EIU New Student and Family Programs

Orientation and Transition Staff 

Orientation Leader 

Orientation Leaders play a key role in beginning the transition of nearly 1,500 new students and their families by guiding and leading them through their first experiences at EIU. Orientation Leaders have the unique opportunity to be the first face of the University presented to incoming students and families. Individuals selected will participate in various training and leadership development activities as well as be responsible for making new students’ experience during Orientation & Prowl fun, eventful, and informative. *This position requires individuals to work at EIU during the summer.

Orientation Leader Benefits Include:

• 8 weeks of on-campus room and board during summer orientations (when dining services are open) - value of $2,200.
• Paid Position (Includes all trainings, orientations, and any additional worked events)
• NSFP Staff Apparel
• Development of work skills including problem solving, communication, relationship building, teamwork, and professionalism
• Development of leadership skills

Senior Panther Leader (Fall/Spring Transition Staff)

Senior Panther Leaders play a key role in continuing the transition of nearly 1,500 new students and their families by guiding and leading new students through their first weeks at EIU. Senior Panther Leaders will have the opportunity to build relationships, interact with university staff and faculty, and lead a team of Panther Leaders. Individuals selected will assist with the selection and training of Panther Leaders, serve as mentors and role models, and be responsible for making new students’ experience during Welcome Weekend fun, eventful, and informative. *This position requires individuals to return to campus approximately 10 days prior to the start of the fall semester and 3 days prior to the spring semester.

Senior Panther Leader Benefits Include:

• Early move in to on campus housing
• Meal Plan during training and Welcome Weekend (when dining services are open)
• Paid Position (Includes all trainings, Welcome Weekend events, and any additional worked events)
• NSFP Staff Apparel
• Development of work skills including problem solving, communication, relationship building, teamwork, and professionalism
• Development of leadership skills

How to Apply for the Orientation Leader and Senior Panther Leader Positions: 

Applicants will need to provide the names and contact information of two (2) EIU full-time faculty/staff members to serve as references (no graduate or undergraduate students as references).  Applicants will be required to answer the following 3 questions when you apply: 

• Why did you choose to attend EIU?  Why is it important for you to represent EIU?
• If someone were to describe you, what three words would they use and why?
• What is your approach to teamwork?  How do you handle conflict within a team?

The interview process has three steps:

• Review of Applications: The Selection Committee will review all application materials and references and invite applicants to the Group Interview process.

• Group Interview Process: All applicants will participate in a group interview process. The process will have a variety of components such as Group Problem Solving, Presentation Development, and Critical Thinking Skills.

• Individual Interview (Finalists Only): Finalists will answer a series of questions from the Selection Committee.