Campus Life Orientation Team: Common Application Information

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 6-8 committee members who will work with the Dean of Student Engagement, the Orientation Coordinator, 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 their faith 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:

1. Prepare students for academic success
2. Begin conversations about important values and Westmont community principles
3. Introduce students to services, co-curricular programs and involvement opportunities
4. Provide students with the space and information necessary to make a personal transition to Westmont
5. Foster introductions and interaction between fellow students, faculty, and staff

What are the Expectations?

1. You are committed to the purpose of Orientation and its ministry to the college
2. You are committed to the full term January 2021 – September 2021.
3. You will be able to attend the initial training retreat January 23, 2021.
4. You will be able to return to campus August 18 for Student Leader Training and the Leadership Retreat which takes place August 18-26.
5. You are committed to taking ownership of and responsibility for the Orientation events that you plan.
6. 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

After Orientation Responsibilities

• Participate as a student leader at the FY Retreat September 10-11, 2021
• Participate in weekly meetings in September to debrief Orientation and plan for the FY Retreat
• Help recruit and interview Orientation Committee members fall, 2021

What is the compensation?

O committee positions are volunteer roles, however, they will receive some nice Orientation SWAG.

The O-Team works under the supervision of the Dean of Student Engagement and the Orientation Coordinator running the Fall and Spring 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
• First Saturday after classes start (Saturday, September 5th) you will be facilitating activities and adventures for new and current students
• Weekly meetings in September to debrief Orientation
• Some of the O-Team will assist with Spring Orientation the weekend before the spring semester
• Help recruit next year's O-Team in 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