Orientation Leader Recruitment

Step 1: Apply

The application is an opportunity to share more about yourself and why you want to be an Orientation Leader. It includes the application form and an agreement to authorize Orientation and First Year Experience professional staff to verify your academic and disciplinary standing. Applications are due Tuesday, October 29 by 5:00 PM // Friday, December 20 for Palm Desert Campus. 

Step 2: Group Interview - Wednesday, November 6 

During the group interview, professional staff, Team Leaders and campus partners will observe how you collaborate in a team setting. Participation in a group interview is required to move forward in the selection process. If you have a scheduling conflict, please contact our office at orientation@csusb.edu. Recommended attire is Coyote spirit (blue, black, and school pride!). 

Step 3: Selection

All candidates will be informed of our hiring decisions by Friday, November 22. 

• Maintain a 2.5 GPA or greater, per semester and cumulatively.
• Students must be enrolled in at least halftime units at CSUSB during the academic year.
• International students must have full-time enrollment at CSUSB during the academic year.
• Must be a returning student to CSUSB in Fall 2025.
• Demonstrate a desire to learn about CSUSB, its regulations, its people, and its programs and to share the information with others.
• Be a degree-seeking student at CSUSB; must maintain satisfactory academic progress towards degree completion.
• Uphold all aspects of CSUSB’s Student Conduct Code and be free of disciplinary sanctions.

The Orientation Leader position requires a student to commit to a 12-month agreement. The position begins January 2025 and concludes December 2025, with the majority of the workload occurring over spring semester and through the summer months.

The following expectations have been established to ensure the best possible experience for new students, the Orientation Leader team, and Orientation and First Year Experience.

• Abide by all University policies and standards of student conduct.
• Make first year students, transfer students, and their families and guests feel welcomed to CSUSB.
• Be on time and actively participate in all trainings and Orientation-related events with a positive and professional attitude.
• Learn campus information in order to represent all CSUSB campus departments and organizations equally and accurately.
• Actively participate in all aspects of orientation programming.
• Consistently and reliably act with integrity.
• Dress appropriately and follow orientation staff dress code as established.
• Take care of yourself mentally and physically through self-care and wellness practices.
• Report any violation of university or orientation policies to supervisors immediately.

• $16.50 per hour

In addition to your salary, Orientation and First Year Experience will provide:

• On-campus housing for duration of summer orientation programming 
• Meals during orientation sessions (breakfast, lunch and dinner during First Year Orientation; lunch during Transfer Orientation)
• Nametags
• Orientation polos and other work-related attire
• Retreat weekend and amenities
• Professional development expenses such as training

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to:

• Learn more about the University’s traditions, campus and support resources, student involvement and engagement opportunities, and share this knowledge with incoming students and their families
• Gain leadership and professional experience through self-discovery including leadership and personality styles, time management, public speaking, and group facilitation skills
• Meet and work with faculty and staff from across campus
• Network with university staff and other student leaders

Join us at a Meet and Greet to learn more about the Orientation Leader position. At this time, you can interact with professional and student staff from the orientation program to get questions answered and learn about the many enticing benefits that come with being an Orientation Leader. Stop by, ask questions, or learn what it means to really be the face of CSUSB!

Why should I apply to be an Orientation Leader?

Being an Orientation Leader is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have while at CSUSB. You will grow in many different areas and develop into a true leader. Being on Orientation Leader allows you to stand out as a role model on campus, build a support system of 50+ teammates and will create opportunities during the rest of your time as a Coyote. It also allows you to represent the University and share your passion for CSUSB with new members of the Pack. We encourage all interested students to apply for this position.

Can I apply to become an Orientation Leader if I am a first-year student?

Yes, you can become an Orientation Leader as a first-year student. Any student who is taking at least 6 units is eligible to apply.

Can I take summer classes as a leader?

Due to the demanding summer orientation schedule, Orientation Leaders typically do NOT take academic classes during either summer session.  Online summer classes may be allowable as long as it does not interfere with any position responsibilities and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Orientation Leaders will need to communicate and work with their supervisor(s) prior to enrollment to determine if summer courses are manageable and appropriate given their duties and responsibilities of the position.

If permitted to enroll in a summer course, Orientation Leaders may not enroll in more than 3 units, all of which must be completed asynchronously.

How does being an Orientation Leader benefit me?

Being an Orientation Leader has numerous benefits such as making friendships, networking opportunities with faculty and peers, academic advising training, public speaking and leadership experience, building community, and so much more!

Do I have to be involved on campus in order to apply to be an Orientation Leader? 

No, but it can only help! We are looking for all kinds of students, personalities, and experiences. Our Orientation Leader positions are both leadership positions and are designed intentionally to help students learn and grow. 

I graduate in a year. Can I still apply?

In order to be eligible for the 2025 Orientation Leader position, you must be a full-time student through December 2025. 

What if I must miss an Orientation session over the summer?

When you apply, you are committing to all the dates. If you are already aware of an obligation that will mean missing a session (dates are listed in the job description), please tell Orientation staff before accepting the role. If we are unable to work through the conflict with you, we suggest you consider applying for the Orientation Leader role in a future year. 

I received an e-mail that I was nominated by my Orientation Leader/professor/staff member. Does this mean I am guaranteed/have a better chance at becoming a 2025 Orientation Leader?

No. As stated in the e-mail: this nomination does not give you priority over other candidates in the application process; it just means someone who has been an Orientation Leader or a professional staff member at the University sees your potential and wants you to apply!