Orientation Assistant

Brief summary of position:

Orientation Assistants are student employees responsible for assisting in the implementation and production of all programs and activities related to Summer WAVE, Fall Orientation, and Spring Orientation at the University of Portland.  

Duties and responsibilities associated with the position:

• Support the University’s comprehensive efforts to assist all confirmed students in becoming Pilots who are actively engaged with our community.
• Work to accomplish the goals of Summer WAVE and New Student Orientation, prior to, during, and after the actual weekend of the program.
• Maintain a positive attitude and welcome new students of all ages and backgrounds and academic disciplines as they transition into their life as a part of the UP community.
• Be a role model for new students and interact with them in various ways.
• Work to initiate relationships and become acquainted with new students. Take the initiative to go out and meet as many new students as possible. Mingle in the public areas; make connections between them.
• Serve as a guide (and often as an escort), provide directions to various locations around campus. This may include greeting crowds of people at the entrances to events or answering questions as participants exit an event.
• In conjunction with the Office of Student Activities team and other Orientation Assistants, staff Orientation Headquarters, where students acquire Orientation information, ask questions, etc. Provide strong customer service.
• Communicate appropriately and effectively with new students and their families through a variety of platforms, including text, website, phone, email, mobile app, social media, etc.
• Track student participation in various events and programs as assigned.
• Give constructive feedback on the student experience of all Orientation programs with the goal of continuous improvement.

General qualifications and requirements:

• Maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point cumulative average.
• Demonstrated ability to network and communicate effectively, with individuals and in small groups, verbally, and through a variety of mediums, including texting and social media.
• Ability to listen and take instruction.
• Ability to lead, to act under stress and pressure, to work collaboratively, and to exercise good judgment in personal conduct and decision-making, solving problems as they arise.
• Interest and willingness to interact extensively with other students. Must also be willing to maturely serve as a positive role model for students in all matters pertaining to University life
• Ability to manage details and tasks; to plan and implement events
• Ability to use a variety of technologies appropriately and efficiently
• Possess personal characteristics which include genuineness, approachability, a sense of humor, enthusiasm, empathy, honesty, reliability, and willingness to work unusual hours.

Time commitment and required availability:

Unless excused in advance:

• Must be available to work approximately 7-10 hours per week in the summer in preparation for three (in-person) Summer WAVE events scheduled for June 14-15; June 26-27; July 8-9 and two (virtual) make up opportunities for new students scheduled for July 19 and August 19. Must be available to be present and work each aforementioned event.
• Must attend on-going training sessions, typically held in April/May and August. Actual dates are to TBD.
• Must return to campus approximate by Sunday, August 18, 2024 and actively participate in training sessions and preparation activities that lead up to Fall Orientation weekend.
• Must attend all planned and assigned Orientation events/activities from Thursday, August 22, 2024 thru Sunday, August 25, 2024 (Fall Orientation) and January 10-12, 2025 (Spring Orientation).

IMPORTANT: Due to conflicting schedules, particularly Orientation Assistant training the week before fall classes start in August, Orientation Assistants CANNOT serve as Anchor Leaders, Resident Assistants, Beacon Staffers, ASUP Executive Board member or Senators, Hall Council Executive Members, Community Assistants, Social Justice Coordinators, or have other commitments that conflict with the training and responsibilities for Orientation Assistants.

Benefits:

• Earn approximately 200-250 hours of labor over the course of an academic year
• Gain experience with event planning, group facilitation, public speaking, and customer service
• Practice using various technologies
• Opportunity to meet lots of new people
• Practice your leadership skills; it looks great on a resume!
• If you live in the residence hall, you get to move in a few days early!
• Free Food! Meals during fall training are provided, as well as several meals during orientation.
• Add a purple t-shirt to your UP collection

Good standing statement:

The position you are applying for requires students to be in good standing with the University of Portland. By agreeing to apply to this position you are consenting to allow the Office of Student Activities to request your involvement in the University of Portland Conduct Process. You may submit an additional explanation that will accompany your application.  Due to the minimum GPA requirement, applying to this position also means you agree your consent to review your cumulative GPA to ensure that it meets this standard.