Do you remember your freshman orientation, being greeted by smiling faces as you drove through the campus you would soon call home? Well, now you have the chance to return the favor to incoming first-year students as they come to Sacred Heart University for their orientation.
“I remember pulling in and feeling nervous at first, but as the day went on, I started to feel more welcomed, and I felt that the orientation leaders played a big role in making me feel that way. I couldn’t have asked for a better first experience of college,” said freshman Sophia Fiore.
On Feb. 17, orientation leader applications officially opened, giving current students the opportunity to take on a leadership role that will give incoming freshmen a glimpse into what they can expect at SHU, as well as the resources that are available to them.
“The process is on Blackboard, which is new, and there are a few parts,” said Victoria Vacca, Assistant Director of First Year Programs.
“[The process involves] an info session to hear about the application and go over dates,” Vacca said. “This application includes personal information, education information, two recommendations, your resumé, photos that describe your SHU experience, a self-evaluation to see where you measure up in certain areas and a few questions on why you would want to be an orientation leader and what you think that means.”
Vacca explained some of the benefits that come with holding the position.
“The skills that you gain in orientation are applicable to everyone no matter major or minor; you’re gaining life skills and leadership skills that can help you anywhere. You also get to give back to future students just like the students gave back to you and you really get to connect with the incoming class during their crucial transition to college,” said Vacca.
“I would say the most important piece of advice I could give for applicants is to just be yourself and express your love for this school. Those are the applicants that stand out to us the most,” said sophomore and orientation leader Christian Cale.
If accepted for the orientation leader position, there are certain expectations and responsibilities to go with the title.
Source: Daniel Passapera, Sacred Heart University
“You come back in June to do training and learn everything about SHU and bond with the team. You lead incoming students and their families during orientation,” Vacca said. “Then, you come back to move in pre-fall students and go through FYE assistant training. All orientation leaders are FYE assistants. You help with activities during welcome week like the kickoff, pavilion jam and Big Red welcome.”
Orientation leader and junior Maddie Abood said, “I always wanted to be an OL since my own orientation. I loved the energy of the OLs and wanted to make an impact on the SHU community. The experience was even more rewarding than I thought it would be. Getting to mentor first-year students and see how much they have grown from orientation to the end of their first semester is such a rewarding experience.”
Orientation leader and sophomore Declan Ratner also shared what he enjoyed most about the role.
“My favorite aspect of the job was being that helpful hand to those who needed it. I really enjoyed being able to make an impact and a good first impression at Sacred Heart for every freshman that came during orientation. I also really enjoyed all the cool merch they gave us,” Ratner said.
The next info session is Thursday, Feb. 27 in HC 101 at 2:00 p.m. Attendance at one info session is mandatory for an application to be considered complete. Applications are due no later than March 13 at noon. Interview sign-ups start March 14, interviews begin March 17 and orientation leader selections will take place on March 24.
