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Freshman Orientation Aide (FOA)

Pairs (or trios) of FOAs will work to enhance the acclimation of new first-time-in-college freshman to the College and have the responsibility of accompanying their students to all mandatory Orientation activities.  After Orientation, FOAs are expected to continue to serve as role models and resources for their students.

Transfer & More Orientation Aide (TMOA)

This group of Orientation Aides will work to enhance the acclimation of transfer, exchange and Joint Degree Programme Host students to the College and have the responsibility of accompanying their students to all mandatory Orientation activities.  After Orientation, TMOAs are expected to continue to serve as role models and resources for their students. TMOAs have the unique opportunity to help welcome international, military veteran, and non-traditional aged students to the College. 

Responsibilities for All Positions:

• Attend and fully participate in training and all orientation events (see dates below)
• Serve as a positive role model for students
• Serve as a resource for parents and family members
• Uphold all W&M rules and regulations, as well as orientation expectations
• Return to campus in time for fall training start (August 19, 2019)
• Be available to work ALL of orientation (August 23-28, 2019)
• Maintain enthusiasm and ensure participation at all orientation events

Tuesday, November 27, 2018  @ 7:30 PM (ISC 1221)	Fall 2019 Orientation Aide Information Session
Monday, December 3, 2018	New Orientation Aide (NOA) & Returning Orientation Aide (ROA) Application Available
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 @ 7:00 PM (Sadler Center, Commonwealth Auditorium)	Fall 2019 Orientation Aide Information Session
Monday, January 7, 2019	Review of NOA and ROA Applications Begins
Monday, January 21, 2019 @ 10:00 AM	NOA and ROA Applications Due
Weeks of January 28 & February 4, 2019	NOA First Round Interviews
By Friday, February 15, 2019	NOA First Round Decisions
Weeks of February 11 & 18, 2019	ROA Interviews
Weeks of February 18 & 25, 2019	NOA Second Round Interviews
By March 15, 2019, 2019	ROA & NOA Decisions Available
One Week following Decisions	Agreements Due to the FYE Office
Sunday, March 31, 2019  @ 3 - 6 PM (TBD Location)	Spring Training
Friday, April 12, 2019 @ 4 - 7 PM (TBD Location)	Staff Kick-off Dinner
August 19 - 22, 2019	Fall Training (morning - evening)
August 23-28, 2019	New Student Orientation (morning - evening)

Qualifications for Employment:

• Leadership potential
• Positive communication skills
• A desire to work with students, family, faculty and staff
• Dedication to helping others
• Integrity and ethical decision-making abilities
• Problem solving abilities
• Minimum academic success (a 2.5 cumulative GPA during the time of application and at the end of Spring Semester 2019)
• Good standing in terms of honor or student conduct offenses (Contact Lauren Garrett before submission of application if you have either.)

Benefits of Orientation Position:

• Significant leadership experience
• Having a lasting impact on the future of William and Mary
• Creating connections with a variety of students from the greater W&M community
• Working with a team and meeting student leaders, new students and new friends
• Gaining more knowledge of and an appreciation for William and Mary
• Orientation meal plan for all staff and an early move-in process for on-campus OAs
• Those neon yellow T-shirts

Frequently Asked Questions:

How competitive is the process?

The New Student Orientation program at William & Mary is nationally recognized for our outstanding staff. This being said, the application process is competitive. Numbers vary year to year.

Is preference given to students who are members of certain student organizations?

Applicants are given credit for their level of involvement and commitment to any aspect of the W&M community. Preference is not given to one organization or group over another. The depth and breadth of experience is more important than having one particular experience.

Can I work another job at any time?

You may hold another job, but NOT DURING orientation. You may not use another job or activity as an excuse for not attending training. Students cannot be Orientation Aides and Freshman Resident Assistants at the same time.

What happens during training?

You will spend time getting to know the other staff members and your Orientation Area Director(s). You will also learn about the services offered on campus, the advising/registration process, and issues that may affect new students. There is also a commitment to expose you to experiences that will enhance your leadership skills.

Are there additional opportunities for OAs to work with new students beyond the fall?

Orientation Aides are encouraged to maintain their relationship with their group and staff through the year and beyond. Besides the new student orientation program in August, there are other opportunities to assist with the general first-year student experience over the course of the academic year. You may also have the opportunity to work with Spring Orientation or the selection process for the orientation staff in 2020.

When will I know if I got a position?

We will make every effort to inform all interviewed candidates by email via the timeline above. Those interviewed candidates will receive an email to review their application portal which will contain your final decision.

Additional Information:

If you would like additional information, contact FYE or [[orientation,email Orientation]].  Please print this page for your records (printer friendly icon at bottom of page).