Orientation Leaders…
- Implement in person and virtual Ram Orientation sessions and in person Ram Welcome programming for new CSU students.
- Engage in a comprehensive leadership development training experience founded on the belief that effective student leadership is enacted first by a commitment to a common purpose.
- Design exceptional customer experiences for all new students, parents and families, and guests to the university.
- Build professional confidence, develop communication skills, work with a diverse team of peers toward a common goal, and make lasting campus connections.
- Make a lasting impact on Colorado State University.
There is no one “type” of Orientation Leader and you don’t need any specific experience to apply. Your unique identities, interests, personality, involvements and programs of study are valuable and we are looking for students of all perspectives to serve our incoming Rams.
The Orientation Leader position is a paid, in-person position in addition to housing and meals being provided during the orientation season in the months of June and July.
Application deadline is Thursday, October 29th, 2026
You will need to apply in Workday AND via the online application using the buttons above to be considered for this position.
Please review the Position Description and Application Process information below
Questions? Contact Orientation and Transition Programs.
Application Process
The following is the timeline of our Orientation Leader hiring process.
- Fill out the application form and apply on Handshake.
- Upload your personal statement to the application form.
- Submit your application on time.
Selection Timeline
| OL Applications Open | Monday, October 5th |
| OL Applications Due | Thursday, October 29th at 12:00AM |
| OL Group Interview Notification | Friday, October 30th |
| OL Group Interviews (if selected) | November 3rd-5th (6:00pm-8:00pm) |
| Individual Interview Notification | Friday, November 6th |
| Individual Interview Signup | Monday, November 6th – Wednesday, November 11th |
| Individual Interviews (if selected) | November 16th-20th, 2026 |
| Position Offer- OL Notification | Monday, November 30th, 2026 |
Interviewing Assistance: Career Center Counselors are available if you need assistance with your resume and/or interviewing skills. You may contact The Career Center at (970) 491-5707 to schedule an individual appointment or stop by during drop in hours. For more information visit: https://www.career.colostate.edu |
2027 Orientation Leader Position Description
Orientation & Transition Programs creates dynamic, student-centered experiences to inspire purposeful transition.
The Orientation Leader (OL) position is a member of the Orientation and Transition Programs (OTP) staff and as such is a part of the staff of the Division of Enrollment and Access. This position reports directly to the Program Coordinator for Orientation Programs and indirectly reports to the Assistant Director for Orientation Programs.
This is an in-person position that will begin on January 27, 2027.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be a full-time, undergraduate student who will graduate in December 2027 or later.
- Must be a CSU student in good academic AND disciplinary standing.
- Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 at time of application (first semester transfer students must have a predicted 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 transfer GPA). Note: Employment offers are contingent upon meeting the GPA requirement
- Because we value student academic success, applicants with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.5, if hired, will be required to complete an academic success plan with your supervisor in order to be eligible to serve as a Orientation Leader.
- If selected, Orientation Leaders must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 throughout the entire term of employment.
- Grades will be checked after the Fall 2026 semester and must meet a 2.0 to continue in the position.
- Must demonstrate a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
- Must have a desire and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
- Must demonstrate proven positive decision-making skills both personally and professionally.
- Must be able to work long hours and engage positively with program participants.
- Must be committed to practice and develop effective leadership, communication, and customer experience skills to a new level.
- Must be willing to learn and grow through the position.
- Must be willing to give and receive feedback to other Orientation Leaders and OTFP Staff.
- Must be available for all Orientation Leader time commitments including all training times (see below)
- Must be available for all Ram Orientation for First-Year Students programs.
- Must be available from 3:30-5:00 PM during the Spring 2027 semester for training (beginning February 3, 2027)
- Must agree to all of the Orientation and Transition Programs Expectations
Preferred Qualifications
- Be an effective and clear communicator with peers and program participants.
- Demonstrate authenticity, flexibility and dedication.
- Be able to work with peers and program participants in accordance with the CSU Land Grant Mission.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Orientation Leader position will have various responsibilities, which include working in a positive manner with other members of the Orientation and Transition Programs team, campus representatives, students, and family members/guests.
