Orientation Leader Job Description
Academic Year 2025-2026
Orientation Leader Position Description July/August 2024
● The OL (Orientation Leader) position is an opportunity to assist incoming first year students,
transfer students, international students, and their families with a successful transition to
Canisius University. Orientation Leaders work alongside the Associate Dean of Students, the
NGO Graduate Assistant, and the NGO Graduate Intern to implement academic and social
initiatives designed to assist students’ transition into the Canisius University community. The
purpose of the Orientation program is to introduce new students to the broad educational and
social opportunities available to them, in addition to equipping them with the tools needed for
success. Orientation Leaders also get to work behind the scenes planning and preparing for the
New Griff Orientation program.
Primary Responsibilities:
● Participate in all aspects of New Griff Orientation.
● Serve as a resource to new students and families to assist with their adjustment to
university life and to Canisius University.
● Acquaint new students and their families with campus services, activities, and facilities in a
professional and positive manner.
● Encourage students to fully participate in all aspects of New Griff Orientation.
● Assist academic advisors, faculty, staff, and other students during any and all informational
sessions throughout the program.
● Facilitate small and large group activities, ice breakers, and discussions to provide
students and their families with information and perspectives on campus life.
● Complete assigned preparation tasks throughout the Orientation Leader Training.
● Participate in the evaluation of the Orientation Leader Training and New Griff Orientation
program
● Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
● Enrolled as a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student at Canisius University. Be
in good disciplinary and academic standing; a minimum 2.5 GPA (overall) required.
● Attend and actively participate in Orientation Leader Training from May 13 - 17, 2024.
● Be actively involved and participate in all aspects of New Griff Orientation for incoming
first-year, transfer, and international students as well as their families. Please note: Early
morning and late evening hours are required. Exceptions cannot be made.
● The OL contract will run July 9 th -July 26 th as well as August 22 nd -24 th
● Must live in residence hall with new students during July orientation dates
Desired Skills & Abilities:
● Interpersonal communication skills, the capacity to listen and respond to individuals questions
and concerns, the ability to help others problem-solve and make decisions.
● Comfortable interacting with audiences from 1 to 150 people.
● Commitment to the Orientation Leader position, the Orientation Leader Team, and Canisius
University.
● Reliable, responsible, confident, flexible, willingness to help, professional and a positive attitude.
Compensation & Benefits:
● $2,250 stipend
● All meals during Orientation Leader training and the NGO program.
● Orientation team shirts and swag.
● Early move-in to your housing assignment before August Orientation, if you are a resident
student.
● Opportunity to enhance your leadership and interpersonal skills.
● Enhance your knowledge of Canisius, staff, and services.
● Develop confidence in yourself while being people for and with others.
● Serve as a role model while assisting with recruitment, transition, and retention of new students.
● Great addition to your resume!