Become an Orientation Advisor

Orientation Advisors (OAs) provide incoming students and their families with a high quality introduction to SUNY Geneseo. This introduction highlights Geneseo's spirit, mission, academic engagement and co-curricular programs. They assist with all Orientation events and play a vital role in helping to facilitate the adjustment of new students to the Geneseo community. Each staff member works collaboratively with a team of about twenty OAs, three Student Orientation Coordinators, and the Director of New Student Programs to produce and facilitate Geneseo's student and family Orientation programs. The Orientation Advisor position is an outstanding opportunity for any student interested in gaining leadership skills.

Responsibilities

The Orientation Advisor will work with other staff members to facilitate the Orientation program by:

• Participating in extensive training prior to sessions;
• Assisting in the preparation of Orientation activities and materials;
• Building working relationships with faculty, staff, and administrators on campus;
• Building relationships and serving as a resource for students and families;
• Communicating information to students and families through skits and presentations;
• Leading discussion groups with new students on sensitive issues;
• Articulating Geneseo's academic and community expectations and standards;
• Highlighting cocurricular programs and involvement on campus;
• Acquainting new students with campus services and building locations;
• Assisting with the class registration process;
• Upholding and enforcing all aspects of the student code of conduct; and
• Facilitating Weekend of Welcome activities that assist new students' transitions to Geneseo.

Qualifications

• Full-time undergraduate student enrolled at Geneseo through May 2013
• Good disciplinary and academic standing (2.5 overall GPA);
• Sensitivity to diversity in all of its forms;
• Ability to work under pressure, have a positive and flexible attitude;
• Desire to work with students, faculty, and staff;
• Leadership development potential;
• Effective communication skills;
• Ability to solve problems and be a team player with a positive attitude and work ethic; and
• Ability to assume leadership role and responsibility for assigned projects and small groups.

Time Commitment

Orientation Advisors live on campus and work full-time from May 31-July 14, 2013, with additional responsibilities for WOW '13 and January Orientation 2014. Summer Orientation program hours will include days, evenings, and weekends. During Orientation sessions, the staff works long days and evenings.  OAs must be present for all trainings and orientation sessions.  Therefore, no additional employment commitments are possible for the term of appointment. When feasible, requests may be made for days off between sessions and approved by the Director of New Student Programs.
 
There will be one weekend of mandatory staff training, tentatively scheduled for April 27-28, 2013. Additionally, OAs who have not graduated will return to Geneseo by August 21, 2013, to assist with Weeks of Welcome 2013 activities.  OAs help new students move into the halls, facilitate programs throughout the first two weekends, and act as a resource for new students.

Orientation Sesssion Dates

Benefits & Compensation 

Orientation Advisors will gain significant leadership experience; develop professional relationships with faculty, staff, and students; and learn effective communication skills. Additionally, OAs will receive the following:

• Stipend (New OA-$1500; Returning OA-$1700; subject to payroll deductions)
• Meals during each Orientation session, plus $200 toward other food/meals.
• A private residence hall room throughout the orientation program.
• Orientation swag (i.e., polos, t-shirt)
• Up to $100 for WOW '13 work, subject to approval by the Director.

Selection Process & Important Dates to Remember

• Information Sesssions [January 22 at 6:00 pm in Onondaga Hall, January 23 at 2:30 pm in MCU Fireside Lounge, & January 24 at 6:00 pm in Monroe Hall]
• Applications due Wednesday, February 6 by 4:00 pm
• Individual interviews will take place between February 11-28
• Group interview: Wednesday, February 13 or Saturday, February 16.
• Each applicant is responsible for signing up for both an individual and attending the group interview.
  [Note: You will be contacted by a member of the Orientation Leadership Team via e-mail]
• Notification letters will be sent by March 15, 2013.
• Spring Training: Tentatively scheduled for Saturday-Sunday, April 27-28, 2013, approximately 9:00 am-6:00 pm each day.
• Move into Onondaga Hall on May 31, 2013 for OA training.

How Can I Apply?

Click here to begin your application.  The OA application is set up through KnightLink.  You'll need to log-in with your Geneseo e-mail and password.  You are able to save and return to your application. You will be asked to provide contact informationfor two references.  Your references must be full-time staff or faculty members. RAs cannot be used as a reference.

Questions? Call 585-245-5852 or e-mail orientation@geneseo.edu