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Become an Orientation Leader

Orientation Leaders

Become an Orientation Leader

Orientation Leaders are a team of dedicated CSUSB students who help welcome and support newly admitted first-year and transfer students, along with their families and supporters. OLs play an important role in Transfer Orientation, First-Year Orientation, and Parent and Family Orientation programs at both the San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses. 

As an Orientation Leader, you will help new Coyotes feel welcomed, prepared, and connected as they begin their CSUSB journey. Along the way, you will build valuable leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while creating meaningful connections across the university. 

A year on the Orientation Leader team is more than a campus job—it is an opportunity to make a lasting difference and help new students find their place in the Pack.

We’re Looking for Students Who: 

Being selected as a CSUSB Orientation Leader (OL) is an honor and an exciting opportunity to grow as a student, leader, and professional. 

  • Are proud to be CSUSB students and excited to share their experiences 
  • Want to serve as positive role models within the campus community 
  • Bring a welcoming attitude and positive energy 
  • Work well as part of a team and can adapt in a fast-paced environment 
  • Are dependable, responsible, and ready to take on new challenges 
  • Want to make a difference for new first-year and transfer students, their families, and their supporters 

 

Bring your Coyote pride, develop your leadership skills, and help welcome the next generation of Coyotes!

Interested in being a part of the 2027 team? Join the Interest List!

 

2027 Orientation Leader Application & Selection Process

Students at Orientation

Step 1: Apply

The Orientation Leader application is your opportunity to tell us more about yourself, your experiences, and why you want to join the OL team. 

As part of the application, you will: 

  • Complete the online application form 
  • Share why you are interested in becoming an Orientation Leader 
  • Authorize New Student Orientation and Family Programs staff to verify your academic and student conduct standing 

Applications are due Monday, November 2, 2026, by 5 p.m. 

Late applications may not be accepted, so we encourage you to submit your application early.

Step 2: Participate in a Group Interview

Applicants who have fully completed their application will be invited to a group interview process. The group interview is an opportunity for us to learn more about you and what unique qualities you would bring to the team and assess how you work with others on the team. 

During the interview, New Student Orientation and Family Programs staff, former Orientation team members, and campus partners will observe how you: 

  • Communicate and express yourself 
  • Collaborate with others 
  • Respond to questions 
  • Participate in a group setting 

Participation in a group interview is required to continue in the Orientation Leader selection process.  

Group Interview Date and Times - TBA 

If you have a scheduling conflict, contact us as soon as possible at orientation@csusb.edu.

Step 3: Selection 

We are looking to build a team of 50-60 continuing students to be a part of the 2027 Orientation Leader Team.  The selection process assesses each applicant and the various Orientation Leader roles, and the skills needed to be successful in accomplishing those roles.  

All candidates will be informed of our hiring decisions by Monday, December 15.  

Orientation Leader Requirements 

Before applying, please review the following eligibility requirements. Orientation Leaders must: 

  • Maintain a minimum 2.5 semester and cumulative GPA 
  • Be enrolled at least half-time at CSUSB during the academic year 
  • Maintain full-time enrollment during the academic year if they are an international student 
  • Be a returning CSUSB student in Fall 2026 
  • Be enrolled in a degree-seeking program and maintain satisfactory academic progress toward graduation 
  • Be interested in learning about CSUSB, including university policies, people, programs, services, and resources—and be excited to share that knowledge with others 
  • Follow the CSUSB Student Conduct Code and be free of active disciplinary sanctions
Position Commitment and Expectations 

The Orientation Leader position requires an 11-month commitment, beginning in February 2027 and concluding in January 2028. Most training, events, and work hours take place during the spring semester and summer months. 

Orientation Leaders are expected to: 

  • Follow all university policies and standards of student conduct 
  • Create a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for students, families, supporters, and guests 
  • Arrive on time and participate fully in all required training sessions, meetings, and Orientation programs 
  • Demonstrate professionalism, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude 
  • Build a strong understanding of campus resources, departments, and student organizations 
  • Share university information accurately, respectfully, and fairly 
  • Contribute actively to all areas of Orientation programming 
  • Demonstrate integrity, dependability, accountability, and strong teamwork 
  • Follow the Orientation staff dress code and maintain a professional appearance 
  • Practice healthy habits and prioritize their personal well-being 
  • Report possible violations of university or Orientation policies to program supervisors promptly 
Compensation 
  • Orientation Leaders earn: $16.50 per hour 
  • Additional Benefits 
  • Meals during Orientation programs 
    • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during First-Year Orientation 
    • Lunch during Transfer Orientation 
  • Orientation polos 
  • CSUSB promotional items 
Leadership and Professional Development 

Serving as an Orientation Leader is an opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a difference for new Coyotes. 

