Orientation Leaders guide a group of new students during V-Hawk Orientation Days. Orientation Leaders work in pairs to lead groups of approximately 25 new students (traditional, transfer, re-entry, or international) and collaborate with a team of 30+ leaders, supported by Orientation Officers and professional staff.

Primary Responsibilities

 Students selected for this crucial leadership position are expected to:

• Welcome new students and families

• Serve as a positive role model

• Introduce students to campus facilities, resources and processes

• Lead “Team Time” sessions and group activities

• Foster connections to other students and the Viterbo community

• Support students through the transitions and challenges that come with moving to college

• Provide ideas, leadership, and enthusiasm for V-Hawk Orientation Days

• Assist with Orientation events and provide feedback for improvements

Qualifications and Skills

• Must have earned at least 12 credits at Viterbo University
• Must be a full-time undergraduate student in good standing through the fall semester
• Ability to initiate and guide conversations in 1-on-1, small group, and large group settings
• Ability to problem solve and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• Strong administrative and organizational skills
• Knowledge of Viterbo campus and resources
• Ability to connect and empathize with new students navigating their transition to Viterbo
• Must have a 3.0 GPA or above. 

Time Commitment 

Orientation Leaders are expected to:

• Attend the Orientation Leader Welcome: Sunday, May 3, 12:30–1:30 PM, Nursing Center 195

• Return to La Crosse by Monday, Aug. 24 (early move-in for on-campus residents)

• Attend mandatory training: Aug. 24–26

• Participate in Orientation Days: Aug. 27–30 (8 a.m.-10 p.m.)

• Attend and invite your group to the Welcome Back Bash: Sept. 3, 1–4 p.m. (tentative)

• Stay engaged via email and teams over the summer (June–September) for prep and student outreach

  • Dirt Sheets- To Orientation Leadership Team by mid-June

  • Draft Emails - To Orientation Leadership Team by early July 

  • Welcome Emails – To Orientation Groups by mid-July

Benefits

• Build experiences and develop leadership skills such as serving as a role model, group facilitation, and working as a team member
• Meet new people, foster relationships, guide new students with Viterbo values
• Earn at least 30 hours of community service
• Free food and activities during all of your contracted time commitment
• Move in early, if living on-campus
• Receive two free Orientation t-shirts
• Be part of an awesome team! 
• Receive a $100 stipend

This position is ideal for students seeking leadership experience, a sense of community, and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on campus. 

Primary Responsibilities:

Mentoring & Engagement

• Attend approximately one VUSM 100 class session per week to facilitate pro-social small-group activities and build meaningful relationships with mentees.

• Coordinate and participate in at least 75% of pre-established monthly or bi-monthly themed events and skill-building workshops required or incentivized by VUSM 100 faculty (e.g., Welcome Back Bash, Common Read Speaker, Franny Fest, Francis Lecture, Study Skills Workshop, Seven Rivers, President’s Holiday Dinner, Late Night Breakfast, Stress Less Week).

• Coordinate one-on-one meetings with less engaged mentees as needed throughout the fall semester (e.g., coffee chats, meals, productivity sessions).

• Support mentees in connecting with campus resources, faculty, academic advisors, tutoring, VILLAGEs community connectors, and career development opportunities.

Community Building

• Foster inclusion and meaningful connections among first-year students through shared experiences and campus involvement.

• Encourage personal and leadership growth through self-reflection, resilience, and communication skill development.

Program Administration

• Track and submit peer mentor engagement information within three days of designated markers using the master SharePoint spreadsheet.

• Maintain regular communication with the Head Mentor and program lead.

• Update engagement records following major program or connection opportunities.

Professional Development

• Participate in required training sessions covering mentoring ethics, FERPA, trauma-informed care, inclusion and diversity, professional boundaries, referral processes, and campus resource awareness.

Time Commitment:

• Attend approximately one class session per week to facilitate small-group activities and mentor students.

• Coordinate and participate in at least 75% of monthly or bi-monthly themed events and skill-building workshops (e.g., Welcome Back Bash, Common Read Speaker, Franny Fest, Study Skills Workshop, Seven Rivers, President’s Holiday Dinner, Late Night Breakfast, Stress Less Week).

• Meet individually with less engaged mentees as needed (coffee, meals, or productivity sessions).

•  Track and submit engagement information within three days of designated markers and update records after major events.

• Maintain regular contact with the Head Mentor and program lead.

• Participate in required trainings covering mentoring, FERPA, inclusion, and campus resources.

Qualification and Skills:

• Minimum 3.0 GPA

• Strong communication skills 

• Demonstrated campus involvement 

• Commitment to student success and inclusion 

• Available for 75% of required events (Welcome Back Bash, Franny Fest, Seven Rivers, President’s Holiday Dinner, etc.) 

Benefits:

• Build leadership, communication, and mentoring skills

• Connect with faculty, staff, and fellow student leaders

• Gain valuable résumé experience and career preparation

• Make a lasting impact on first-year students’ success at Viterbo

• $650 stipend plus potential end-of-semester bonus

While Orientation Leaders work directly with new students, Orientation Officers serve in an expanded leadership role. Orientation Officers mentor Orientation Leaders, lead orientation sessions, coordinate group activities, and collaborate closely with the CREW Orientation staff, beginning their role in Spring 2026 and taking on increased leadership duties during the summer and into orientation.

Primary Responsibilities:

Orientation Officers are expected to:

• Welcome and support new students and their families

• Serve as positive role models for Orientation Leaders and new students

• Foster connections among new students and within the Viterbo community

• Facilitate small- and large-group activities

• Create a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment

• Provide leadership, ideas, and enthusiasm for Orientation Days

• Assist with planning, training, and team coordination

• Participate in evaluations and offer feedback for future programs

Time Commitment: 

Info coming soon! 

Benefits: 

Info coming soon! 

Questions or concerns can be referred to Kristin Mull (kjmull@viterbo.edu).