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  1. Home
  2. Offices and Divisions
  3. Student Affairs
  4. Student and Civic Engagement
  5. Be a Leader

Orientation Leaders

2018 Orientation Leaders Group Photo

Becoming an Orientation Leader (OL) will be one of the most positive experiences you can create for yourself and others during your college career. Welcome the new class of students, meet a large group of fellow leaders, and step out of your comfort zone to grow as a person. Not sold yet? Click on the links in the menu to learn a little bit more about the OL experience!


Training

2018 Orientation Leader Training
  • Participating in a ropes course
  • Learning your leadership strengths
  • Team building activities

Learning Outcomes for Orientation Leaders

2018 Orientation Leaders overlooking the pond

Based on Orientation Leader (OL) training and Welcome Week experiences, OLs will:

  • Understand various student cultures on campus and have increased self-awareness of own identity within these cultures.
  • Improve or refine interpersonal skills such as active listening, effective communication, recognition of emotions in self and others, and how to manage conflict.
  • Develop skills related to being a successful member of a team.
  • Demonstrate flexibility, responsibility, adaptability, and willingness to serve others.
  • Understand the ethical implications of leadership, civic, and social responsibility.
  • Report meaningful increased confidence, peer friendships, and/or mentorship experiences.

Commonly Asked Questions

Casino Night during Welcome Week

What is it exactly that orientation leaders do?
The orientation leader (OL) team prepares and runs all of the super fun events during the first couple weeks of school for the students. We put an emphasis on the very first weekend for new students so that they have a chance to feel more acclimated to campus and meet new friends before classes start.

What am I responsible for?
Be yourself, be a leader, be positive! The whole idea of Welcome Week is to welcome students to (or back to) Penn State Altoona. We want this experience to be a positive one for everyone involved, so you will have fun and make amazing memories too. We do have some expectations of our OL team. OLs are required to come a week before classes start for training and welcome weekend. We expect OLs to demonstrate leadership and act responsibly during this time. It is also important to note that you are committing to the program for the opening of the semester and for Family Weekend. All orientation leaders must fill out an agreement form once they are chosen which goes into the details further.

What do I get out of this?
Practically, we pay you in t-shirts, food, and love. On top of those fun perks you also get an unbeatable college experience, community service hours, a new group of motivated leaders that will be your new friends, and the ability to stand out on a resume after college by building transferable skills that employers across all industries look for.


Application

Thank you for your interest in becoming an Orientation Leader. Please fill out the application or reach out to [email protected] for more information. A member of the Center for Student and Civic Engagement team will reach out to you promptly.

Student and Civic Engagement

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  • Family Weekend

Center for Student and Civic Engagement

126 Slep Student Center
814-949-5053
[email protected]

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Resources for Students

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Civic Engagement and Community Events Group on Connect
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
  • facebook
  • twitter
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  • youtube
  • flickr
  • linkedin
Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
  • Stay Connected
    • Faculty and Staff Directory
    • Offices and Divisions
    • Campus Calendar
    • PSUAlert Text Messaging Service
    • COVID-19 Information
    • Penn State Altoona Connect
    • Penn State Student Engagement Network
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