Orientation Leaders

Orientation Leaders (OLs) play a vital role in the transition of new students and their families to the Fashion Institute of Technology during New Student Orientation held in August and January and through both formal and informal activities through the entire first year experience. 

New Student Orientation sets the tone for a new student’s experience at FIT and it is an OL’s responsibility to help make the orientation experience a success. OLs not only serve as role models to the incoming students, but also major resources for support and information. This position is a critical leadership opportunity at FIT and requires a high level of energy, student interaction, time management, and most importantly a LOVE for FIT! 

Orientation is an exciting and enjoyable experience, and it is necessary to have the support and collaboration from all Orientation Leaders to make it successful! This is a student leader paid stipend position; no federal work-study is required and all students welcome to apply*!

*International students must be eligible or the ability to become eligible to work in the United States.

Apply to become an Orientation Leader

 

Orientation Leaders are expected to:

  • Serve as a representative of the Fashion Institute of Technology and Department of Student Life
  • Be able, on time, ready, and excited to participate in the day’s events during Orientation and trainings
  • Act as an academic and social role model for current and incoming students
  • Be available for and co-lead their Orientation group throughout the entire Orientation program
  • Lead discussion groups with students, including icebreakers and other engaging group activities
  • Have a willingness to help out whenever needed
  • Create an enjoyable and inviting atmosphere for all students
  • Set an example for all students by upholding FIT policies and demonstrating responsible behavior
  • Create and/or design various Orientation resources and materials
  • Co-present information at various Orientation programs and events
  • Report any and all student concerns, issues and emergencies to a supervisor
  • Assist the Department of Residence Life with new student move-in (includes moving in new students)
  • Assist with the assessment plan for Orientation Programs
  • Assist with the recruitment of future Orientation Leaders

Selection Criteria include: 

  • Must have a cumulative GPA of a 2.75 or higher
  • Must be in good judicial standing (not on Residential Life probation, Student Life probation, and/or University Disciplinary probation)
  • Must be enrolled as a full-time student at FIT (12 credit minimum)
  • Have attended and completed at least 1 full semester at FIT or have 1 year of Student Leader experience from a previous institution (Fall 2024/Spring 2025 first year students are eligible to apply as training/position will begin in Fall 2025)
  • Strongly encourage involvement in the FIT community (i.e. participation in a club/organization/department)
  • Ability to work with a diverse group of students
  • Must be a good communicator, be flexible, and able to think on their feet
  • Must be punctual, dependable, and dedicated
  • Must be positive, enthusiastic, and a role model for their peers
  • Possess strong leadership qualities
  • Take initiative on projects and tasks; able to self-direct
  • Work well as a member of a small and large group 

Benefits Include: 

  • Monetary Stipend - $1,155.00
  • Orientation Leader Swag including t-shirt
  • Early Move-In *residential students only; if applied for by deadline & assigned a room within housing by Residential Life. OLC/OLs do not receive priority assignment*
  • Meals during orientation sessions and some trainings
  • Forming valuable relationships with fellow Orientation Leaders and faculty/staff
  • Developing a peer mentor relationship with incoming students
  • Valuable leadership development, including, but not limited to team work, communication, conflict management, public speaking, etc. 

Terms of Employment: 

  • Must be able to come to campus for both Orientation Leader training and Orientation program
  • Must be able to attend all trainings and prep sessions: August 11 - August 15, 2025 *subject to change*
  • Must be able to attend all of New Student Orientation Week: August 18 - August 22, 2025 *subject to change*
    Various events, activities, and trainings throughout the 2024 - 2025 academic year
  • Strongly encourage/please do not hold ANY other job/position on/off campus during orientation leader training and New Student Orientation Week
  • Abide by the Fashion Institute of Technology code of conduct and remain in good academic and judicial standing throughout training, orientation sessions, and the year
  • Remain positive and excited throughout all related activities

Important Mandatory Dates for all selected Orientation Leaders: *All below dates/sessions are subject to change*

To be present at all Pre-Tiger Leader activities/preparations which include, but are not limited to:

  • Strengths Coaching Session (by appointment only in June)
  • Orientation Leader Meet & Greet (May 6 , 2025 | 12 - 2 p.m.)

To be present at all Fall New Orientation activities/preparations: 

  • Orientation Leader Training (Monday, August 11 - Friday, August 15, 2025; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
    New Student Move-In (August 17)
  • Fall New Student Orientation (Monday, August 18 - Friday, August 22, 2025; 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

Additional opportunities as an OL for an additional monetary stipend:  (These opportunities are limited and reserved for OLs who excelled at their role in August. )

  • Family Day | November 2025
  • Spring New Student Orientation | January 2026

Orientation Leader application closes March 14,2025. Apply to become an Orientation Leader today! 

Questions? Please contact Julia Romano, Orientation & New Student Programs Counselor, at [email protected].