Orientation Leaders or OLs (previously called Spartan Leaders) are responsible for administering a successful New Student Orientation (NSO) and welcoming new Spartans and their families from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Orientation Leaders work to create an inclusive environment that enhances the growth, development, and empowerment of incoming Spartans and their families.
OLs will be part of an in-person program format that will take place during mid- to late August 2026. This program will occur before the start of Fall semester and includes events like Sparty Gras, New Student Kickoff, GloTown, Campus Open House, and more.
Responsibilities will include all the following:
- Willingness to become familiar with academic expectations, student rights and responsibilities, MSU’s mission and values, and inclusion work to present to incoming students and family members.
- Engage with students and family members/supporters to enthusiastically answer questions, provide resources and help navigate the Orientation and college transition process.
- Provide outreach and guidance to incoming students through different mediums including in-person events, virtual chats, and other methods as assigned.
- Facilitate meaningful and inclusive group discussions and connections between students.
- Share personal and work appropriate experiences on topics related to student life, finding your community and a sense of belonging, campus traditions, academic resources, and more while recognizing the range of different experiences and backgrounds of MSU’s student population.
- Work independently, and with other OLs and orientation staff, to promote engagement among incoming students.
- Participate in mandatory team meetings, training, and programming in the month of August.
- Answer questions appropriately and representative of university values on various topics related to MSU resources and services.
- Staff events for new students and families including set-up, clean-up, various booths, and other duties as assigned.
- Ability to lead and be a positive role model by upholding NSO’s values of engagement, inclusion, empowerment, and connection.
- Commit to provide students from all experiences and backgrounds with opportunities to learn how to be successful at MSU.
- Able to work independently and facilitate stations as directed by NSO staff, with flexibility for changes and shifts as needed.
Qualifications:
- Be an undergraduate student at MSU for both Spring AND Fall 2026 semesters. Spring/Summer 2026 graduates are not eligible for this position.
- International students in F-1 or J-1 status must be enrolled full-time (or approved for Reduced Course Load by OISS) for Fall Semester 2026 as per immigration regulation enrollment requirements. For immigration regulation enrollment requirements go to: https://oiss.isp.msu.edu/immigration1/visa-immigration/status/.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to lead and facilitate diverse groups of students.
- Willingness to learn about campus resources and University services
- Able to work effectively as part of a diverse team to accomplish goals.
- Able to manage time and deadlines and ability to communicate effectively.
- Be open to receiving feedback and possess a positive attitude.
- Demonstrate a commitment to and appreciation of diversity and sensitivity toward a variety of ideas and values.
- Be a positive representative for Michigan State University and adhere to and enforce the rules and regulations (including mandatory reporting) of Michigan State University.
- Have a willingness to support, welcome, and assist new students and their families throughout the orientation process as directed by NSO staff.
- You may be asked to lift up to 50 lbs in set-up, tear down, and event staffing processes. Reasonable accommodations can and will be provided as needed and communicated.
Time Commitment:
- OLs participate in training on topics including group facilitation, public speaking, equity, sexual misconduct, conflict management, communication skills, campus resources, MSU history, teamwork development, and a variety of orientation-related topics.
- OLs are required to attend all training sessions, both in-person and virtual. *Please note, there will not be a virtual option for in-person training sessions.
- Orientation Leaders will be employed through the month of August 2026 to complete training and the in-person orientation experience. OLs will be trained for approximately 35-40 hours the week of August 10, 2026. OLs will then work the in-person NSO program the week of August 17, 2026.
- Orientation Leaders will be required to attend all scheduled shifts regardless of other employment (such as RA/ICA positions, etc).
- More information about this schedule (including more concrete dates, times, and locations) will be available throughout the application and interview process. Inability to participate in mandatory training and programming will result in termination from this position.
Compensation
- $13.73/hour; paycheck distributed via the bi-weekly schedule.
- Paid meals (meal passes good for admission to a dining facility OR Combo-X-Change)
- Early move-in for on campus students
- Note: The Orientation Leader team is responsible for entering their accurate work hours into the Enterprise Business System portal at the end of each shift. Training on entering hours will be provided by NSO/MSU staff.
