If you are looking for free housing, free meals during workdays, or a fun, interactive, paid-job that revolves around professional networking, then the office of Orientation and Family Programs is looking for you.

Orientation leaders (OLs) are a key component to UTSA’s growth, guiding incoming students and family members through summer orientation.

OLs are not only the face of UTSA, they are an investment of UTSA, that receive comprehensive training and leadership skills.

It is often said that public speaking is one vital skill graduates need to improve when they step into the real world.

Public speaking sets the foundation of networking and job interviewing, which are important for job success. Orientation leaders are given the opportunity to improve their public speaking daily, and only get better and better.

“Not only does it help you grow as a student, you learn a lot of life’s important lessons,” said April Felan, senior communication major. 

“Whether you’re on the job or in the classroom you find yourself taking more initiative. We make those lasting impressions and people take notice of that; they can see that you stand out above the rest.”

Not only do orientation leaders build a community of friends with staff and coworkers, they create their own community with the students they lead. Every summer the Orientation and Family program incorporates a new theme. Themes have ranged from music to candy, building teams and creating fun-filled memories that mark the start of freshmen and transfer college careers.

University 101, campus tours, and socio-drama make up the core of UTSA’s orientation program. A socio-drama consists of an intensive three-day training program led by professional actors, which helps a selected group of OLs learn a skit.

The socio-drama educates students about potential college-life situations and encourages them to make wise decisions.

“Once students go through the program they are always amazed at how many people they come to know,” said Tori Carrillo, student coordinator and treasurer of the Orientation Leader Association. 

OLs assist other offices and make connections along the way.  Orientation Leaders expand their knowledge of UTSA and give campus tours directing students to locations and offering valuable information.

To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

Must be currently registered for a minimum of  nine credit hours at UTSA

Must have at least a 2.0 cumulative UTSA GPA for Fall 2010 and Spring 2010

Must not be on academic disciplinary probation

Must be registered for Fall 2011 classes by May 2011

Juniors and seniors interested in becoming an orientation leader to gain leadership skills and campus benefits are encouraged to apply online at www.utsa.edu/orientation/olsignup.  Applications will be available Oct. 4.

Keep an eye out starting Oct. 5 and the following two weeks, (Tues. and Thurs). A booth will be set up on campus for students to ask questions and get more information about becoming an orientation leader.  Applications are due at 4:00 p.m., Oct 21.