New Student Orientation Team Selection (2025)

Group photo of the 2024 Orientation Team

APPLY  HERE

Orientation Hiring Timeline

  • Important Dates

    Application opens

    Thu, Feb 6

    Application closes

    Wed, Mar 5

    Interview signups

    Thu, Mar 6

    Interviews

    Mar 10-14

    Offers

    Mon, Mar 31

    acceptance deadline

    Thu, Apr 2

Applying to be on the NSO Team

Position Title: New Student Guide

Compensation: $16.50/hour

  1. DEPARTMENT/OFFICE INFORMATION:
    1. Department/Office Name: Campus Life
    2. Supervisor Name and Title: Nick Lee, Assistant Director of Campus Life Operations 
    3. Number of students needed in this role: 50
  2. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DESIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
    1. Position Overview: New Student Guides play an active role supporting new students in their transition to Pitzer and assisting with the implementation of various New Student Orientation (NSO) programs. NSGs co-lead a group of 10-14 first-year or transfer students on their Orientation Adventure (OA) trip and support these students throughout the Fall semester. NSGs are also responsible for leading their groups through critical conversations regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion, alcohol and substance use, etc.
    2. Essential Functions:
      1. STAFF DEVELOPMENT
        • Participate fully in the New Student Guide training program in advance of the arrival of first-year and transfer students to Pitzer.
      2. MOVE-IN & ORIENTATION
        • Assist with new student move-in day 
        • Lead orientation group meetings and tasks in preparation for OA trip
        • Facilitate on-campus Orientation session debriefs and dialogues
        • Complete OA trip wrap-up logistics including: reconciling trip finances, cleaning and inventorying of gear, and participating in debrief conversations with orientation staff
        • Support students through the Fall advising and course registration process, including class and campus tours
      3. COMMUNITY BUILDING & SUPPORT
        • Facilitate a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for students by building relationships and providing support
        • Should be available to their Orientation group on a consistent/regular basis throughout the fall semester. 
        • Appropriately represent Pitzer College and the Department of Student Affairs as a peer student-leader
        • Connect students to campus resources as needed
        • Provide ongoing guidance and check-ins throughout the Fall semester
        • Coordinate a minimum of two (2) Community Development Activities throughout the Fall Semester with your co-leader. 
    3. Desired Skills and Abilities:
      • Current Pitzer student who is in good academic and student conduct standing, and will be attending Pitzer in-person, on-campus during Fall 2025
      • Interested in working with students in transition and the new student experience
      • Well-acquainted with academic and co-curricular life
      • Effective communication skills with peers
      • Aspire to be a strong leader on behalf of Pitzer College
      • Ability to abide by and uphold all Pitzer policies, protocols, and procedures
      • Ability to provide support where appropriate, ask for guidance when needed, and connect to resources due to the difficult situations which may be presented throughout the course of the position
      • Ability to carry out responsibilities to ensure that Pitzer complies with its legal obligations to prevent illegal discrimination and harassment. New Student Guides must report information promptly to Campus Life staff if they suspect that harassment or discrimination is taking place or has occurred. Training in these areas will be provided.
    4. Other Comments
      1. Working Environment: Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor settings. Indoor settings have moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Outdoor settings have varying noise levels and temperature conditions depending on the trip, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
      2. Physical Requirements:  This is generally an active position. Must be able to do the following including the items listed below:
        • Have mobility for prolonged periods of time;
        • Apply elements of emergency preparedness training;
        • Communicate with others by email, in person, and over the telephone;
        • Read printed materials and a computer screen;
        • Assist with the set-up and teardown of event tables, signage and other materials;
        • Lift up to 25 pounds from the ground to waist level without assistance (based on OA trip assignment);
        • Reach out, over shoulder and overhead, grasp, pull, push, stoop, bend, and twist;
        • Have the stamina to work in a fast-paced work environment.
    5. Expectations
      • Students are held to the standards outlined in the Student Code of Conduct laid out in the Student Handbook and other standards laid out in the New Student Guide Contract. Non-compliance with requirements contained in this document and other referenced material may result in disciplinary action or termination. Placement on disciplinary probation by the college can affect position status 
      • New Student Guides are a positive role model for other Guides and students. They should understand and personally uphold all of the policies of the college, including, but not limited to, Alcohol & Drug Policies (including the use of cannabis), sexual misconduct, unregistered parties. Guides may not provide alcohol or drugs to any first year or transfer students regardless of age. Guides will respect and uphold the college’s official substance-free/dry week period. 
      • Guides are expected to represent the department of Campus Life at all times. This includes their actions on and off campus and online social media. 
      • In your Role as a New Student Guide, you are designated as a Responsible Employee. Responsible employees are required to share disclosed information with their campus Title IX Coordinator regarding discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating or domestic violence, and/or stalking. Responsible Employees will maintain privacy to the greatest extent possible and will only relay the disclosed information to the Title IX Coordinator for the purpose of connecting the student, staff, or faculty (Impacted Individual) with appropriate resources and support.
  3. KEY DATES & WORK SCHEDULE:

