Information Sessions
On the fence? Have questions? Want to hear from some current OL's? We've got you covered! Join us for an information session. Make sure to RSVP on MySHU, where these dates will also be available.
Tuesday, November 12th 2027, 7:00pm, Boyle 156
Frequent Questions & Concerns
I'm only going to be a sophomore. Is that okay?
We're thrilled that you're considering a student leadership position for your second year on The Hill. Of course you are welcomed and encouraged to apply. Every Orientation Leader brings a different set of experiences and skills to the table, and you'll fit right in. Our training sessions will have you more than prepared to serve as an OL. The best part? We all support one another. If you find yourself faced with a question or situation you aren't sure about, you can rely on your team to help.
I'm a fifth year senior. Is that okay?
All undergraduate students who have completed at least one year at Seton Hill are eligible to serve as Orientation Leaders. We're excited that you're considering joining our team at this juncture in your education - it's never too late, well, unless you've already graduated.
I've never had a job before. Is that going to make me a weak applicant?
The best aspect of our Orientation Leader family is how all of our unique experiences and backgrounds come together to create something beautiful. Whether this is your first job, or your thirty-first job, we're here to help you succeed. There are many reasons an applicant may not have had a job before, and that's okay. In fact, several OL's over the years have considered this position to be their first job.
Public speaking isn't easy for me. Is that going to be a problem?
Everybody on the team brings with them varied skills and strengths. While we will encourage and empower you to speak openly with others, especially among the team, we will not ask you to take the stage and speak for a crowd if this is difficult for you. Chances are, this is someone else's strength and they'll be happy to take on those roles so you can be placed where you feel comfortable.
What is the pay per hour?
Orientation Leaders do earn a stipend of $10 per hour for working at Setonian Orientation Days and Welcome Weekend. Orientation Leaders enjoy 3 free daily meals during Fall Training and Welcome Weekend, and lunch during Setonian Orientations. Orientation Leaders are provided with their coveted Yellow Polo, Welcome Weekend Team-Tees, and a variety of exclusive OL swag items!
I am not of the Catholic Faith. Is that an issue?
Seton Hill and its student groups are welcoming to everyone, regardless of faith! Because Seton Hill is a Catholic university, some of the training OL's undergo revolve around The Sisters of Charity and the university's mission. This means, even if you're not super familiar with the these topics, you'll come away with all the information you need!
What should I wear to my interview?
We ask that applicants present themselves semi-professionally in their interviews. Keep It Simple, Student!
I have colored hair, tattoos, piercings, etc. Do I need to change or hide those things?
We encourage you to be yourself! Individuality and creativity is what makes our campus so beautiful. When working, we do ask that you cover any visible tattoos that may be considered offensive like nudity, depictions of drugs and alcohol, etc.
What is Spring Training like?
The purpose of Spring Training is to begin forming the family-style relationship among the team. The goal is for everyone to come away from training with a sense of trust and care for one another. We do this by forming "family groups" in which new OL's are teamed up with returning OL's. Likewise, we pair new OL's with a "Big Buddy" returning OL to serve as a familiar face and mentor. Spring Training includes team bonding activities, presentations from Matt, Gina, and returning OL's, and lots of great conversation! These training sessions are held on Friday afternoons for two hours.
What is Fall Training like?
August, or Fall training, takes place during the ten days leading up to new student move-in and Welcome Weekend! These trainings run all day, and provide everything from campus resource training to team bonding and collaborative work. During training, we share meals together, and break out in small groups to complete tasks for Welcome Weekend. It's a busy ten days, but you'll be surrounded by friends and activities, so the time will fly by.
Moving in early for training? How does that work?
Matthew Zielinski will work with Residence Life to assure that Orientation Leaders' rooms are available and move-in ready before the start of Fall training. You'll move in like you normally do, with less traffic, and Matt or Gina will have your key for you. No, you won't be charged extra for an early-move in. Commuting students will commute to training.
Can I put this position on my future resumes?
Yes! Orientation Leading is a legitimate Student Leadership position that will arm you with skills and experiences that will help you stand out as an applicant for your future ventures! Please ask Matthew Zielinski or Gina Veltri before using us as references.
What do we do after Welcome Weekend ends?
We call it Welcome Weekend +2! Once we finish up with the first weekend, we want to continue our impact with our first-year and transfer students. Orientation leaders will be asked to wear their yellow polo and their name tag to two events in the fall semester and act as a support for the event. Each OL gets to pick their two events, and simply attend and be helpful to the hosts of the event, and interact with any new students to make sure they are welcomed and connected!
Nobody "gets it" like someone who has been through it before. As an Orientation Leader, you'll be one of the first people our incoming students get to meet. You'll have so many opportunities to reassure and encourage our students as you help them navigate this exciting time in their lives.
We're in the business of helping students find the answers they need. When a student sees a yellow polo, they instantly know they've spotted someone who can help! Whether the student is looking for the Financial Aid office, wondering how to catch the SHUttle, or just needs a listening ear, they can be sure an OL will be there for them.