Orientation Week Leader – Volunteer
Position Summary
Orientation Week Leaders are part of the heart of the Bishop’s experience: enthusiastic, welcoming, and essential to creating a positive transition for incoming students. As an O-Week Leader, you and your team of three will be among the first connections new Gaiters make with our community. Leaders serve as guides, motivators, and role models, helping first-year students navigate campus life during one of the most exciting and challenging weeks of their university journey.
Throughout the week, you will support your group at events, answer questions, help students find their place in the BU community, and model inclusive, respectful campus culture. Leaders play a critical role in shaping first-year confidence, belonging, and purple pride.
Reports to: Events Manager
Key Responsibilities
- Welcome and guide first-year students throughout Orientation Week.
- Serve as a positive, approachable, and knowledgeable point of contact for your group.
- Attend all scheduled O-Week activities and accompany your team to events, workshops, and activities.
- Encourage participation by modelling energy, inclusivity, and school spirit.
- Support Judges and Event Coordinators by communicating group needs, challenges, and successes.
- Provide accurate information about student resources, academic supports, involvement opportunities, and campus life.
- Foster a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment during all shifts.
- Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving when supporting first-year needs.
- Promote and uphold Bishop’s values of community, inclusion, and student success.
- Assist with set‑up, tear‑down, and occasional physical tasks such as carrying supplies.
- Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and appropriate boundaries with all participants (first year students and Orientation volunteers).
Volunteer Requirements
- Must be a registered Bishop’s University student enrolled for the 2026-27 academic year.
- Preferred: completion of at least one year of university studies by the start of O-Week.
- Must be in good standing with Campus Security and the Vice-Principal of Student Affairs and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion office.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively in a team of four.
- Strong understanding of student experiences and factors affecting first-year success.
- Ability to work under pressure, energize others, and maintain a positive attitude.
- Sound judgment and strong decision-making skills; ability to respond appropriately to unexpected situations.
- Ability to model inclusive behaviour, respect diverse identities, and foster belonging.
- Reliability, punctuality, and a willingness to learn and adapt.
- Previous community leadership experience is an asset but not required.
- Must be available for all mandatory training sessions and all assigned O-Week shifts.
Additional Expectations
- Leaders must remain sober during all scheduled shifts to ensure participant safety.
- Teams must consist of four students and include at least one member of another gender.
- Leaders may be required to perform moderate physical activity (e.g., carrying supplies, setting up spaces).
- All applications will be reviewed by the Orientation Planning Committee and Bishop’s Administration.
- All applicants will be informed of the status of their application.
- Group interviews will take place on April 13 and April 16. Your entire group must attend one of these dates.