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Fall 2026 Orientation Aide Information
Be a leader, educator & friend rolled Into one NEON shirt!
First-Time-In-College Orientation Aide (FOA)
Pairs (or trios) of FOAs will work to enhance the acclimation of new first-time-in-college first-years to the university and have the responsibility of accompanying their students to all mandatory orientation activities. After Convocation, 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 university and have the responsibility of accompanying their students to all mandatory orientation activities. After Convocation, 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 university.
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 (Saturday, August 15, 2026)
- Be available to work ALL of orientation (Thursday-Tuesday, August 20 - 26, 2026)
- Maintain enthusiasm and ensure participation at all orientation events
View the Orientation Staff Standards of Excellence
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Friday, December 5, 2025 |
New Orientation Aide (NOA) & Returning Orientation Aide (ROA) Application Available |
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Tuesday, January 27, 2026 |
Fall 2026 Orientation Aide Information Session(s) |
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Friday, January 30, 2026 |
New Orientation Aide (NOA) |
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By Wednesday, |
NOA First Round & ROA Interview Decisions Available |
| Weeks of February 16 & 23, 2026 | NOA First Round Interviews |
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By Wednesday, March 4, 2026 |
NOA Second Round Interview Decisions Available |
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Week of March 2, 2026 |
ROA Interviews |
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Week of March 16, 2026 |
NOA Second Round Interviews |
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By Wednesday, April 8, 2026 |
ROA and NOA Final Staff Decisions Available |
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One Week after Decisions |
Agreements Due to the STEP Office |
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Sunday, April 26, 2026 |
Spring Training (tentative in-person with make-up options available) |
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TBD |
Summer Training |
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August 15, 2026 |
Arrive for Fall Training (tentative) |
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August 16 - 19, 2026 |
Fall Training (morning - evening) |
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August 20 - 26, 2026 |
New Student Orientation (morning - evening) |
Qualifications for Employment
- Leadership potential
- Positive communication skills
- A desire to work with students, families, 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 2026)
- Good standing in terms of honor or student conduct offenses (Contact [[ksblount,Kenzee Blount]] before submission of application if you have either.)
Benefits of Orientation Position
- Significant leadership experience
- Having a lasting impact on the future of William & 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 & 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 are 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 First-Time-In-College/First-Year 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!
When will I know if I got a position?
We will make every effort to inform all interviewed candidates by W&M email address via the timeline above.
Additional Information
If you would like additional information, contact STEP or [[orientation,email Orientation]]. Please print this page for your records.