What is an Orientation Leader?
Orientation Leaders (OLs) at Florida State University are integral to welcoming and guiding new students into the FSU community. Each year, over 40 current undergraduate students are selected to take on this pivotal role. OLs are tasked with mentoring incoming students and their families, providing insights into academics, student involvement, FSU history, and campus traditions.
As representatives of the FSU motto - Vires, Artes, and Mores (Strength, Skill, and Character) - OLs persist through a year of focused relationship building, leadership development, and institutional knowledge. They are dedicated to creating a positive and informative experience for more than 8,000 new students and 10,000 family members during New Nole Orientation and signature events
Bringing together their personal FSU experiences, OLs collaborate with campus partners to foster a welcoming atmosphere, helping New Noles understand and embrace the values and expectations of our FSU community.
2026 Orientation Leader Applications close October 5 at 11:59 p.m.
Each candidate must be a full-time Florida State University undergraduate student during the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring 2027 semesters.
No student may hold the position while on academic or disciplinary probation as defined by the Student Code of Conduct and must not have violated the University’s Academic Honor Policy.
Each candidate must have and maintain a minimum grade point average as follows:
- First-year students: 3.00 overall grade point average (high school)
- Second-year or higher: 2.5 overall grade point average
Orientation Leaders are required to reside in the Tallahassee area throughout their leadership agreement and contract period.
Orientation Leaders must request to take courses during summer sessions A, B, or C. Classes cannot interfere with orientation programming. Classes may be approved on a case-by-case basis and preference will be given for asynchronous online classes.
Orientation Leaders are encouraged to not hold an outside job during the summer contract period.
Orientation Leaders must be available to attend all dates outlined in the Required Dates section below, along with every added or discussed date.
Orientation Leaders will be compensated at $14.00/hr beginning in January 2026 after signing their contract and beginning Spring Training.
In addition to an hourly wage, Orientation Leaders can also expect the following benefits from this role:
- Staff uniforms, including your polo, nametag, and backpack
- Additional Orientation swag and accessories
- Participate in retreats and training sessions
- Included on-campus housing throughout the summer
- Meals provided during summer Orientation sessions
- Access to the Leach
- Assist with events outside of Orientation, such as First Day Photos, Ask a Nole, Family Weekend, and Happy Birthday, FSU
- Develop valuable and transferable leadership skills
- Opportunities to create friendships and networks with your FSU peers
- Share your love of Florida State with all incoming students & their families
| Applications Open | September 3 |
| FSU Department Part-Time Job Fair | September 3 |
| Market Wednesday | September 10 |
| Market Wednesday | September 17 |
| Market Wednesday | September 24 |
| Market Wednesday | October 1 |
| Applications Close | October 5 |
| Group Interviews | October 13-16 |
| Individual Interviews | October 28-30 |
Orientation Leader applications can be found here: fla.st/O1W5DADI
Leadership
Teamwork/Collaboration
Professionalism
Time Management
Problem-Solving
Communications Skills
FSU Knowledge
Do I have to be nominated to become an Orientation Leader?
No, you do not have to be nominated to apply. If you are interested, we encourage you to apply on your own!
Can I serve as an Orientation Leader more than once?
Yes, but your ability to return is contingent on your performance throughout your initial term as an Orientation Leader.
What is the time commitment for an Orientation Leader like?
Orientation Leaders are contracted with NSFP from January 2026 - May 2027. During the spring, OLs will participate in a weekly Spring Training taking place on Mondays. Selected Orientation Leaders are expected to arrange their Spring 2026 course schedule to allow them to attend Spring Training.
Orientation Leaders typically work 30 - 40 hours per week during the Summer, including nights and weekends. Time-off requests must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advanced and are approved on a case by case basis.
Orientation Leaders contracts will end May 2027. During Fall 2026 & Spring 2027, there are optional NSFP Programs, including but not limited to, Transfer Student Orientation, First Day Photos, Ask A Nole, Family Weekend, and FSU Birthday, Orientation Leaders are able to sign-up to work as available for these events.
