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Orientation Leaders are undergraduate students currently enrolled at Ball State who support the on-campus first-year summer orientation program that takes place each year. During this time, Student and Family Orientation Leaders educate incoming students and their supporters about the student experience and the transition to Ball State. This includes answering questions about academics, student life, and campus resources. 

Orientation Leaders embody Ball State's Beneficence Pledge in their interactions with incoming students and their supporters, seeking ways for everyone to feel welcome and respected on campus. Plus, it's a lot of fun! 

Apply to be an Orientation Leader

Applications are now being accepted for Summer 2025 Student and Family Orientation Leaders. Click below to apply on Cardinal Career Link.

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Orientation Leader Qualifications & REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be currently enrolled Ball State undergraduate students who plan to continue their studies at Ball State in Fall 2025. All applicants must have and maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA at the end of the 2025 spring semester.

All knowledge-based requirements for this position are included during training; however, successful applicants will have a desire to learn about Ball State, be a reliable team member, and be eager to work with people of varying backgrounds. Additional skills include:

  • Dependable, reliable, self-directed
  • Endless energy and enthusiasm
  • Proven leadership abilities
  • Comfortable working with and speaking to small/large groups of people
  • Ability to take direction from and lead peers
  • Possess maturity and emotional intelligence needed to oversee different cohorts
  • Willingness to work as a team (team player)
  • Support all participants while employed with the Office of Orientation
  • Excellent verbal communication skills
  • Desire to learn about Ball State University

Orientation Leaders are strong and important representatives of Ball State University. In addition to welcoming new students and their supporters to the community, Orientation Leaders are tasked with making a positive impression on all orientation participants through this transitional experience with authenticity, confidence, and excitement.

Primary responsibilities include:

  • Acquainting new students and supporters with campus services and activities
  • Answering a high volume of questions about Ball State University
  • Explaining academic expectations and university procedures
  • Leading new students and/or their supporters around campus and in discussion groups
  • Organizing, preparing for, and carrying out daily orientation activities and responsibilities

Evening work is required Monday night through Thursday night.

Conditions of Employment for Student Orientation Leaders:

  • $15.00 per hour, up to 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday
    • May 19 through July 11
    • Exceptions include May 26, June 19–20, June 23–27, and July 4
  • Free single room in a residence hall (required)
  • Free weekday meals—when University Dining is open—in the form of a $650 debit conference card
  • Cannot enroll in any summer classes or workshops
  • Must not hold additional weekday employment during summer orientation
  • Must be available for training May 19–23 and 27–30 from 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Hires must be available for up to two days of Pre-Orientation Leader training. These meetings will be decided upon hire, ensuring times and dates work with spring semester schedules for all participates (1–2 hours each). Leaders will be paid for these meetings.

Conditions of Employment for Family Orientation Leaders:

  • $15.00 per hour, up to 20 hours a week (with the potential for additional hours), Monday through Friday
    • May 19 through July 11
    • Exceptions include May 26, June 19–20, June 23–27, and July 4
  • Must be able to work morning hours, early afternoon and evening hours (exact times to be discussed during interview)
  • Free single room in a residence hall (optional)
  • Free weekday meals—when University Dining is open—in the form of a $325 debit conference card
  • Must be available for training May 19–23 and 27–30 from 7:30–9:00 a.m. and 1:00–4:00 p.m.
  • Permitted to enroll in summer classes or workshops. It has been recommended only taking 1–2 classes as long as they fit around the Orientation schedule.

Hires must be available for up to two days for Pre-Orientation Leader Training. These meetings will be decided upon hire, ensuring times and dates work with spring semester schedules for all participants (1–2 hours each). Leaders will be paid for these meetings.