April 2025

Preliminary trip meetings with OA Coordinators (~2 hours total)

August 10, 2025

Move-In Day for first time New Student Guides living on-campus

August 11-14, 2025

Leader Training & Preparations (~7 hours/day)

August 16-23, 2025

On-Campus Orientation & Orientation Adventure (~8 hours/day)

August 25-November 21, 2025

Academic support to new students (~1 hour/week)

November 21, 2025

Last Day of position responsibilities 

Position Title: Returning New Student Guide

Compensation: $16.50/hour

  1. DEPARTMENT/OFFICE INFORMATION:
    1. Department/Office Name: Campus Life
    2. Supervisor Name and Title: Nick Lee, Assistant Director of Campus Life Operations 
    3. Number of students needed in this role: varies
  2. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DESIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
    1. Position Overview: Returning New Student Guides play an active role in leading aspects of New Student Guide (NSG) training, supporting new students in their transition to Pitzer, and assisting with the implementation of various New Student Orientation (NSO) programs. NSGs co-lead a group of 10-14 first-year or transfer students on their Orientation Adventure (OA) trip and support these students throughout the Fall semester. NSGs are also responsible for leading their groups through critical conversations regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion, alcohol and substance use, etc.
    2. Essential Functions:
      1. STAFF DEVELOPMENT
        • Lead and participate in training sessions as determined by the Orientation staff and serve as a resource to first time New Student Guides
      2. MOVE-IN & ORIENTATION
        • Assist with new student move-in day 
        • Lead orientation group meetings and tasks in preparation for OA trip
        • Facilitate on-campus Orientation session debriefs and dialogues
        • Complete OA trip wrap-up logistics including: reconciling trip finances, cleaning and inventorying of gear, and participating in debrief conversations with orientation staff
        • Support students through the Fall advising and course registration process, including class and campus tours
      3. COMMUNITY BUILDING & SUPPORT
        • Facilitate a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for students by building relationships and providing support
        • Should be available to their Orientation group on a consistent/regular basis throughout the fall semester. 
        • Appropriately represent Pitzer College and the Department of Student Affairs as a peer student-leader
        • Connect students to campus resources as needed
        • Provide ongoing guidance and check-ins throughout the Fall semester
        • Coordinate a minimum of two (2) Community Development Activities throughout the Fall Semester with your co-leader. 
    3. Desired Skills and Abilities:
      • Thoughtful reflection of previous New Student Guide experience and willingness to continue growth
      • Current Pitzer student who is in good academic and student conduct standing, and will be attending Pitzer in-person, on-campus during Fall 2025
      • Interested in working with students in transition and the new student experience
      • Well-acquainted with academic and co-curricular life
      • Effective communication skills with peers
      • Aspire to be a strong leader on behalf of Pitzer College
      • Ability to abide by and uphold all Pitzer policies, protocols, and procedures
      • Ability to provide support where appropriate, ask for guidance when needed, and connect to resources due to the difficult situations which may be presented throughout the course of the position
      • Ability to carry out responsibilities to ensure that Pitzer complies with its legal obligations to prevent illegal discrimination and harassment. New Student Guides must report information promptly to Campus Life staff if they suspect that harassment or discrimination is taking place or has occurred. Training in these areas will be provided.
    4. Other Comments
      1. Working Environment: Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor settings. Indoor settings have moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Outdoor settings have varying noise levels and temperature conditions depending on the trip, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
      2. Physical Requirements:  This is generally an active position. Must be able to do the following including the items listed below:
        • Have mobility for prolonged periods of time;
        • Apply elements of emergency preparedness training;
        • Communicate with others by email, in person, and over the telephone;
        • Read printed materials and a computer screen;
        • Assist with the set-up and teardown of event tables, signage and other materials;
        • Lift up to 25 pounds from the ground to waist level without assistance (based on OA trip assignment);
        • Reach out, over shoulder and overhead, grasp, pull, push, stoop, bend, and twist;
        • Have the stamina to work in a fast-paced work environment.
    5. Expectations
      • Students are held to the standards outlined in the Student Code of Conduct laid out in the Student Handbook and other standards laid out in the New Student Guide Contract. Non-compliance with requirements contained in this document and other referenced material may result in disciplinary action or termination. Placement on disciplinary probation by the college can affect position status 
      • New Student Guides are a positive role model for other Guides and students. They should understand and personally uphold all of the policies of the college, including, but not limited to, Alcohol & Drug Policies (including the use of cannabis), sexual misconduct, unregistered parties. Guides may not provide alcohol or drugs to any first year or transfer students regardless of age. Guides will respect and uphold the college’s official substance-free/dry week period. 
      • Guides are expected to represent the department of Campus Life at all times. This includes their actions on and off campus and online social media. 
      • In your Role as a New Student Guide, you are designated as a Responsible Employee. Responsible employees are required to share disclosed information with their campus Title IX Coordinator regarding discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating or domestic violence, and/or stalking. Responsible Employees will maintain privacy to the greatest extent possible and will only relay the disclosed information to the Title IX Coordinator for the purpose of connecting the student, staff, or faculty (Impacted Individual) with appropriate resources and support.
  3. KEY DATES & WORK SCHEDULE:

