New Student Orientation
100 Campus Drive
Weatherford, OK 73096
Phone: (580) 774-3233
Fax: (580) 774-7102
orientation@swosu.edu
NSO Leader Program
General Information
Each year, the Orientation staff selects a group of dedicated undergraduate leaders to assist with implementing Orientation programs during the spring, summer and fall. Orientation Leaders serve as guides for new students who are making the transition from their previous environment to the diverse academic, intellectual and social culture of SWOSU.
Orientation Leader Selection
Orientation Leaders are expected to possess a specific body of knowledge about SWOSU acquired through experience and training, and they sincerely must be interested and skillful in sharing this information with Orientation participants. Selection to the team of Orientation Leaders is a unique honor and rewarding opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Orientation Leader Staff
SWOSU Orientation Leaders are students who are well respected, academically successful and leaders in their community. Students are selected for the program because of their interpersonal skills, academic achievements and leadership abilities.
Orientation Leader Advisory Board
In addition to fulfilling the duties of an orientation leader, members of the advisory board will meet weekly and play a greater role in planning orientation and training sessions. The members will serve as liaisons between the OLs and Orientation staff.
Qualifications
- Exhibit desire to Play, Make Someone’s Day, Be There and Choose Your Attitude
- Exhibit leadership potential
- Exhibit commitment to the mission of New Student Orientation
- Possess the following personal qualities: maturity, responsibility, initiative, self-esteem, motivation, enthusiasm and high energy level
- Exhibit good interpersonal and group presentation skills
- Exhibit the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of team members
- Completed at least 12 semester hours at SWOSU (Students who apply before completing 12 hours may be hired on a conditional basis.) Students must remain in good standing with the university throughout employment.
Orientation Leader Selection Process
Students interested in applying to serve as Orientation Leaders may begin the process by completing an application. (Applications are typically due in mid-September). Applicants then complete a group interview. New Student Orientation makes final selections after individual interviews.
Responsibilities – Make a Difference!
The following is a summary of the significant expectations for which Orientation Leaders are responsible:
Assistance to Students and Parents
- Welcome new students and families to SWOSU and assist them during enrollment sessions
- Develop a rapport with new students and their families
- Be constantly accessible and willing to assist with any information needs of families and students throughout each orientation session, including evening/night hours
- Assist students with enrollment process and academic advising as necessary
- Serve as an academic and social role model
- Go “above and beyond” to anticipate and meet both expressed and unexpressed needs
Educational Duties
- Complete all class requirements for the 3012/3000 Student Leadership Education course
- Communicate information to students about academic resources and student activities/services
- Assist students in understanding academic language and requirements and development of class schedules
- Educate students about their responsibilities at the university by explaining university policy and procedures
- Communicate logistical information to students to assist in their adjustment to university life at SWOSU
Administrative Responsibilities
- Attend all staff training sessions and meetings and complete all assignments
- Assist with the assimilation of orientation materials for enrollment sessions
- Efficiently complete all logistical tasks as requested by the Orientation staff and their assistants to ensure the orientation program proceeds smoothly and effectively
- Maintain regular communications with the Orientation staff and discuss with them situations that warrant their attention and action
- With a positive attitude, participate in all assigned duties of orientation fully and take initiative with unanticipated tasks or problems
- Be supportive of all staff members on the Orientation staff
- Remain flexible at all times. Last minute as well as major programmatic changes may occur at any time.
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Orientation Leaders will be responsible for the following commitments:
Training
- Orientation Leaders must enroll in 3012/3000 Student Leadership Education during the spring semester. The course must be completed with a grade of “S” in order to serve on the orientation staff.
- Orientation Leaders are required to attend a leadership retreat during the spring semester (date to be announced at a later time)
- Orientation Leaders will participate in each of the monthly enrollment sessions beginning in March.
- Orientation Leaders will return to campus a week before classes begin for Fall Training.
- Orientation Leaders will plan and attend programs and activities for Dawg Days
- Orientation Leaders will assist with Move-In Day
Compensation
Each Orientation Leader receives a base stipend of $200 each semester for two semesters assuming all obligations are met. Each OL has the opportunity to receive additional merit pay. Advisory Board members receive an additional $50. Non-resident students may qualify for waiver of non-resident tuition. All pay is subject to state and federal taxes. Orientation Leaders must adhere to all state and federal laws and the SWOSU Student Code of Conduct.
