Orientation Team
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Each year, Orientation and Transition Programs selects enthusiastic, qualified and resourceful students to serve as Orientation Leaders (OLs). During Orientation, OLs serve in various capacities to assist students and families, conduct administrative work and oversee the student experience.
OLs are considered Peer Leaders at VCU. A Peer Leader is defined as a student who has been selected and trained to serve in a leadership role that supports student success. This is a paid position on campus that provides students the opportunity to gain valuable leadership skills, lasting friendships and deep connection to the VCU community. The OL role also qualifies as a REAL experience for students.
Meet the team
In addition to Orientation Leaders, our team also consists of returning team members who serve as either Operations Assistants, who are responsible for the operations and logistics of the program, and Senior OLs, who are responsible for mentoring and supporting the team. We also occasionally have students in intern positions.
Senior OLs and Interns
Join the team
- Must be available for all Orientation Leader trainings and Orientation dates;
- Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student;
- Maintain a cumulative 2.5 grade point average;
- Remain in good conduct standing with the university;
- Pass a criminal background check and provide required I-9 hiring paperwork prior to start of employment, facilitated through VCU Human Resources;
- Have enthusiasm for VCU.
The primary role of an Orientation Leader (OL) is to serve as a positive role model, guide and mentor to both first-year and transfer students at the various Orientation sessions.
General responsibilities include:
- Assist with OTP and VCU-sponsored events, including but not limited to: Weeks of Welcome, Student Send-Offs, New Student Convocation, etc.;
- Assist OTP Leadership Team in the execution of all Orientation sessions;
- Guide new students and their families throughout all aspects of Orientation;
- Serve as a positive role model and mentor to small groups of new first-year and transfer students for Orientation sessions;
- Foster a positive and welcoming environment that helps students feel like a part of the Ramily;
- Facilitate activities, teambuilders, and small group discussions on various topics related to VCU, Richmond, academics, diversity and inclusion, and more;
- Serve as an OL within the family program, as needed.
Responsibilities and duties are subject to change.
- Hourly rate beginning at $12.50/hour following the University Payday Calendar with bimonthly payments;
- Meals during Orientation sessions;
- Orientation branded apparel;
- On-campus housing in a double-room provided during Orientation sessions and as needed during the duration of the Orientation program.
Pay rates are determined by the university and follow state guidelines and are subject to change annually.
The 2025 Orientation Leader Application is closed. Our priority application deadline was February 2, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. We are excited for you to meet our amazing team of OLs this summer. If you’re interested in being an OL for Summer 2026, please complete our Orientation Leader Summer 2026 Interest Form. We anticipate opening the application in early January 2026.
Please feel free to contact us at newrams@vcu.edu with any questions or concerns regarding the Orientation Leader position and application.