April 2025

Preliminary trip meetings with OA Coordinators (~2 hours total)

August 9, 2025

Move-In Day for Returning New Student Guides living on-campus

August 10, 2025

Returning New Student Guide prep meetings

August 11-14, 2025

Leader Training & Preparations (~7 hours/day)

August 16-23, 2025

On-Campus Orientation & Orientation Adventure (~8 hours/day)

August 25-November 21, 2025

Academic support to new students (~1 hour/week)

November 21, 2025

Last Day of position responsibilities 

Position Title: Orientation Logistics Assistant 

Compensation: $16.50/hour

  1. DEPARTMENT/OFFICE INFORMATION:
    1. Department/Office Name: Campus Life, Orientation Programs
    2. Supervisor Name and Title: Nick Lee, Assistant Director of Campus Life Operations
    3. Number of students needed in this role: 4
  2. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DESIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
    1. Position Overview: This paid student leader position is an essential component of the New Student Orientation (NSO) program at Pitzer. The Orientation Logistics Assistants will assist the Orientation Programs staff with the preparation, implementation and follow-up of all sessions, programs, and events for the New Student Orientation program.
    2. Essential Functions:
      • Provide organizational and logistical support in preparation, during, and after OA and and on-campus orientation
      • Provide assistance with implementing programs and events during on-campus New Student Orientation
      • Safely drive Pitzer vans for relevant orientation events and in preparation for events
      • Help compile and input data and assessments from orientation sessions in person and post-session
      • Appropriately represent Pitzer and the Office of Student Affairs while providing a student perspective on college life
  3. Desired Skills and Abilities:
    • All Pitzer students who are in good academic and student conduct standing
    • Ability to adapt to ever-changing public health and College protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic
    • Have positive work habits and a team-focused attitude
    • Enjoy working with new people
    • Effective verbal and written communication
    • Maintain strong organizational skills
    • Possess a valid driver’s license (or the ability to get it before August 2025)
  4. Other Comments: 
    1. Working Environment: Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor settings. Indoor settings have moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Outdoor settings have moderate noise levels and moderate to severe temperature conditions depending on the time of day, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
    2. Physical Requirements: This is generally an active position. Must be able to do the following including the items listed in the table below:
      • Have mobility for prolonged periods of time;
      • Assist with the set-up and teardown of event tables, signage and other materials;
      • Input session assessment data into the computer
      • Have the mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment;
      • Lift up to 25 pounds from the ground to waist level without assistance;
      • Reach out, over shoulder and overhead, grasp, pull, push, stoop, bend, and twist;
      • Have the stamina to work in a fast-paced work environment.
  5. CAREER COMPETENCIES: The National Association of Colleges and Employers has formulated a set of career competencies to help students identify and articulate knowledge and skills that they have developed in various settings.  Please identify all competencies that will be developed through this position (check all that apply).
    • Career & Self-Development: Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization.
    • Communication: Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.
    • Critical Thinking: Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.
    • Equity & Inclusion: Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures. Engage in anti-racist practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism.
    • Leadership: Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals
    • Professionalism: Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.
    • Teamwork: Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.
      • Technology: Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.

KEY DATES & WORK SCHEDULE:

August 10, 2025

Move-In day for those living on-campus

August 11-23, 2025

On-Campus Logistic Assistant responsibilities (average 35 hours/week)

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT: Like all Pitzer students, all student employees are required to adhere to the Pitzer College Student Code of Conduct.