Apply today by submitting your 2026 Orientation Leader Application! Applications close on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
Be a Leader - Join Our Team!
Orientation Leader
An Orientation Leader (OL) is an undergraduate student who helps incoming first-year and transfer students transition to NIU. An OL’s primary role is to build connections between new students and help form a sense of belonging on campus. Additionally, OLs serve as a resource and role model to new Huskies.
Orientation Leaders will participate in a semester-long Spring Training from February to April and will assist with summer orientation programs from May to August. To further their leadership opportunities, Orientation Leaders have the opportunity to assist with various programming during Week of Welcome (WOW). This is a paid student employment opportunity with an hourly pay of $15.
Fill out our Orientation Leader Team Interest Form or attend one of our upcoming Information Sessions, listed below, to see if being an Orientation Leader is right for you:
- 2026 Orientation Leader Team Interest Form
- Thursday, Oct. 16 from 6 to 7 p.m.
- Location: Teams virtual meeting
- Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 5 to 6 p.m.
- Location: Illinois Room, Holmes Student Center
Please contact Scott Johansen at sjohansen@niu.edu for any questions.
Complete the Recommend an Orientation Leader Form for each person you nominate and we will reach out to them with additional information.
University Experience: UNIV 101 Educators
University Experience (UNIV) educators are current members of the NIU faculty or staff. In addition to completing an application, all applicants must attend all educator development trainings, workshops and conferences to be considered to be a UNIV educator.
Faculty, instructors and staff interested in serving as a UNIV educator will apply for the position through the HR posting.
Contact Us
Orientation and First Year ProgramsWilliston 334
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-1535
orientation@niu.edu