Join the Team

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.

Applications for the 2026 Orientation Assistant Position is closed.

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 2026
  • A willingness to work as part of a 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.
    • Be provided orientation polos, a bag, and a name tag to be worn during sessions.
    • A meal card that will cover lunches during training and your meals during orientation sessions.
    • A single room in a residence hall beginning with summer training through the end of the orientation sessions (approximately a $3,900 value).
  • And much more!

Important Dates

All dates are mandatory, including Spring and Summer Training and New Student Orientation dates. 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, 2026. OAs are expected to assist with clean-up on July 17, 2026, and will be expected to move out of their rooms by 12:00 noon on July 18, 2026*.

*NOTE: Date may change.

Spring Training Dates

Every Tuesday 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, starting January 20, 2026 through April 21, 2026.

Spring Learning Conference/Retreat

To be determined and posted soon.

Summer Training Dates

Move in: Monday, June 1, 2026
Training: June 2, 2026 – June 12, 2026

New Student Orientation Dates

First-Year Student Orientation

  • Session One: Monday, June 15 – Tuesday, June 16
  • Session Two: Wednesday, June 17 – Thursday, June 18
  • Session Three: Monday, June 22 – Tuesday, June 23
  • Session Four: Wednesday, June 24 – Thursday, June 25
  • Session Five: Monday, June 29 – Tuesday, June 30
  • Session Six: Wednesday, July 1 – Thursday, July 2
  • Session Seven: Monday, July 6 – Tuesday, July 7
  • Session Eight: Wednesday, July 8 – Thursday, July 9
  • Session Nine: Monday, July 13 – Tuesday, July 14
  • Session Ten: Wednesday, July 15 – Thursday, July 16

August Orientation

Thursday, August 13, 2026

Application Instructions

Applications are available online. The application includes the application form, essay questions, and two references. Interviews will be conducted Wednesday, October 29 – Friday, October 31. An email will be sent to applicants to schedule their interview after the application closes.

Do you have questions? Contact Kaitlyn Gumann at gumannk21@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.