Be an Orientation Leader
Orientation leaders are members of a select team of students whose primary goal is to assist incoming students and their families with the transition to SDSU.
Our program offers an opportunity for personal and professional growth that is both challenging and rewarding. Throughout the summer, leaders guide new Jacks through the orientation process and help them get comfortable with academics, resources, services and life at ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥.
Compensation and Skill Development
- Base compensation
- Orientation leaders will be compensated at a rate of $15 per hour for all training, program preparation and New Student Orientation sessions.
- Summer benefits
- Housing provided for summer sessions (if needed). Lunch during sessions provided. Uniform polo and name tag provided.
- Marketable skills for your future
- The National Association of Colleges and Employers identified the top 10 attributes employers want to see on new college graduates' resumes, including: leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, verbal communication, strong work ethic, initiative, analytical thinking, adaptability and interpersonal skills. The orientation leader program places emphasis on development in these and other areas to help our leaders enhance existing skills and develop new ones. Participation in our program can prepare you for future leadership roles, internships and employment.
Employment Timeline
- Position runs from May 18, 2026-April 21, 2027. Reappointment to the next period is possible if work completed and evaluated well.
- 2026 summer training and NSO sessions
- Training and program preparation – May 18-29 (excludes weekends and holidays)
- Orientation leader team retreat – May 21 (tentative)
- NSO sessions – May 28, June 2, 4, 5, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17, 22, 24, 25, Aug. 4, 5
- 2026 fall sessions and programs
- Meet State (opening weekend) – Orientation leaders can expect to have hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of move-in weekend (Aug. 20, 21, 22).
- NSO sessions – sessions for spring 2025 admits will be held Nov. 16 (tentative), Dec. 7 (tentative) and Jan. 8, 2027 (all day)
Jan. 12: Application is open.
Jan. 28: Ongoing interviews begin.
Feb. 12 at 11:59 p.m.: Application deadline.
Feb. 17: Notification of status.
Feb. 24: Accept or decline position.
Ask questions in person
Ask questions of current orientation leaders, ask any application- or job-related question, learn more about the position.
Monday, Jan. 26, 2026
11 a.m.-1 p.m., Main Street, University Student Union
Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2025
11 a.m.-1 p.m., Main Street, University Student Union
Meet the Leaders – Information Sessions
Hear what it's like to be an orientation leader from those who know best. Current leaders will share their own New Student Orientation stories, provide application information and answer your questions.
Monday, Feb. 2, 2026
5 p.m., University Student Union, State Room 260
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026
5 p.m., University Student Union, State Room 260
Application and Interview
Complete the application by Feb. 12, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Schedule your individual interview time. This will be a rolling interview process, to be scheduled with NSO professional staff and current orientation leaders.
Successful orientation leaders are individuals who:
- Are well developed, responsible and flexible.
- Are able to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
- Are enthusiastic and willing to intermingle with large groups of people daily.
- Possess a friendly and approachable demeanor to help students and families feel welcomed.
- Possess a strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Show a willingness to learn.
- Serve as positive representatives of SDSU and the Jackrabbits community.
- Love SDSU and want to share their experiences with others.
- Are in good academic standing and a have a clean student conduct record with SDSU.
- Have completed one full semester on campus at SDSU.
- Are a full-time undergraduate or graduate student with a cumulative GPA of 2.5.
