First Year Programs

Virtual Orientation Leader

Are you passionate about UW and looking for a way to make a positive impact? We have the opportunity you’ve been looking for!

Virtual Orientation Leaders (VOL) are motivated and hard-working undergraduates who work alongside First Year Programs staff, peers, and other UW staff to ensure that Advising & Orientation programs are informative and fun. 

Orientation Leader applications will open on November 18!
 

  • Virtual Orientation Leaders serve as a campus leader, supporting 9,200 students as they transition to the University of Washington. Individually and as pairs, OLs lead groups of incoming students through activities and group discussions via Zoom during Advising & Orientation sessions and various in-person connection events.
  • Partnering with advisers, campus partners and FYP staff, VOLs support students through their first time registering for courses and navigating the University’s many resources and complex systems.

If offered the role, I will adhere to the following (See VOL packet for date details):

  1. I have read the VOL packet in detail
  2. I have time blocked on my academic calendar to enroll in & attend GEN ST 370 (3 credits) in Spring 2025
  3. I will attend VOL Welcome Night in early March 
  4. I will attend all of VOL Summer Training in June
  5. I will block my calendar for Husky Kick-off in late September

OL Application Opens: November 18, 2024

OL Interviews: February 12-14, 2025

Offers Sent: February 21, 2025

OL Welcome Meeting: March 11, 2025

Previous Orientation Leaders

Join in the long standing history of Advising and Orientation at the UW!

Student Testimonials

"There are two things that I enjoyed the most about my OL experience. The first one is definitely bonding and creating connections with my fellow OL's. I felt like I made genuine connections and friends for the rest of my life. The second one was meeting new students and feeling confident when facilitating groups. I really enjoyed the thrill of leading a connection group seeing and feeling (virtually) that I am impacting students positively. Honestly, the best part of working with new students is seeing their faces light up when you answer their questions."

"I loved the chance to grow my leadership skills and my confidence in my leadership skills. I really saw this translate over into my overall confidence as well. I also really enjoyed helping students with their transition to UW and helping them to navigate their first steps - it was something that helped me to feel comfortable going into my first year and I loved being able to pass that on to new students."