Orientation Leader, 2026

Student Orientation & Transition Program (SOTP) is seeking a team of undergraduate students from all class levels at University Park to serve as Orientation Leaders (OLs). Orientation Leaders will play a key role in providing a quality transitional experience for all incoming first-year students at University Park. We are looking for student leaders who are go-getters, authentic, conscientious, enthusiastic, reflective, open to new challenges, and passionate about serving Penn State and the broader community to help us do this important work. 

Benefits: 

As an Orientation Leader, students can expect to gain skills in public speaking, classroom and event management, customer service, collaboration, and leadership. OLs will be supported in their personal and professional development goals including the potential for letters of recommendation. Orientation Leaders will also be supported with competitive student pay at $15/hour and be provided exclusive Penn State NSO apparel. 

Responsibilities will include: 

• Serving as a positive representative of the Pennsylvania State University 

• Acting as a guide and mentor for new students through various NSO activities and sessions 

• Introducing Penn State and its resources through small group presentations to students and panels to their families 

• Leading conversations about the transition from high school to college and life as a Penn Stater 

• Welcoming and checking in new students and their families to their orientation program 

• Staffing Summer and Fall Welcome events 

• Attending President’s New Student Convocation 

• Providing additional logistical and programmatic support for transition programs as needed 

Successful candidates will demonstrate: 

• Professionalism and integrity 

• Strong leadership skills 

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills 

• Eager engagement with all new Penn Staters and their families  

• Capacity to respond to questions from students and families about university life with professional honesty 

• Empathy and understanding for the unique needs of new students and their families 

• Capability to infuse a sense of joy and fun into work 

• Effective collaboration with fellow student leaders to accomplish tasks 

• Flexibility and patience, as NSO is a dynamic and fast-paced work environment 

Qualifications: 

Interested applicants must be current full-time Penn State University Park undergraduate students who plan to be enrolled in fall 2026, will earn at least 24 cumulative Penn State credits by the end of the spring 2026 semester, and have maintained a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Successful candidates must attend and complete all training prior to the start of NSO programming. Satisfactory performance during training is required to continue employment, including embodying both the Penn State and SOTP values.  

Candidates must be in good academic and non-academic standing with the University at the time of application, hire, start of employment, and through the duration of employment. All non-academic misconduct will be reviewed for employment consideration. Please submit your resume for full consideration. 

Additional details about the role, including orientation program dates, are available at oteam.psu.edu. Questions about the position requirements should be directed to oteam@psu.edu.