Do you remember the time when you first came to NIU and didn’t know a lot about the school? I sure do. NIU was so big and had so many people, especially compared to the school that I came from. The resources, the classes and the residence halls were all unfamiliar to me and I wondered how I would ever manage without knowing about them. Then I came to new student orientation. My orientation leader knew so much about the school. I learned my way around campus and had many questions answered. My orientation leader really made me feel welcome.

Now is the time of year for the Orientation Office to select students to be part of the 2005 Orientation Staff. We are looking for students who have an interest in learning more about NIU, developing their communication skills and sharpening their leadership abilities. The required training program includes weekly meetings during the spring 2005 semester. At the conclusion of training, orientation leaders are ready to help new students and their family members and guests become familiar with NIU. Training also includes a special section on diversity, which helps increase awareness and sensitivity when working with people from a variety of backgrounds. While these skills are important in the role of being an orientation leader, they also will be valuable in your future careers and lives.

As an orientation leader, you will participate in training during the spring semester and receive a $2,600 salary for participation in the summer program plus an optional room package. The summer program goes from May 23 to July 14 and resumes August 1, 2 and 3. Each staff member has the option of living with the rest of the staff on a floor in one of the residence halls, which provides a good environment for forming tight bonds.

A typical day as an orientation leader begins by welcoming the new students and their guests. Each leader is assigned a group of students for the day. You will facilitate a group discussion with new students, answer questions about how to register for classes, take them on a campus tour and answer other questions. You also will take the family members and guests on a campus tour and hold a group discussion. Most students are eager to learn about their new home and family members are usually concerned with how their student will adjust to life at NIU. Your job is to make them feel comfortable while answering their questions.

Working with students and parents is a rewarding part of the whole experience. Orientation leaders feel good knowing they help new students make a smooth transition to NIU. They also learn something about themselves. Orientation leaders find that students come up to them throughout the year to say hello and let them know how things are going.

Students seeking a position as a Student Orientation Leader must have at least a 2.5 GPA, be returning to NIU as undergraduates in fall 2005 and possess a strong desire to represent NIU in a positive manner.

If you think you meet these qualifications, pick up an application in the Orientation Annex in the Holmes Student Center basement, or visit our Web site at www.orientation.niu.edu. You can also call 753-1535 or e-mail [email protected]. If you are interested in applying, you must attend an information meeting. Information meetings will be held at 9 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10 at the Holmes Student Center, Room 405. The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3.