Opportunities for New Student Leaders

by The Cowl Editor on November 30, 2017


Campus


Orientation and Residence Life Applications are Now Available

by Gabriella Pisano  ’18

Assistant News Editor

Photo Courtesy of the Office of OTL

With two of the three application deadlines for admission into Providence College past, the  class of 2022 is coming together. As the first semester of the 2017-2018 academic year comes to an end, PC is already beginning to prepare for this incoming class. Applications for positions on the Orientation and Residence Life staffs are now available for students.

While the Orientation program is continually evolving to create the best orientation experience for new students, the Office of Orientation, Transitions, and Leadership is planning on keeping the logistical structure of the 2018 Orientation staff similar to that of the 2017 Orientation staff.

As in the past year, a first year hall RA will be paired with a team of two orientation leaders. Leslie Heller, director of orientation, transition, and leadership, explained that this gives RAs of first year halls an opportunity to connect with the first year students they will be working with throughout the school year. The RAs are grouped with students from their hall as well as students from either their brother or sister hall.

Heller discussed how these positions, while requiring dedication and hardwork, are rewarding. She emphasized that leadership skills are obtained from being a part of the planning and execution of orientation. Among the benefits are development of leadership, problem solving, and communication skills. In addition, these positions can act as stepping-stones to other leadership positions. Heller said, “The biggest benefit is having a lot of fun. It’s also meaningful for students to mentor other students and make those connections. We always say being a part of orientation staff means you’re going to make more than 100 friends.”

Jacqueline Michels ’19, a member of the Operations Team for 2017 New Student Orientation, emphasized how orientation connected her with other students. “During the semester I spend a lot of time with the people I’m involved in clubs and classes with. Orientation was fun because I met people who are involved in other clubs who I don’t normally cross paths with during the semester. Orientation was a fun way to meet new people and learn more about the school,” said Michels.

Members of the Orientation and Resident Assistant Staff are required to move in seven days earlier than the new students. These days of training prepare students on the staff to fulfill their duties. “During the training, we cover everything from what the program will look like to how to respond to issues new students will be facing when coming to school,” said Heller.

Heller emphasized that the staff learns about all of the resources the Campus has to offer. It is the hope that knowledge of these resources will be utilized not only by the new students in their Orientation groups or in their Residence Halls, but by the staff members themselves.

Orientation Leader Allison Schmidt ’19 said, “Orientation training was tons of fun. I was a little apprehensive coming into it becuase I did not know many people, but I can definitely say I left that week of training with very close friends. They are some of the best people I have met in Friartown.”

Orientation staff alone consists of over 100 positions. The Office of Orientation, Transitions, and Leadership is currently in the process of interviewing for the five available Orientation Coordinator positions. The Office plans on hiring 78 Orientation Leaders for the fall program, 12 Operation Team Members, and 16 Orientation Leaders for the June Advising Days.

The first part of the application process is available online. To apply for any position, students are required to complete the joint application for Orientation and Resident Assistant Staff. In addition to the application, applicants must have a staff or faculty member fill out the online recommendation form. Returning staff members are not required to obtain a recommendation. Students who have only attended PC for one semester, meaning primarily first year students, can receive a recommendation from someone unaffiliated with PC such as a high school teacher or coach.

Heller said, “This is a great opportunity that students sometimes overlook. They might think they don’t fit the team and they doubt their qualifications, but I urge everyone to apply.”

Applications can be found online at: https://providence.tfaforms.net/60 and are due Friday, December 8, by 4:30 p.m.