New student Orientation is the intentional process of assisting new students in making a successful transition to Westmont. The Orientation Committee plays an integral role in this process. There are 4-6 committee members who will work with the Dean of Student Engagement, the Associate Director of Campus Life, and the O-Team to plan and implement new student Orientation in the fall.
The benefits of being a member of the Orientation Committee are extensive. O-Committee members are challenged to grow in through their work in serving new students, developing events and programs, and working with campus administrators, faculty and staff. O-Committee members learn about themselves and about working and serving in a group setting. The commitment and sacrifice to serve in this capacity is significant, but the opportunity of growing and maturing into the likeness of Christ through this process is rewarding.
The goals of Orientation are as follows:
- Prepare students for academic success
- Begin conversations about important values and Westmont community principles
- Introduce students to services, co-curricular programs and involvement opportunities
- Provide students with the space and information necessary to make a personal transition to Westmont
- Foster introductions and interaction between fellow students, faculty, and staff
What are the Expectations?
- You are committed to the purpose of Orientation and its service to the college
- You are committed to the full term January – September.
- You will be able to attend the initial O-Committee Kickoff in January.
- You will be able to return to campus a day earlier than the rest of O Team for Training which starts the Friday before Orientation.
- You are committed to taking ownership of and responsibility for the Orientation events that you plan.
- You are committed to attending weekly meetings in the spring semester.
What are the Specific Responsibilities?
Planning & Preparation May Include
- Overseeing logistics for Orientation move-in and welcome tent
- Planning Major Orientation events such as Best of Westmont, We are Westmont, etc.
- Designing and Purchasing Orientation and new student T-shirts
- Communicate with new students through social media
Selection, Training and Oversight of the O-Team
- Help recruit and interview Orientation team members
- Serve as the point of contact between O-Team members and Orientation staff during training and Orientation
- Prepare Orientation team members for their responsibilities during Orientation such as leading small groups
Facilitation of the Orientation Event
- Support and oversee O-Team members and volunteers
- Work closely with the O-Team to ensure high quality service
- Trouble shoot problems and challenges
The O-Team works under the supervision of the Dean of Student Engagement and the Associate Director of Campus Life running the Fall new student Orientation programs; supporting Westmont's mission in day-to-day contact with new students and their parents; and participating in appropriate evaluation of Westmont's Orientation programs.
Who can Apply?
Any Westmont student with the following characteristics may apply for the Orientation Intern position:
- Committed to helping all new students make a smooth and successful adjustment to Westmont
- Willingness to exercise gifts of organization, creativity, hospitality, and service
- Possesses an understanding of and personal support for Westmont's mission, campus environment and faith commitment
- Demonstrates confidence and maturity in interpersonal relationships
- Cultivates a spirit of welcome and inclusion on campus
What are the Time Commitments?
- Two afternoon gatherings in April to get to know one another and begin training
- In mid-August (~8 days before school starts) Orientation Team members are expected to participate full-time in training, followed by the Orientation event itself, which will conclude the Sunday before classes start
- Some of the O-Team will assist with Spring Orientation the weekend before the spring semester
What are the Specific Responsibilities?
- Participate in on-going communication with a group of new students before, during and after Orientation
- Lead a small group of new students during Orientation
- Assist with the arrival and move-in process
- Welcome students and families at various Orientation events
- Help coordinate event logistics as needed
- Other duties as assigned
* Orientation-Team member positions are all volunteer positions