Become an Orientation Leader
Orientation Leader Staff Member
The Orientation Leader (OL) is an integral part of the Division of Academic Affairs staff. The OL reports directly to the Director of Orientation and Events. As a member of the staff, the OL will be required to:
- have an office hour each week during the fall semester and spring semester
- attend a three-hour course credit training class each MWF during the spring semester 11-11:50 a.m.
- attend a staff development meeting or activity on Tuesday and Thursday, 2 to 4 p.m. during the spring semester
- attend training sessions prior to the beginning of the Summer Orientation Program, as well as any other meeting/training as assigned by the Director of Orientation and Events.
Job Duration and Salary
OL duties begin in September and go through the following September with the paid portion of the OL job beginning mid-May and ending beginning of July. OLs will be expected to assist with Fall and Spring recruitment events. The Office of Orientation & Events provides $2,000.00 stipend, meal plan and housing for all Orientation Leaders during the summer.
Eligibility and Qualifications
- OL positions are available to full-time undergraduate students for current freshman and transfer students.
- Students must have a cumulative 2.5 grade-point average or better to apply for and hold an OL position
- Freshman students must have a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA to apply.
- OL applicants must NOT hold another job of any nature- on or off campus- during the Summer Orientation season.
- There is a limit to taking no more than 16 hours during the spring semester including the 3 hour OL course mentioned above.
- The OL may not take any course during Maymester or the first-term summer session.
- Other requirements of the OL position, including mandatory team meetings, will be discussed during the selection process.
Duties
Orientation Leaders work with the Orientation & Events Staff in the preparation and implementation of the Orientation Program and other on-campus recruiting events. Orientation Leaders will be expected to know general information pertaining to the nine colleges and schools, information pertaining to the Division of Student Affairs, and the university as a whole. The OL also will be expected to lead Dawg Talk informational sessions, write to prospective students, assist with event preparation, and perform additional duties as required by the Director of Orientation and Events. Furthermore, Orientation Leaders must attend a mandatory Leadership Retreat to be held in May. Along with these requirements, Orientation Leaders will follow guidelines and perform activities as directed by the Director of Orientation and Events.
Application
2025 Orientation Leader applications have closed. For questions, contact orientation@msstate.edu.
Office of Orientation & Events
Jake Hartfield, Director
662-325-0457
Sally Rutland, Associate Director
662-325-0284
Brittany White-Doty, Assistant Director
662-325-8051
Michael Martin, Business Coordinator
662-325-2334
Chris Mackey, Graduate Assistant
662-325-0192