Student Leadership

Metro Orientation Leaders

Every year, the Office of Student Life selects a group of mature and dedicated students to assist with implementing Orientation. Orientation Leaders (OLs) serve as representatives of Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU); therefore, candidates must exhibit a myriad of skills and qualifications. Through training, and with prior experience, OLs are expected to possess knowledge about FDU and demonstrate competence in sharing this information with Orientation participants. OLs must be outgoing, articulate, and willing to help incoming students ease into their new environment.

Qualifications

  • Exhibited leadership potential and/or experience
  • Ability to be an Ambassador on behalf of FDU with knowledge of and commitment to the mission of the University
  • Desire to learn about FDU’s people, community, programs, policies and procedures
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse team members, students and families
  • Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills including being comfortable speaking publicly in front of large groups
  • Must be open-minded and willing to step outside of their comfort zone
  • Willingness to connect with and help retain FDU students
  • Demonstrated record of flexibility, responsibility and willingness to assist others
  • Ability to handle stress

Requirements

  • Must be a registered full-time student for the Fall 2025 semester at Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
  • Undergraduate student or enrolled in a 5-year combined degree program
  • Have and maintain good academic standing (2.5 cumulative GPA minimum)
  • Have and maintain good conduct standing with no outstanding judicial sanctions
  • Must be able to work the mandatory dates listed below

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Attend and participate in all training
  • Work with professional staff to assist with and support all aspects of the orientation program, including Orientation Sessions, Move-In Day, Continuing Orientation, Student Organization Fair, Transfer Student Orientation (January), and Orientation Leader Information Sessions
  • Work closely and cooperate with other OLs and orientation staff to develop, prepare, implement, and evaluate the orientation programs
  • Work in the Office of Student Life (as scheduled) the day before or the day after in-person Orientation dates for four hours
  • Serve as a positive representative of FDU to new students and their families.
  • Facilitate new students’ introduction to FDU by maintaining an open, helpful attitude and using effective communication techniques
  • Facilitate and promote interactions among new students during small group discussions, icebreakers, and meals
  • Answer student and family questions about social and academic aspects of FDU
  • Supervise activities for new students
  • Provide administrative support for the program, including preparation of Orientation materials

Application Process

  • Complete the Metro Orientation Leader Application at: https://forms.office.com/r/CDwyVtSkQ2
  • Applicants will be contacted for an individual interview if invited to move forward in the process. Interviews will be held until Thursday, March 27, 2025
  • Attend a Group Process session the week of April 7, 2025
  • Applicants will be notified April 21, 2025, regarding their application status
  • If selected, Meet and Greet will take place on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 3:30 to 5:00 PM, location TBD
  • Training Sessions will occur Monday, May 19, 2025 to Thursday, May 22, 2025, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on campus

New Student Orientation Dates

  • Wednesday, June 18, 2025
  • Tuesday, July 1, 2025
  • Tuesday, July 15, 2025
  • Tuesday, July 29, 2025
  • Tuesday, August 19, 2025 (Virtual Orientation)
  • Thursday, August 21, 2025 New Student Move In
  • Friday, August 22, 2025 to Saturday, August 23, 2025 Continuing Orientation
  • January 2026 TBD Transfer Student Orientation

Please email metroorientation@fdu.edu with any questions.

Florham Orientation Leaders

The Office of First-Year Experience and Student Leadership Programs is responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive Orientation Program that welcomes new students and their families to the Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus community. The Orientation Leader assists with facilitating and leading successful interactive and educational training and team development programs. Orientation Leaders demonstrate role model behavior as they set the tone and expectations for the new students and families during Orientation sessions. Orientation Leaders support Orientation team efforts including answering new student and family phone calls, making confirmation phone calls, monitoring Orientation emails, and assisting with administrative requirements as directed by the Office of First-Year Experience and Student Leadership Programs.

Orientation Leaders are expected to be present for all Orientation Leader training and Orientation programming preparation, execution, and breakdown/reflection meetings. Orientation Leaders will be present at social programming and team bonding activities during training and team events before orientation sessions. This is done to ensure continuity and to confirm that all required tasks are completed. Due to the large time commitment of the Orientation Leader position as well as the mental and physical demands of the role, Orientation Leaders are discouraged from holding or working elsewhere during training and orientation season. Orientation Leaders are also expected to take vacation or time away from the position before and after Orientation Leader Training and Orientation sessions.

Orientation Leaders are expected to be present for all Orientation Leader training and Orientation programming preparation, execution, and breakdown/reflection meetings. Orientation Leaders will be present at social programming and team bonding activities during training and team events before orientation sessions. This is done to ensure continuity and to confirm that all required tasks are completed. Due to the large time commitment of the Orientation Leader position as well as the mental and physical demands of the role, Orientation Leaders are discouraged from holding or working elsewhere during training and orientation season. Orientation Leaders are also expected to take vacation or time away from the position before and after Orientation Leader Training and Orientation sessions.

Expectations and Responsibilities

  • Serve as a leader and role model
  • Attend and actively participate in all training and Orientation sessions
    • Including dates in the Spring 2025 semester
    • Including summer training June 9, 2025 – June 18, 2025
    • Including attending team bonding or social activities during training
    • Including attending and being present for all Orientation programming
  • Attend all Orientation sessions (June-August 2025 and January 2026)
    • June 26
    • July 8
    • July 10
    • July 17
    • August 13
    • January 2026 exact date TBD
  • Work office hours as directed in the Office of First Year Experience and Student Leadership Programs.
  • Attend and actively participate in August 2025 Move-In Weekend Events (August 21-24)
  • Attend and help with Family Day September 27, 2025.
  • Attend and actively participate in January 2026 Training (at least two days prior to the start of January 2026 orientation – date TBD)
  • Strive to create a dynamic, inclusive, cohesive, and supportive Orientation Leader team through mediating and addressing team conflicts and keeping professional staff informed
  • Work as a team with other Orientation Leaders
  • Work with, learn from, and support all Orientation staff including interns, graduate assistants, and other student and professional staff
  • During regular office hours respond to student and family questions in person, over the phone, and via email in a professional, polite, and charismatic manner
  • Assist with facilitating group or team discussions and activities before, during, and after orientation
  • Be present and visible on campus as directed
  • Abide by and reinforce all university regulations on both a personal and team level
  • Comfortable and proficient communicating with, supporting, and leading team members
  • The ability to be reliable, responsible, helpful, and adaptable
  • The ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people including new students, families, faculty, and FDU staff
  • Strive to maintain a learning and positive attitude
  • Confident in asking for assistance, clarification, and support
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • Undergraduate student or a student enrolled in a 5-year combined degree program at Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus
  • Have and maintain good academic standing (2.5 GPA minimum)
  • Have and maintain good conduct standing with no outstanding judicial sanctions
  • Prior on-campus involvement at Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus

Questions?     

Contact The Office of First-Year Experience and Student Engagement, florhamorientation@fdu.edu, 973-443-8570

Selection Timeline

Florham Orientation Leader Applications Due: 1/31/25 5pm via https://forms.office.com/r/JFd58tnHMe

  • Dual Stage Interview Period: 2/3/25 – 2/13/25
  • Offer Letters Sent: 2/18/25
  • Signed Contracts Due: 2/28/25