Orientation Leader Responsibilities
- Attend and fully participate in all Orientation Leader training activities(see “Mandatory Dates” below).
- Assist first-year students in developing positive academic habits, peer relationships and personal adjustments to CSU through small/large group discussions, individual peer interactions and presentations.
- Assist parents, family members, and guests of students in the transition to CSU through positive interactions and discussions.
- Lead campus tours during orientation programs for students, parents, families, and guests.
- Facilitate small group content provided by Orientation & Transition Programs and campus partners to meet specific learning outcomes.
- Serve as presenters for educational sessions during orientation programs.
- Create excellent customer experience for new students, family members, and guests at all OTP programs.
- Work with office staff to prepare all orientation programming materials.
- Develop and demonstrate team leadership, responsibility, and effective communication skills.
- Actively participate in other OTP program in both assigned and unassigned roles.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MANDATORY DATES
Orientation Leader Time Commitments 2027 (Dates subject to minor changes) | |
Date/Time | Activity |
Spring 2027 Commitments | |
| February 3, 2027 | 3:30-5:00 PM | Orientation Leader Training |
| February 10, 2027 | 3:30-5:00 PM | Orientation Leader Training |
| TBD | ALL DAY | Orientation Leader Staff Retreat |
| February 24, 2027 | 3:30-5:00 PM | Orientation Leader Training |
| March 3, 2027 | 3:30-5:00 PM | Orientation Leader Training |
| March 10, 2027 | 3:30-5:00 PM | Orientation Leader Training |
| March 17, 2027 | Spring Break – No Training |
| March 24, 2027 | 3:30-5:00 PM | Orientation Leader Training |
| March 31, 2027 | 3:30-5:00 PM | Orientation Leader Training |
| April 7, 2027 | 3:30-5:00 PM | Orientation Leader Training |
| April 14, 2027 | 3:30-5:00 PM | Orientation Leader Training |
| April 21, 2027 | 3:30-5:00 PM | Orientation Leader Training |
| April 28, 2027 | 3:30-5:00 PM | Orientation Leader Training |
| April 26, 2027 – May 7, 2027 | Various Times | Small Group Evaluations |
| May 5, 2027 | 3:30-5:00 PM | Orientation Leader Training |
Summer 2027 Commitments *tentative dates* | |
| May 31, 2027 – June 11, 2027 | Full Days, 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM, excluding weekends | Summer Intensive Training |
| Mid-June to the end of July (Full Days) | Ram Orientation for First-Year students: Some sessions will be virtual, but most sessions will be in person. |
PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT
The official period of employment will be from January 2027 to August 2027.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Orientation Leaders must have at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average to apply and must maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average during affiliation with Orientation and Transition Programs. Orientation Leaders with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.5, if hired, will be required to complete an academic success plan with their supervisor in order to be eligible to serve in the position. Colorado State University will conduct background checks on all final candidates.
In addition, Orientation Leaders are expected to act as a public relations and information person on behalf of Colorado State University, exhibit behavior appropriate to the University and civil regulations, demonstrate exceptional customer service skills at all times, fully participate in all training activities, and provide feedback to the Coordinator, Orientation Programs on program issues. All Orientation Leaders are required to abide by all expectations outlined in the Orientation and Transition Programs Expectations throughout their entire term of employment. Failure to comply with any of the above expectations can result in termination.
REMUNERATION
Compensation during the time of employment consists of an hourly wage as scheduled by the official student wage scale of the University with a starting base no lower than $15.71 per hour when working transfer programming.
BENEFITS
Employee Benefit information can be found on HR’s Website.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Room and board will be offered to Orientation Leaders during summer orientation programs. Staff attire (2 polos and a nametag) will be provided to wear while working all Ram Orientation and Ram Welcome programs.
OTP STUDENT STAFF EXPECTATIONS
All staff members are required to agree to comply with every expectation as outlined in the Orientation and Transition Programs Expectations
We are looking to hire 25-30 students to fill the Orientation Leader role.