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 over 6,000 new students and 8,000 family members during New Nole Orientation and signature events.
2025 Orientation Leader Applications are closed.
Must be a full-time Florida State University undergraduate student during the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026 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.
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
Must reside in the Tallahassee area throughout their leadership agreement and contract period
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 must be available to attend all dates related to their contract, including but not limited to Orientation Leader Retreat, Spring Training, New Nole Orientation, First Day Photos and more.
Orientation Leaders will be compensated at $13.00/hr beginning in January 2025 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
Interest Sessions
Although not required, applicants are highly encouraged to attend an interest session as part of the application process.
View the 2025 Orientation Leader Interest Session here.
Application
Applicants will be required to submit an electronic application that requires:
- List of previous involvements and employment,
- Response to short-answer prompts
- Resume
- Headshot
Interview Process
All selected applicants with a completed application will be asked to sign up for a Garnet Round Interview, a group interview with other applicants.
Applicants selected to advance will participate in a Gold Round Interview, an individual interview.
Final decisions and offers will be made following completion of the interview process.
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?
Once the spring semester starts, OLs will be required to attend their a retreat in February and Spring Training courses bi-weekly from 3pm-5pm on Wednesday afternoons.
Throughout the summer, OLs will be required to live on campus throughout the sessions, participate in a week-long Training Camp to prepare for Orientation, and work their scheduled Orientation sessions until August.
