Orientation Leader International Student Orientation Programs

Position Overview

The Office of International Support Services (ISS) is seeking a team of resourceful candidates passionate about gaining cross-cultural and leadership experience to fill multiple positions on our Student Orientation Leadership (OL) Team. The OL Team will support the ISS Orientation staff in onboarding newly admitted international students during a week-long international student orientation. As an Orientation Leader, you will play a key role in welcoming new international students, supporting their transition to KU, and helping them forge new connections to build their support network through a community-centered orientation experience.

During orientation programs, you'll guide new students through check-in procedures, answer their questions, and introduce them to campus life and the Lawrence community. While most OLs will be assigned primary responsibilities as group leaders, some may be offered a position with primary team responsibilities, including administrative assistance.

For the Fall 2026 semester, the International Student Orientation will be held in August and is required for both Undergraduate and Graduate students. All OLs are expected to be available throughout the orientation program, i.e., between 8 AM and 7 PM, from August 10th to August 16th
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Orientation Team members selected for the Fall 2026 program may be extended the option to work during the Spring semester orientation in January 2027.

• Up to 40 hours per week (but typically less than 40 hours).
• Pre-orientation Training:
  These are paid training sessions, and all orientation leaders must attend. These mandatory training sessions will be scheduled between August 4th and August 6th. Exact dates/times will be determined later.
• Orientation and campus welcome events:
  August 10th – 16th, 2026 (OLs will be scheduled as needed). Based on your availability and the program needs, you may be assigned to work during the Hawk Week events.
• Your work schedule for the duration of your employment may vary to accommodate program needs, including evening and weekend hours.

Please note that this position entails having no other employment or commitments that limit or conflict with your availability to work a flexible schedule as prescribed by the orientation program's needs.

40% - Program & Student Support

• Promote, encourage, and foster community through participant attendance during Orientation sessions, social activities, and events.
• Help students complete their registration and other required university processes depending on their program level.
• Assist participants in navigating the orientation program schedule and other required appointments, as needed.
• Conduct informational sessions to introduce university resources, campus life, and the Lawrence community from a student’s perspective, to support their transition.
• Facilitate social activities and assist participants during evening and weekend events (as assigned).
• Facilitate small group sessions, including leading icebreaker activities, participating in various panel discussions, presenting informational and cultural adjustment topics, and organizing campus tours.
• Accompany students to the local grocery store and introduce them to local public transportation.
• Be available for general assistance, answer questions, and make referrals as applicable.

30% - Pre-orientation Preparation

• Attend mandatory pre-orientation training sessions.
• Learn and retain logistical information about orientation programs, social activities, and other processes, while remaining flexible to adapt quickly to changes.
• Plan interactive and informative sessions about campus and community resources, along with icebreakers and group activities for orientation attendees.
• Prepare for group sessions by creating presentations and/or other materials as needed for the activities planned.
• Help prepare registration materials and assemble welcome packets for the orientation participants.
• Throughout the training, you will support the staff in preparing for various social events scheduled during orientation.

20% - Administrative & Event Operations

• Manage a Group Me account to stay connected with newly…