Through the experience, you will: 

  • Learn more about CSUSB traditions, campus resources, student services, and involvement opportunities 
  • Build leadership and professional skills that can strengthen your résumé 
  • Develop greater awareness of your leadership and communication styles 
  • Strengthen your time management, public-speaking, teamwork, and group-facilitation skills 
  • Meet and work with faculty and staff from across the university 
  • Build relationships with university staff and fellow student leaders 
  • Gain experience supporting incoming students and their families as they begin their CSUSB journey 
Orientation Leader Meet & Greets 

Interested in becoming an Orientation Leader? Join us for a Meet & Greet to learn more about the position and the application process. 

You will have the opportunity to meet Orientation professional staff and current student leaders, ask questions, and learn about the responsibilities, benefits, and experiences that come with representing CSUSB. 

Stop by and discover what it means to welcome new Coyotes and be one of the faces of CSUSB!

2027 Orientation Leader Meet & Greet Sessions
San Bernardino Campus

Date 

Time 

Location 

RSVP 

To be announced 

To be announced 

To be announced 

Available soon 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an Orientation Leader 

Why should I apply to become an Orientation Leader?

Serving as an Orientation Leader is one of the most rewarding ways to get involved at CSUSB. You will strengthen your leadership, communication, teamwork, and public-speaking skills while helping new students and their families feel welcomed and supported. 

As an Orientation Leader, you will also: 

  • Serve as a positive role model on campus 
  • Build friendships and a support system with fellow student leaders 
  • Connect with CSUSB faculty, staff, and campus partners 
  • Gain valuable experience for your résumé and future career 
  • Represent CSUSB and share your Coyote pride with new members of the Pack 

Students from all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply!

Can first-year students apply?
  • Yes! First-year students are welcome to apply. Applicants must meet all position requirements, including being enrolled in at least six units at CSUSB during the academic year. 
  • International students must maintain the enrollment requirements associated with their student status. 
Can I take summer classes while serving as an Orientation Leader? 

Because summer is the busiest time for the Orientation Leader team, OLs are strongly encouraged not to take courses during either summer session. 

Online summer courses may be considered when they do not interfere with training, Orientation programs, or other position responsibilities. Approval will be determined on a case-by-case basis. 

Before enrolling in a summer course, Orientation Leaders should speak with their supervisor to determine whether the course can be managed alongside the position’s schedule and expectations.

How will being an Orientation Leader benefit me? 

The Orientation Leader experience provides many opportunities for personal and professional growth. Benefits include: 

  • Building lasting friendships and a strong campus community 
  • Networking with faculty, staff, campus partners, and student leaders 
  • Developing leadership, teamwork, and group-facilitation skills 
  • Gaining experience with public speaking and presentations 
  • Learning about academic advising and campus resources 
  • Strengthening communication, organization, and problem-solving skills 
  • Gaining experience that can enhance your résumé 

Most importantly, you will make a meaningful difference in the experience of new Coyotes and their families.

Do I need to be involved on campus before applying?

No. Previous campus involvement is not required. 

We are looking for students with a variety of backgrounds, personalities, interests, and experiences. The Orientation Leader position is designed to help students develop their leadership skills, so you do not need to consider yourself an experienced leader before applying. 

Come ready to learn, grow, work with others, and support new members of the Coyote community.

I plan to graduate within the next year. Can I still apply? 

Applicants must remain enrolled at CSUSB and meet the position’s enrollment requirements throughout the required service period. 

For the 2027 Orientation Leader team, students must be enrolled through at least December 2027. Please review the complete position requirements before applying to make sure you are eligible for the full commitment. 

What happens if I need to miss a summer Orientation session? 

By accepting the Orientation Leader position, you are committing to attend all required training dates and Orientation programs listed in the position description. 

If you already know about a scheduling conflict, share it with Orientation staff as early as possible and before accepting the position. Staff will review the conflict and determine whether an accommodation is possible. 

Because Orientation Leaders are essential to each program, some conflicts may not be able to be accommodated. In that situation, we encourage you to consider applying for a future Orientation Leader team. 

I received an email saying I was nominated. Does that improve my chances of being selected? 

A nomination does not guarantee selection or give an applicant priority during the application process. All candidates complete the same application and selection requirements. 

A nomination means that an Orientation Leader, professor, staff member, or other member of the CSUSB community recognizes your leadership potential and believes you would be a great candidate.

We hope you will take their encouragement and apply!