Virtual Orientation Leaders

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 are motivated and hard-working undergraduates who work alongside academic advisers and other UW staff to ensure that Advising & Orientation programs are informative and fun.

For more detailed information about the Virtual Orientation Leader role, review the Virtual Orientation Leader policies and expectations packet.

2026 Virtual Orientation Leader applications will open at the end of the 2025 autumn quarter.

If you have questions about any aspect of the Virtual Orientation Leader selection process that are not answered on this page, please contact us at fypadmin@uw.edu or at 206-543-4905 (voice) or 206-207-5564 (text).

Position overview

The Virtual Orientation Leader (VOL) is a leader, supporter, and facilitator who aids first-year students through a seamless transition to the UW. As a team, we provide high-quality education, support, and transition resources to over 9,200 first-year students, including transfer and international students.

As a VOL, your primary role will be to support students’ transition into the University and lead groups via Zoom during Advising & Orientation Part 2 sessions. VOLs are required to take and earn credit in GEN ST 370: Peer Facilitation Class during spring quarter (Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:30-3:50 p.m.), attend all virtual training days, and session dates outlined in the timeline.

Learn more about the role from this informational video!

Requirements

In order to be a Virtual Orientation Leader, the following is required:

Be a full-time undergraduate (12 credit hours), enrolled spring quarter 2025 and autumn quarter 2025, at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
Must be able to take General Studies 370: Peer Facilitation Class Spring Quarter (Tuesdays, 2:30–5:20 p.m. in person)
Must be able to attend the Virtual Orientation Leader Welcome Night (March 11, 2025, 5:00–7:00 p.m. PT in person)
Must be able to commit to attending the Summer Training days (June 23–July 2, no training on weekends or June 27, July 3, or July 4)
Review and be able to work the dates of Advising & Orientation Part 2 (review the Virtual Orientation Leader policies and expectations packet for more details).
Be in good academic and conduct standing with the University, prior to and throughout the entire term of employment.
Stable wi-fi connection to support showing video and facilitating an A&O Zoom meeting (recommended 50 Mbps).
Must be able to host A&O in a distraction free environment that is quiet.

If offered the role, I will adhere to the following:

I have time blocked on my academic calendar to enroll in and attend GEN ST 370 (3 credits) in Spring 2025.
I will attend VOL Welcome Night in early March.
I will attend all of VOL Training Weeks in June.

Role responsibilities

Virtual Orientation Leaders will do the following:

Facilitate engagement, dialogue, and activities with a small group of 15-25 incoming students for each Advising & Orientation session on Zoom.
Support advisers and UW staff in Zoom by hosting the main room/breakout rooms, answering questions, aiding with course registration, and providing customer service for both students and advisers.
Portray the University of Washington, its policies, services, and campus life in a positive manner to first-year students and families.
Communicate with students using email, texting with FYP-provided phone number and web-based platform, and social media until the first day of admitted quarter (fall, winter, or spring).
- VOLs will use their personal cell phones (masking their phone numbers) to text and call incoming students.
Promote and encourage engagement in all FYP Programs (Dawg Daze, FIGs, Commuter and Transfer Commons, First Year Networks).
Other duties as assigned by FYP to support planning and facilitation of A&O and new student transitions

Virtual Orientation Leader hiring timeline

Be sure to pay close attention to the important dates of the Virtual Orientation Leader application process:

Application opens: November 18, 2024

Application closes: January 24, 2025 at 8:00 a.m.

Virtual Orientation Leader interviews: February 12–13, 2025

Offers sent: February 21, 2025

Virtual Orientation Leader Welcome Night: March 11, 2025

Virtual Orientation Leader application questions

Question 1: Motivation
a. Why do you want to be a Virtual Orientation Leader?
b. What do you hope to learn from your experience as a Virtual Orientation Leader?

Question 2: Transition
As a Virtual Orientation Leader, you will support incoming first year students from a variety of backgrounds and identities that are different from your own. It is important to gain perspective and understanding about the unique needs of different students so you can be most effective in your role. We would like for you to select a student identity from the list below that is different from your own and answer the questions below.
Identities:
- First generation college student
- Commuter student
- Non-traditional student (age 23+)
- Student Veteran
- Student from a rural community
a. What are two to three unique characteristics of that student identity?
b. For each characteristic you identify, please indicate if it is an asset or a barrier for this student identity and how it may impact their transition to the UW.
c. What are two to three campus and/or community resources or organizations that may be beneficial for a student with this identity to connect, explore, or get involved with?

Question 3: Learning environment
a. What are the benefits of using virtual programming to support new students’ transition to the university
b. How would you help students feel a sense of belonging to the UW in a virtual setting?

Question 4: Community
a. Please include a list of activities that describe relevant job experience, volunteer work, clubs and organizations, hobbies, and any other activities you enjoy doing on and off campus. This list does not have to be limited to only organized or academic activities. The activities list is another way for us to get to know you.
Please limit your response to a few paragraphs and/or bullet points.
b. From your activities list, select one activity and share how it has impacted your Husky Experience. (*Please note that you can define your own Husky Experience)

Previous Orientation Leaders

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

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The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

For more information related to the statement above, please visit the University of Washington's Title IX Website.

First Year Programs

Virtual Orientation Leaders

2026 Virtual Orientation Leader applications will open at the end of the 2025 autumn quarter.

Previous Orientation Leaders

Career Toolkit

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