2026 Orientation Leader Application

Application Checklist & Description of Duties

 2026 UAB Orientation Leader Application

Applications must be submitted by

Friday, October 31 at 11:59 pm

The following are all the requirements an applicant must complete to be considered: 

□    Attend an Interest Session. Interest sessions will be held in Hill 204/206. Dates are listed below. You must attend one interest session. If you have a class conflict during all interest session dates and are unable to attend, email OLs@uab.edu.

  • Wednesday, October 1, 12:30-1:00 pm
  • Tuesday, October 7, 8:30-9:00 am
  • Thursday, October 16, 3:30-4:00 pm
  • Monday, October 20, 10:15-10:45 am 
  • Friday, October 31, 5:00-5:30 pm 

□    Complete entire application packet, including everything in the list below, and submit within this form no later than 11:59 pm on Friday, October 31.

  • A current resume
  • Prompt question submissions

□    Provide two letters of recommendation. Letters from family or friends will not be accepted. All letters of recommendation should be submitted directly by the recommender to the Office of New Student Programs by email or mail. Download this description of duties to give to your recommender for their reference. You should also reference this list so you are familiar with the responsibilities of the position. 

  • Mail: 1720 2nd Ave South | 936 136 | Birmingham, AL 35294-2936
  • Email: OLs@uab.edu

□    Attend an Interview Prep Session (optional). You are welcome, but not required, to attend an optional interview prep session offered by the Career Center. It will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 4:00-5:00 pm in Heritage Hall room 126.

  • If you are unable to attend this session, you may set up an individual appointment with the Career Center or review the Interview Skills module within the Career Center course in Canvas.

□    Participate in a Group Interview. Group Interviews will be held November 4 and 7 in Hill Student Center 318. Dates and times are listed below. You will sign up for one 2-hour group interview time slot when you submit your completed application. 

  • Tuesday, November 4, 10:15 am-12:00 pm
  • Tuesday, November 4, 1:00-2:45 pm
  • Friday, November 7, 8:15-10:00 am
  • Friday, November 7, 10:30 am-12:15 pm

□    Participate in an Individual Interview. Those selected for individual interviews will be notified following group interviews, no later than November 10. Individual interviews will be held on November 12 and 13 in Hill Student Center room 312. You will select a 15-minute time slot.

What are the minimum qualifications needed to apply to be an Orientation Leader?

To apply and be considered for Orientation Leader, you must:

  • Have a 2.50 UAB cumulative GPA (without rounding) at the time of application and throughout the duration of your Orientation Leader experience. (First-semester transfer students must have a transfer GPA of at least a 2.50 to apply, and freshmen must have a high school GPA of at least a 3.0 to apply.)
  • Be enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate student for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Fall 2026 semesters 

What are the requirements to be on the Orientation Leader team?

If you are selected to serve as an Orientation Leader, you must commit to the tentative mandatory dates below:

  • Attend an OL Agreement meeting (week of December 1 - 5, 2025)
  • Attend an acceptance meeting (December 5, 2025, at 6:45 am)
  • Attend Retreat (January 9-11, 2026)
  • Attend all required training sessions January-May 2026 (Fridays, 2:30 – 5:00 pm)
  • Attend NODA Spring Regional Conference (date TBA)
  • Attend Orientation Leader Intensive Training (May 11-15 and 18-22, 2026)
  • Actively participate in Spring, Summer, and Fall semester freshman and transfer orientation sessions, whether they occur on campus or online (April-August 2026 and November 2026-January 2027)
  • Assist with Freshman Convocation (date TBA)
  • Regularly check your uab.edu e-mail account
  • Assist with any other duties or events as assigned

What is the payment?

  • Orientation Leaders receive a $2025 New Student Programs Leadership Team Scholarship for participation in the program which will be divided and applied to your student account at the beginning of the Summer 2026 and Fall 2026 semesters.
  • Meals during freshman and transfer orientation sessions will be provided if conducted on campus. 

Questions?

If you have any further questions about the selection process or about the program, please contact the Office of New Student Programs at OLs@uab.edu or (205) 975-7999. You can also contact us on our social media (Instagram: @uaborientationleaders, Facebook). 

Thank you for your interest in the Orientation Leader program!