pm.

WHAT IS AN ORIENTATION ASSISTANT?

Orientation Assistants play a vital role in helping new students adjust to our campus community. To do this, they create a welcoming and informative environment and serve as a general resource for new students and their families. This is a full time commitment in the summer and part time for fall and spring semester orientations during the academic year (2013-2014).

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

All Orientation Assistants will have the following responsibilities:

•Attend Orientation Leadership Training.

 •Welcome new students and help them to feel comfortable.

•Conscious of and responsive to new students/families’ needs and concerns.

•Disseminate information and materials, answer questions; assist with check in and out.

•Evaluate each session and offer assessment and suggestions.

 •Write final evaluation reports of the entire summer experience.

•Assist with general administrative preparations as assigned by Director(s).

 •Prepare check-in packets for students/parents and generally assist with procedures as assigned.

•Maintain and supervise residence hall space according to University and Orientation Office expectations.

•Facilitate excellent positive relationships with supervisors and co-workers.

 

There are two different Orientation Assistant positions available. The roles and responsibilities of each position are outlined below.

 

Group Leaders

Students holding this position work directly with incoming students/families conducting meetings and tours and remain with students throughout their orientation. Group Leaders have overnight responsibilities during freshman programs. This is a highly visible position which requires public speaking.

Responsibilities include:

• Be available to students at all times while they are on campus including evenings during freshman orientation.

• Hold group meetings to become acquainted with group members and relay information.

• Organize and participate in group discussions and activities designed to help students transition to UAlbany.

• Conduct bus and walking tours for students and families.

• Decorate lounge area, post pertinent information, and prepare a check-in station for your floor.

• Participate in Adventure 101 and Danes After Dark during the evening of 8 freshman conferences.

•Plan and implement team building activities.

•Engage in pubic speaking with large groups and students and families.

Office Leaders

Students holding this position work in the office preparing for each Orientation conference. Students will also answer phone calls from students and parents. The majority of the work is organizational and administratively focused but there is limited interaction with students and parents during the orientation conferences.

Responsibilities include:

•Staff the office full time including some evening responsibilities.

•Create welcoming and informative atmosphere by decorating the office and the quad.

•Maintain accurate conference files and organized work space.

•Prepare all materials for Orientation conferences.

•Conduct check-in for Orientation conferences.

•Attend and implement portions of Danes After Dark during the evening of 8 freshman Orientation conferences.

•Answer all phone calls from students, parents, and university offices.

•Conduct campus tours and escort students and family members to sessions when necessary.

WHO MAY APPLY?

Matriculated University at Albany undergraduate students who are currently enrolled and will attend UAlbany in the Fall 2014 semester may consider applying if they are:

•In good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 at the University at Albany.

•In good judicial standing (no active judicial sanctions at the University)

•Available to participate in the application and interview process (see Calendar under Application Process tab)

•Available to participate in all training sessions, orientation programs during summer 2013 and academic year 2013-2014

COMPENSATION

 •Stipend of $2500 for work from approximately June 5 – August 5

 •Free room and board during Training and Summer Orientation (approx. June 5- Aug. 5)

•Hourly pay for fall and January Orientations as well assisting with implementing New Student Programs during the 2013-2014 academic year.

 •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

JOB RESTRICTIONS

All Orientation Staff will be required to adhere to the following restrictions:

•NO outside commitments during the week unless prior approval is granted by Director.

•NO visitors or overnight guests Sunday - Thursday nights. Guest policy in effect Friday/Saturday.

•NO Summer Session Courses.

•NO outside or weekend jobs unless approved in advance by Director.

•ALL OA’s will be expected to live in the residence halls for the duration of the Summer Orientation except for holidays and weekends.

•NO drinking during or in preparation for conferences regardless of age. No drug use.

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 orientation programs for new students/families.

•Evidence of leadership ability.

•Ability/desire to be an involved member of the Orientation team.

•Sensitivity toward the needs and concerns of incoming freshmen, transfers, and their families.

•Ability to respond to different ideas, attitudes, opinions, etc., in an objective manner.

•Awareness of self with regard to strengths, weaknesses, skills and interests; how these may help or hinder job performance and how to use acceptable techniques to ensure success on the job.

•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/families.

•Demonstration of a positive attitude toward the University and ability to deal with criticism about UAlbany 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 within the University.

•Ability to work fall and January Orientation programs in 2013-14.