Become a Welcome Week Leader

Photo of former orientation team members in front of Morey Hall at Convocation during a previous Welcome Week

What you'll do

The Welcome Week Leader role

As a Welcome Week Leader, you're responsible for creating a welcoming atmosphere and engaging with incoming students and their families during Fall Welcome Week in August. You will also staff and support events and activities throughout Fall Welcome Week, as directed by the orientation professional staff and Orientation Leaders.

Welcome Week Leader responsibilities

Incoming student welcome and support
  • Create and maintain a general atmosphere of welcome and helpfulness for incoming students and their families
  • Assist incoming students and families with questions and address any challenges they might have regarding the Welcome Week program, wayfinding around the University, connecting with University services, and the ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é area
Event execution
  • Serve as a representative of the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs, supporting the implementation and supervision of activities, programs, and special events during Fall Welcome Week
  • Facilitate conversation and orientation activities for small groups of incoming students through direct engagement during Fall Welcome Week
Additional event and administrative duties
  • Assist in training Welcome Week Volunteers
  • Perform other job-related responsibilities as requested by the orientation professional staff

Position details

Details about the Fall 2025 Welcome Week Leader position, including applicant qualifications, required time commitment, and pay, will be available in late fall 2024.

Apply

Application launches this fall

The application for the Fall 2025 Welcome Week Leader position will be available later this year. If you have any questions, contact us at orientation@rochester.edu.

Frequently asked questions

What are you looking for in a Welcome Week Leader?

There is no single set of characteristics that make up an ideal Welcome Week Leader. Instead, we are committed to creating a group of Welcome Week Leaders that reflect the diversity and values of our campus community. It is a priority for our team to select students who committed to and enthusiastic about welcoming all incoming students and their families during Fall Welcome Week and can be relied upon to help manage and execute events and activities and serve as a representative of the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs.

I don’t have any previous leadership experience. Should I even apply?

Yes! The Welcome Week Leader position is a great opportunity to learn about and practice your leadership skills, no matter your major, membership in student organizations, or leadership experience.

Do I have to have worked during a previous Welcome Week?

While it is not required to have previously worked as a member of the orientation team, it is recommended. Orientation team positions include Orientation Leader, Welcome Week Leader, Welcome Week Volunteer, and International Student Mentor.

Is this a paid position? How many hours can I expect to work?

Yes. The Welcome Week Leader position is paid at rate of $15.00 USD per hour. You can expect to work up to 60 hours total over a two-week period during training and the Fall Welcome Week program.

Does this position allow me to move in early?

Yes. If you are assigned to live in on-campus housing for the fall semester, you will be allowed to move into your residence ahead of Fall Welcome Week. This will allow you to be moved in before your training period begins (see more about training below).

How will I be trained for the Welcome Week Leader role?

Training for Welcome Week Leaders will be held directly before Fall Welcome Week begins in late August, for about 12 hours total over a two-day period. The training program will focus on learning about your Welcome Week responsibilities and providing you with the necessary tools to both succeed in your role and develop yourself personally and professionally.

What will I gain from being a Welcome Week Leader?

In addition to having the opportunity to ensure all incoming students have a welcoming and memorable Fall Welcome Week experience, you can expect to gain experience in event execution and management, effective communication, team building, peer leadership and discussion facilitation, and customer support and service.

Can I save my application and return later?

Unfortunately, no. However, you can view the form questions prior to officially submitting your application on JobLink. We recommend copying the questions into a separate document and completing your answers there to allow yourself as much time as you need. When you are ready to share your final responses, simply copy and paste your answers from the document into the JobLink form to officially submit your application.

What happens after I submit my application?

After applications close, orientation professional staff members will review applications and contact you via email. If you are selected to move forward in the process, your email will include a link to sign up for a 30-minute individual interview with the professional staff during the interview period.

I have more questions. Is there anyone I can speak to?

Of course! Reach out to us anytime at orientation@rochester.edu and one of our professional staff will be happy to answer any questions you have about the position.