Become an Orientation Leader
Help new Cougars prepare, connect, navigate, and belong.
Orientation Leaders are part of the Cougar Connector team within New Student and Family Programs. They play an important role in welcoming first-year and transfer students and their supporters to SIUE and helping them successfully being their Cougar experience.
As an Orientation Leader, you will:
- Welcome and connect with new students and their supporters.
- Share your SIUE experience and help students navigate their transition to college.
- Facilitate small-group conversations and activities during New Student Orientation.
- Serve as a positive and knowledgeable peer resource.
- Work alongside campus departments and other Orientation Leaders to create an inclusive, engaging, and welcoming orientation experience.
If you enjoy meeting new people, helping others and sharing what makes SIUE feel like home, we encourage you to learn more about joining the Summer 2027 Orientation Leader team!
Interested in Becoming an Orientation Leader?
Start by completing the Summer 2027 Orientation Leader Interest Form and attending one of our in-person interest sessions. You'll meet members of the New Student and Family Programs team, learn more about the position and time commitment, and get information about the application and selection process.
Interest Sessions
- Tuesday, October 20 from 5-6 p.m., Student Success Center 0200
- Tuesday, October 27 from 2-3 p.m., Student Success Center 0200
Complete the Summer 2027 Orientation Leader Interest Form
Unable to attend either session? Complete the interest form anyway so we can keep you informed about the Summer 2027 selection process.
Step 1: Review the Position Requirements & Time Commitment
Summer 2027 Orientation Leader Position Description
Before applying carefully review the position description and required dates. Orientation Leaders must be able to participate in required spring training and summer training and work all assigned New Student Orientation programs.
Required Qualifications
Orientation Leaders must:
- Be a degree-seeking student.
- Be enrolled full-time at SIUE for Fall 2027.
- Be in good academic standing with the University and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher when the position begins.
- Be in good student conduct standing at the time of application and throughout employment.
- Candidates may not have an open conduct case.
- Previous conduct matters will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Understand and support the goals of New Student and Family Programs and SIUE's student transition programs.
- Be available for all required training and assigned orientation program dates.
Mandatory Spring & Summer 2027 Training
Orientation Leaders participate in a comprehensive training program designed to prepare them to welcome, support, and guide new students and their supporters during New Student Orientation.
Attendance and participation at all spring and summer training session is mandatory. Please review the schedule carefully before applying to ensure you can fully commit to the Orientation Leader training program.
| Date | Time | Training Focus |
|---|---|---|
| SPRING TRAINING | ||
| March 19-20 |
Friday evening- |
Spring Retreat: Team Building & Leadership |
| Friday, March 26 | 2-4 p.m. | Welcome to the Team |
| Friday, April 2 | 2-4 p.m. | Know SIUE |
| Friday, April 9 | 2-4 p.m. | Facilitation & Connection |
| Friday, April 16 | 2-4 p.m. | Supporting Every New Cougar |
| Friday, April 23 | 2-4 p.m. | Creating the Orientation Experience |
| Friday, April 30 | 2-4 p.m. | Lead the Experience |
| SUMMER TRAINING | ||
| May 24-28 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Orientation Preparation |
| June 1-3 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Orientation Practice & Program Run-Through(s) |
Make-Up/Coaching Date: The week of May 3-7 is reserved, as needed for make-up training, individual coaching or completion of outstanding training requirements.
Additional details about the Spring Retreat, including the location, exact schedule, and whether an overnight stay will be required, will be shared before selected candidates are asked to accept the position.
Summer 2027 New Student Orientation
Orientation Leaders are required to work all assigned Summer 2027 New Student Orientation sessions. Programs serve incoming first-year and transfer students and their supporters.
Orientation Leaders should expect to work approximately 7 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on Orientation program days. Applicants should consider summer classes, employment, internships, travel, and other commitments when determining their availability to fulfill the position requirements.
The complete Summer 2027 New Student Orientation schedule is included in the Orientation Leader position description. Program dates are subject to change based on program demand.
Step 2: Apply on Cougar Jobline
The Summer 2027 Orientation Leader application opens on or around October 21, 2026.
Applications must be submitted through Cougar Jobline by November 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Step 3: Interview
After applications are reviewed, selected candidates will be invited to participate in an individual interview with New Student and Family Programs. Interviews will take place between November 30-December 4, 2026.
Candidates selected for an interview will receive information through their SIUE email about selecting an interview time and preparing for the conversation.
What Happens Next?
Following interviews, New Student and Family Programs will notify candidates of their selection status via their SIUE email.
Students selected to serve as an Orientation Leader will receive additional information about accepting the position, completing required employment steps, and preparing for Spring 2027 training.
Questions?
Have questions about the Orientation Leader role? Contact New Student and Family Programs at newstudents@siue.edu or 618-650-2400.
