All or nothing!!! That's the level of commitment needed for summer 2004 orientation leaders. Students who apply to be an orientation leader must commit to all schedule dates.

Eileen N. Merberg, director of orientation and first-year program, was happy to comment about orientation leaders and what she expects from applicants. Merberg said students shouldn't apply if they're only looking for free housing during the summer because she said she is looking for students who really want to help other students and promote the mission of Buffalo State College.

To inform students about the program, e-mails were sent to faculty and staff and fliers were posted around campus.

Unlike Resident Assistants, who have months to interact with their residents, orientation leaders only have two days with the newcomers. Being an orientation leader requires hard work and commitment. Because orientation is only two days, orientation leaders have a short time to make an immediate impact and get newcomers excited.

Merberg states that being a summer orientation leader provides:

• leadership and communication skills
• can help increase comfort in public speaking
• establish future educational and employment opportunities
• teaches teamwork

For the past two years, 70 students have applied for 35 positions. But this year, Merberg hopes that more than 100 students will apply for over 40 positions.

To apply students must complete:

• at least one full semester at Buffalo State College
• have a 2.25 or higher GPA
• have two recommendations from faculty or staff members

Orientation leaders are paid $1,000 for the summer. In addition, housing is provided (if needed) and meals for the above dates.

The dates orientation leaders are required to work are:

Spring 2004 Gathering: April 20, 12:15-1:30p.m., Margaret Grant Lounge, Caudell Hall.

Training Retreats: June 9-12 and July 7-10

Program dates:

• June 15-16 transfer orientation
• July 13-15 first-year orientation
• July 27-29 first-year orientation
• August 3-4 transfer orientation
• August 25-26 first-year, transfer and evening orientation

All dates include early arrival days, are subject to change and will be confirmed when offers are made.

Merberg warned that there might be conflicts between summer school and classes time and the arrival time for students. She said students are not discouraged from taking summer school, but they must participate in all training and program dates.

To apply, pick up an application packet at Orientation Office in Porter Hall 14J-lower level or Residence Life Office in Porter Hall 118 or Student Life Office in the Student Union 400. Return application to Porter Hall 14J by March 15 .

When the application is returned, applicants must participation in one of three interviews by the end of March.

Raffaello Brown, who participated in the program, states that “being an orientation leader allows individuals to express their love for BSC while helping newcomers ease into college”.

Latoya Pryce, “I am applying to be an orientation leader because it's a good experience and I want to give newcomers the same warm welcome that I felt went I attended orientation”

Merberg said that “being an orientation leader will transform those that get accepted into the program, it a fun experience but hard work. You will remember the experiences for the rest of your life.”

If you have any questions on orientation leader, contact Merberg, (716) 878-5336, or e-mail her at merberen@buffalostate.edu

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