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 & Expectations packet.
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).
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.
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 and Thursdays, 2:30–3:50 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 & 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 & 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.
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
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
Join in the long standing history of Advising and Orientation at the UW!
Check out our resources for preparing your application and practicing your interview skills!
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.
120 Mary Gates Hall Box 352825
Seattle, WA 98195-2825
Mary Gates Hall 120
Academic Year: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
Summer: Mon-Thurs 7:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m., Fri 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Winter Break: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Commuter and Transfer Commons (HUB 141)
Academic Year: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Breaks & Summers: Closed
Closed during University holidays.
206-543-4905 (Voice)
206-207-5564 (Text)
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First Year Programs fosters a successful undergraduate student experience through strategic programming that focuses on positive academic transitions and the development of learning communities. Through partnerships with faculty, staff, alumni, and student leaders our programs create the space for students to define how they will engage, learn, and thrive at the University of Washington.
