Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention

A Legacy of Leadership

Involving Returning Orientation Leaders in Recruitment and Selection

James W.G. Barnes

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jcotr.v23i1.2901

Keywords: Leadership, orientation leaders, University ofCalifornia, Merced, advising, student life, recruiting

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Abstract

A selective and prestigious paid student leadership position, orientation leaders help new students and their parents or guests make the transition to University of California, Merced through relationship-building activities, student life presentations, goal-setting exercises, and academic advising in 1-day orientation sessions throughout the summer. Readers of this article will gain insights into recruiting, hiring, and forming strong teams by effectively utilizing returning staff. Named legacy orientation leaders by the author of this article, the returning staff members’ new title is reflective of the elevated responsibility and opportunities they have within our program. The legacy orientation leader application and interview processes, recruitment efforts, and participation in individual and group interview processes are discussed. Through these involvements, legacy leaders become torchbearers of program traditions and values in recruiting and selecting new orientation leader staff.