Southeastern Louisiana University

Be an Orientation Leader in 2009 -- apply by Oct. 17

Contact: Christina Chapple

9/19/08

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     A new group of Orientation Leaders is selected each fall and spends the spring semester training for their leadership roles. The Orientation Leader program is now in its 20th year at Southeastern.

     “We plan to select approximately two dozen Orientation Leaders who will be mentors and guides for new students participating in our future orientation programs,” said Anthony Ranatza, assistant director of admissions. Southeastern hosts five two-day orientation programs in June and July, as well as a special spring orientation program for highly qualified students and orientation programs in conjunction with each semester.

     To become an Orientation Leader, a student must be enrolled full time and have completed at least 24 hours by the end of the spring 2009 semester. They must have a minimum 2.2 grade point average and be willing to live in one of Southeastern’s residential facilities throughout summer 2009. Orientation Leaders are selected from among the applicants through group and individual interviews.

     Students interested in applying are invited to attend informational meetings on Monday, Sept. 29, and Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 3 p.m. in the War Memorial Student Union, room 223. Students can apply online at www.selu.edu/orientation through Friday, Oct. 17, 4:30 p.m.

     “The Orientation Leaders are our new students’ guides for a crash course on college,” Ranatza said. “They are the peers who introduce students to the experience of college life and what it takes to be successful at Southeastern.” 

     Orientation Leaders are assigned in pairs to lead small groups of incoming students on campus tours and through informational and fun events -- barbeques, spirit competitions and wacky games, and Late Night Orientation, an evening of music, dancing, food and fun.

     “Our goal is to have an Orientation Leader that every incoming freshman can relate to,” Ranatza said. “The Orientation Leaders represent a variety of backgrounds, cultures, creeds; they have different majors, personalities, some are from small towns and some from big cities. They are students who want to work hard, have a passion and love for Southeastern and truly want to help our university.”

     Orientation Leaders receive a stipend for the spring and summer semesters, three hours of college credit, tuition for required leadership training courses and free room and board for the summer session.

     They will attend training workshops in January and May as well as the Southern Regional Orientation Workshop, scheduled for March 13-15 at the University of Mississippi. They are provided with staff uniform shirts and are treated to an end-of-the-summer banquet.

     “Our Orientation Leaders tell us they also get immeasurable personal rewards from the experience of working with and helping others,” Ranatza said. “They learn the ins and outs of the entire recruitment and admissions processes, develop their leadership and communication skills, and have personal contact with administrators, faculty and staff. And they also make a lot of new friends.”

     Applications are also available at the Enrollment Services office, North Campus Main Building, room 113. For additional information, visit www.selu.edu/orientation or call 985-549-5637.