Position Introduction:

New Sooner Orientation (NSO) is a vital part of every new student’s transition to the University of Oklahoma. Incoming first-year and transfer students attend NSO on campus alongside their parents, guardians, or supporters for a full-day experience focused on academic advising, course enrollment, and learning about the campus resources that will support their success at OU.

Orientation Interns play an essential role in creating a welcoming, organized, and supportive Orientation Day experience. Interns serve as guides and points of connection for new students and their families, helping them navigate campus, move between required sessions, and feel confident throughout the day. In addition to supporting students directly, Orientation Interns assist with the logistics and execution of NSO, including set-up, check-in, and day-of operations to ensure each Orientation Day runs smoothly.

Work Schedule:

• 3-4 days a week, starting May 4 – July 31, 2026, between 6 AM- 5 PM.
• Workdays change weekly.
• There are 24 New Sooner Orientation Days throughout the summer, with 5 training days beforehand.
• Training will begin in May and will be spread throughout the month.

Responsibilities:

Orientation Interns play a vital role in ensuring New Sooner Orientation Days run smoothly and that new students and their families feel welcomed, supported, and confident navigating campus. Interns will rotate through various roles throughout the summer, which may change daily.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as a primary guide for groups of new students and supporters, leading them across campus throughout the day and ensuring they arrive at each required session on time
• Act as a welcoming point of contact for students and families by answering questions, offering reassurance, and helping them navigate their Orientation Day experience
• Support student success during key moments of the day, including advising, class enrollment, and required sessions, by helping groups transition smoothly between locations'
• Create a positive and inclusive environment by modeling OU spirit, professionalism, and care for each student’s experience
• Assist with day-of operations and logistics for New Sooner Orientation, including set-up, check-in, crowd flow, wayfinding, and end-of-day wrap-up
• Collaborate closely with professional staff and fellow interns to troubleshoot issues, adapt to schedule changes, and ensure the day runs efficiently
• Attend and actively participate in required training sessions and staff meetings to prepare for Orientation Days and build team cohesion
• Complete additional duties as assigned to support the overall success of New Sooner Orientation

Each Orientation Intern will be subject to background checks and Student Misconduct checks per the Minors on Campus Policy. Interns will not be hired until they are completed.

• Employment is for Summer only (May 4 – July 31, 2026)
• Orientation Interns may take online summer courses; Orientation Programs Professional staff will work with Orientation Interns regarding in-person summer courses.
• Applicants can be Camp Crimson Small Group Leaders.

After your online application is completed and reviewed, interviews will be conducted. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted with a time to sign-up for an interview.

If you have any questions about the Orientation Intern position or would like more information about New Sooner Orientation, please contact Esther DeClerck at edeclerck@ou.edu.

Required Education and Experience:

• Must be currently enrolled in the Summer or Fall term as a full-time student at the University of Oklahoma.
• This position is only open to undergraduates.
• Applicants should be in good academic standing with the University of Oklahoma.

Skills:

• Comfortable communicating with groups of students and family members, including giving directions, answering questions, and offering support throughout the day
• Enjoy working in a team-based environment and collaborating with fellow Orientation Interns and professional staff
• Adaptable and solution-oriented, with the ability to remain calm, positive, and flexible as schedules and needs change
• Reliable, organized, and punctual, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage time and group movement effectively
• Approachable, welcoming, and committed to helping new students feel comfortable navigating OU’s campus
• Familiarity with the OU campus and student resources, or willingness to learn quickly
• Must be in good academic standing and enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at the University of Oklahoma during the Summer or Fall term
• Each selected candidate will be subject to a background check and Student Misconduct check in accordance with the Minors on Campus Policy; employment is contingent upon completion

Department Preferences:

None