Orientation Leadership Program

The Orientation Leadership Program at Montclair is designed to enhance the personal, academic, and professional growth of students serving on the Orientation Team through intentional training, peer-to-peer mentorship, and elevated leadership opportunities. 

Students participating in the Orientation Leadership Program will:

  • Expand their knowledge and understanding of Montclair and the resources available to all students.
  • Collaborate with their peers and contribute to a team atmosphere rooted in respect and belonging.
  • Explore campus diversity to become inclusive and equitable student leaders equipped to create community amongst incoming students.
  • Develop the mindfulness and skills necessary to become confident, competent, and career-ready individuals.

Each spring, a new cohort of Orientation Leaders are added to the Orientation Team and begin their development through participation in the Orientation Leadership Program.

If you are interested in joining the 2025 Orientation Team as an Orientation Leader, we invite you to fill out our 2025 INTEREST FORM. Applications will open on January 27, 2025. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact orientationleaders@montclair.edu. You can read more about the different Orientation Team positions below!

Orientation Leaders

Orientation Leaders (OLs) are undergraduate student leaders who possess a strong desire to work with a diverse population of new students and their family members during Montclair’s New Student Orientation. Orientation Leaders are responsible for leading groups of 70-90 incoming students per session through the Orientation Day schedule and facilitating group discussions and team-building activities that promote connection between incoming students.

Position Qualifications:

  • Must be a current undergraduate student at Montclair State University. *Graduate students and seniors graduating May 2025 are NOT eligible to apply*
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher at the end of the fall 2024 semester and maintain a 2.75 GPA through the completion of the spring 2025 semester.
  • Have earned a minimum of 12 credits at Montclair by the end of the fall 2024 semester.
  • Have no open conduct cases through the Dean of Students Office and the Office of Residence Life. Judicial records will be reviewed.
  • Possess leadership potential as evidenced by previous leadership experience.

2025 OL Application Timeline:

January 27, 2025: OL Application Opens

February 14, 2025: OL Application Closes

February 19 & 20, 2025: Group Interviews

February 24 – 28, 2025: Individual Interviews

March 3, 2025: OL Decision Day

Orientation Mentors

Orientation Mentors (OMs) are returning Orientation Leaders who possess distinct leadership qualities and a desire to mentor a group of their peers. OMs lead a group of Orientation Leaders through the experience of welcoming new students, creating supportive spaces, and addressing the needs of all new students. 

*The Orientation Mentor position is filled internally with returning members of the Orientation Team.*

Orientation Assistants

Orientation Assistants (OAs) are undergraduate student leaders who possess a strong desire to work with a diverse population of new students and family members. Orientation Assistants contribute to Montclair’s New Student Orientation and Orientation Leadership Program through their leadership in the following areas: peer training and management, service excellence and digital communications. Additionally, Orientation Assistants support the programming of all departments within the Office of Student Belonging. 

*The Orientation Assistant position is filled internally with experienced members of the Orientation Team.*