Be an oa logo to the left with 4 polaroid pictures of OAs posing in them

Orientation Advisors

New Student Orientation welcomes thousands of incoming students each year, ensuring their successful transition, both academically and socially, to the University. Each year, the orientation team interviews, hires and trains a talented group of students, called Orientation Advisors (OAs), to assist in the development and execution of these orientation programs.

If you are looking for a fun and rewarding leadership opportunity, then consider applying to become an OA. OAs have a significant impact on incoming students—they are among the first people new students meet in their Longhorn journey! On-campus housing and meals, hourly wages and UT swag are simply the monetary benefits of becoming an OA.

Develop your leadership skills in countless ways, make lifelong friendships and serve as an ambassador for The University of Texas at Austin as an Orientation Advisor! 

Before you apply, review Helpful Tips for Orientation Advisor (OA) Candidates.

Interview Process

All interested applicants are required to 

  1. Attend an Orientation Advisor Information Session to learn more about the position. All interested applicants are required to attend to be eligible to apply. Please see the list of available information sessions below.
  2. Complete the short answer online application. An application link will be sent to you after attending an information session.
  3. Attend an individual interview
  4. Attend the group interview

Summary of Orientation Advisor Positions

1st Year Orientation Advisors

Serving as an Orientation Advisor (OA) provides the opportunity to engage fellow Longhorns in one of the most important times of their college career as they transition to campus and register for classes. Through their commitment to serving the University, OAs will receive in-depth personal and group leadership development, enhanced peer relationship-building techniques, training on University traditions and history and job-specific skills. Additionally, OAs receive peer academic advising training from academic counselors within respective colleges. 

OAs are selected in the fall term and enter into a probationary period during the spring term. As a part of the probationary period, OAs will have to enroll in and successfully complete the OA training class. Upon satisfactory completion of the OA training class and probationary period, OAs will be hired for employment beginning May. Compensation includes an hourly wage. Students will also receive housing in an on-campus residence hall and a meal card for use during scheduled work or training hours during the summer.

Attend an Orientation Advisor Information Session to receive an application link. Please see the list of available information sessions above. 
2nd Year Orientation Advisors

Only students who have completed at least one year of the Orientation Advisor program are eligible to apply to be an 2nd Year Orientation Advisor. 

2nd Year Orientation Advisors serve as role models for 1st Year Orienation Advisors. They will fulfill the same duties as 1st Year OAs while bringing a level of added expertise and professionalism to the program. 

Applications will open in the fall. At that time, you can email nss@austin.utexas.edu for application link.
 
Leadership Team

Only students who have completed at least one year of the Orientation Advisor program are eligible to apply.

The Leadership Team provides significant guidance to Orientation Advisors, with the unique opportunity to impact peers and incoming students simultaneously. If selected, students will lead committees, assist in the training of Orientation Advisors and provide leadership to the orientation program alongside orientation staff. 

Applications will open in the fall. At that time, you can email nss@austin.utexas.edu for application link.
Summer Orientation Staff (SOS)
Summer Orientation Staff (SOS) are former Orientation Advisors who work behind the scenes with orientation details and serve as a central location for new students to gain information during orientation. They are recognized by orientation staff as someone who possesses strong communication and organizational skills and are able to exhibit strong customer service and knowledge about the orientation program. They work on a number of projects within orientation, including Experiential Orientation. Compensation includes an hourly wage.Applications will open at the start of the spring term.
Summer Orientation Staff Coordinator (SOSC)
Summer Orientation Staff Coordinators (SOSC) are former Orientation Advisors who are able to lead their SOS peers with simultaneous projects throughout the summer to ensure a successful orientation experience for new students. They are recognized by orientation staff as someone who possesses strong leadership skills and the ability to lead by example to enhance the orientation program. Coordinators manage additional logistics for the team as a whole and work closely with the supervisor. Compensation includes an hourly wage.Applications open in the fall. At that time, you can email nss@austin.utexas.edu for application link.