Student Assistant - Orientation Leader at InsideHigherEd

Job Title: Student Assistant - Orientation Leader
Location: UWG Recruiting Location
Regular/Temporary: Temporary
Full/Part Time: Part-Time
Job ID: 291858
About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation.Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 14,400+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Job Summary

• Operate as a program assistant for all 2026 new student orientation sessions

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation for orientation activities
• Facilitate and maintain a small group of 10-20 students during new student orientation sessions
• Acquaint new students with their campus environment
• Encourage new students and guests to participate in all orientation activities by doing so yourself ¿ lead by example!
• Serve as a mentor, host, leader, networker, and motivator at all Orientation programs
• Live in provided campus housing during summer orientation sessions
• Perform reasonable tasks/assignments needed to make orientation successful
• Other duties as assigned that meet program objectives

Required Qualifications

• Current University of West Georgia student
• Enrolled in 6 full credit hours for Fall 2025 & Spring 2026.
• 2.5 GPA
• Available to work ALL orientation & training dates
• Driver¿s license to be eligible to drive university vehicles
• Problem-solving skills
• During your orientation summer, your role as an Orientation Leader should come first. Extracurricular activities, summer courses, and other employees should be scheduled around your role as an Orientation Leader
• You are required to use all uniform materials provided for you by Event Planning & Experiences (i.e. OL polo, nametag, and other materials)
• Must assist in unpack the pack (freshmen move-in weekend)
• Must have a valid Driver's License

Physical Requirements or Working Conditions

• Orientation Leaders will find themselves navigating job duties, in outdoor & indoor settings for extended periods of time.
• The OL position requires walking and other semi-physical behaviors to accomplish program objectives.
• Orientation Leaders are expected to work late nights, early mornings, and will have some responsibilities on the weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of one or more campus resources or departments.
• Experience working in as an orientation leader or similar role.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Communication and interpersonal skills ¿ confident speaking in front of groups and engaging one-on-one with new students and families.
• Problem-solving and adaptability ¿ able to respond calmly and effectively to unexpected situations during events.
• Organization and time management ¿ manage schedules, event materials, and student groups efficiently.
• Positive attitude and enthusiasm for UWG ¿ demonstrates school spirit and a welcoming demeanor.
• Mentorship and peer support abilities ¿ approachable and able to help new students navigate their transition to college.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of West Georgia is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity, and affirmative action institution. It is the policy of the University of West Georgia to recruit, hire, train, promote, and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50)