Orientation Assistant Application Information

Position Description

New Student Orientation programs are held in June and July.  During orientation, students receive academic information, learn about student life, and complete registration for fall courses. 

As an Orientation Assistant (OA), you will be a member of a special group of student leaders who guide our new students through the challenging and exciting adjustment to college life. Orientation Assistants convey information to new students and their families about East Carolina University’s programs and services and assist with all orientation events. The OA position is an outstanding opportunity for students interested in enhancing their leadership skills and for those interested in sharing their passion about East Carolina University.  

There are also a New Student Orientation programs held in August and January for students starting in the fall and spring semesters. 

Minimum Qualifications
Orientation Assistants must possess:

  • Excellent communication and customer service skills 
  • A good academic standing (2.5 overall GPA)
  • A positive disciplinary standing
  • Will be enrolled as an ECU student in fall 2024
  • A willingness to work as part of a diverse team
  • An enthusiasm for ECU
  • A high energy level
  • The ability to be flexible with changes to the program and schedule
  • An interest in working with students, families, faculty, and staff
  • A desire to have a truly rewarding and fun experience

Responsibilities
An Orientation Assistant will: 

  • Assist in the preparation of orientation activities and materials. 
  • Lead discussion groups and activities with incoming students. 
  • Help students become familiar with the ECU campus, including the services and resources that are available.
  • Perform duties to ensure the orientation program runs smoothly, such as assist with check-in, answer questions, give tours, direct students and families around campus, etc. 
  • Monitor and assist the students who are staying in the residence hall during the orientation programs.  
  • Serve as a role model to incoming students. 
  • Take an active role in making each student and family member feel welcome at ECU. 
  • Introduce campus organizations and encourage new students to get involved with student life. 
  • Meet and greet students that are arriving early for the orientation program. 
  • Attend and actively participate in the Orientation Assistant training program. 

 As a result of being a student employee within the Division of Student Affairs, students will have the opportunity to gain the following competencies based on NACE Top Ten Skills Employers Seek and CAS Learning Domains:  

  • Effective Communication 
  • Accountability/Integrity 
  • Self-Awareness 
  • Problem Solving/Effective Reasoning 
  • Professionalism 
  • Teamwork 
  • Adaptability/Resiliency 
  • Initiative 

Compensation
Orientation Assistants will: 

  • Gain and develop significant leadership skills. 
  • Impact the lives of new students and their families. 
  • Meet new people and develop new friendships. 
  • Network with ECU faculty, staff, and administrators. 
  • Receive a compensation package of approximately $7,000.00 (~$22.00/hr).
  • Package consists of: 
      • A $2,880 stipend for training and working the sessions throughout June and July. Taxes and FICA will be deducted from this amount. 
      • A single room in a residence hall beginning with summer training through the end of the orientation sessions (approximately a $3,900 value). 
      • A meal card that will cover lunches during training and your meals during orientation sessions. 
      • Be provided orientation polos, a bag, and a name tag to be worn during sessions. 
  • And much more! 

Important Dates

Spring Training Dates
Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Summer Training Dates
Move in Date: May 28, 2024
May 29, 2024 – June 7, 2024

New Student Orientation Dates
Transfer Orientation
May 30-31, 2024

New Student Orientation programs
June 10-11           June 19-20           July 1-2             July 15-16
June 12-13           June 24-25           July 8-9
June 17-18           June 26-27           July 10-11

August Orientation
August 15, 2024

OAs will be expected to be available to attend all training dates and work all orientation sessions. Work may also be required on Friday mornings, Sunday evenings, and the evenings before an orientation session if needed to set up for the next session. The sessions are expected to end on July 16, 2024. OAs are expected to assist with clean-up on July 17, 2024 and will be expected to move out of their rooms by 12:00noon on July 18, 2024*.  OAs are also expected to work Transfer Orientation, August Orientation and Fall Orientation dates as well. Orientation Assistants may have opportunities to work other events sponsored by the Office of Student Transitions. *NOTE: date may change

Application Instructions

Applications will be available online. The application includes the application form, essay questions, and two reference forms.

Small group interviews will be conducted after a completed application is received. We will reach out to schedule an interview.

References
Two reference forms should be completed.  You may ask current or former supervisors, advisors, faculty members, high school coaches or teachers, or current student leaders to complete your reference form. Friends and family members may not serve as references. Reference forms are available here. 

Do you have questions? Check out our FAQ page or contact Corrie Schwabrow at schwabrowc16@ecu.edu.

Good Luck with the Process!  We Look Forward to Meeting You! 

About the Division of Student Affairs and Office of Student Transitions

Division of Student Affairs Mission
Student Affairs provides programs and services that optimize student learning and leadership, builds a safe supportive and welcoming campus community, fosters the emotional growth and personal development of students, and makes a positive contribution to the overall student experience. 

Department Overview
The Office of Student Transitions will provide a coordinated, comprehensive approach to enhancing student success; provide services that will enhance the academic efficiency, effectiveness, and independence of our students; and will provide the necessary supports for families required for improving student satisfaction, academic success, and student retention.