Orientation Leaders work in the office of First-Year Experience (FYE) and will have many responsibilities around numerous projects during the year. This role is based on teamwork & collaboration, & each OL will assist with various aspects of the preparation & implementation of the New Vol Experience that include, but are not limited to:  

Spring 2026

• Attend & actively participate in weekly Orientation Leader training and small groups on Wednesdays from 3:30 – 5:30 pm.
• Shadow select Spring Big Orange Welcome events in January & February 2026.
• Participate in an Orientation Leader weekend retreat.

Summer 2026

• Participate in an extended training for Vol 103: On-Campus Experience. 
• Assist with program logistics while demonstrating excellent problem-solving & critical thinking skills.
• Facilitate group discussions, activities, & events for new Vols.
• Familiarize new students & families/guests with campus services & activities.
• Lead new student small groups & provide directions across campus for new students & families.
• Provide extraordinary customer service to all participants of Vol 103.

Fall 2026 & Spring 2027

• Facilitate group activities & events for new Vols during Vol 104: Big Orange Welcome. 
• Oversee logistics of large-scale events, such as New Vol Fest and Torch Night. 
• Present information to new students at various Big Orange Welcome events. 
• Serve as a mentor & role model to incoming students by displaying responsibility & maturity. 
• Familiarize new students & families/guests with campus services & activities. 
• Provide extraordinary customer service to all participants of Big Orange Welcome. 
• Work up to 40 hours during week 0 of Big Orange Welcome (Fall move-in week). 
• Work up to 5 hours per week during weeks 1-6 of Big Orange Welcome. 

General Responsibilities

• Stay engaged with the Orientation team outside of designated staff meeting & retreat times.
• Collaborate with Team Leaders, other Orientation Leaders, interns, & FYE professional staff.
• Demonstrate the ability to be reliable, responsible, helpful, & flexible.
• Demonstrate the ability to work & communicate effectively with a group of people.

*This list is not exhaustive & other duties will be assigned.

To be considered for an Orientation Leader position, each candidate must:

• Be a full-time undergraduate student at the University of Tennessee throughout the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Fall 2026, & Spring 2027 semesters.
• Have completed 12 credit hours at the University of Tennessee by January 2026.
• Maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA (if below a 2.5 GPA, the applicant must speak with an FYE Staff member). GPA will be verified during the application process & throughout the OL term.
• Be in good academic standing with the University of Tennessee & uphold the University standards of conduct through the duration of the position.
• Be able to work effectively with a group of team members.
• *Request to take courses during the summer semester(s). Any classes must not conflict with Vol 103.
• *Request to hold an outside job during the summer contract period. Any outside job must not conflict with Vol 103.
• Be available to attend ALL required dates of service (listed below).

• Serve as a mentor to incoming students.
• Gain leadership opportunities & professional experiences.
• Network with university staff & fellow student leaders.
• Gain knowledge of campus resources & services.
• University gear including but not limited to, staff polos, nametags, T-Shirts, etc.
• Select meals during spring staff training, Vol 103, and Vol 104.
• **On-campus housing may be provided during Vol 103.
• $11.00 / hour.
• Priority class registration for Fall 2026.

*All requests must be made to FYE professional staff BEFORE the start of summer requirements. 

**Orientation Leaders are not required to live on-campus during the month of June, but summer housing may be provided to those that need housing.

Fall 2025

• Welcome Reception | December 3, 2025 | 4:00 – 5:30 PM | Student Union 262 AB

Spring 2026

• Spring Big Orange Welcome Shadow Opportunities | January – February 2026 | On-Campus
• OL Training | Wednesdays from 3:30 – 5:30 PM | January 21 – May 6 | Perkins 324
• OL Retreat | January 31 – February 1 | On-Campus

Summer 2026

• Summer Retreat | May 30 – 31 | Off-Campus
• Vol 103 Training | June 1 – June 4 | On-Campus
• Vol 103: On-Campus | June 2026 | On-Campus

Fall 2026

• Vol 104: Big Orange Welcome | August – September 2026 | On-Campus
• Orientation Leader Recruitment | September – November 2026 | On-Campus

Spring 2027

• Spring Big Orange Welcome | January – February 2027 | On-Campus