Leading the Way for New Students

When a semester ends a new one is set to begin, which means new students and New Student Orientation. The Student Life Office holds Orientation each semester to help new UHCL students find their way around campus and learn more about on-campus organizations.

The Student Life Office counts on students to volunteer as Orientation Leaders to help make Orientation a success.

Orientation Leaders, otherwise known as O Leaders, gain a better understanding of UHCL and get to meet new people right alongside the new students. Leaders also get the chance to serve as the face and an ambassador of UHCL.

To become an Orientation Leader students need to be able to attend one of two training days. For Spring 2012, students can attend 4 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11 or 1 – 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13. The Spring New Student Orientation is 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, 2012.

“While I provide O Leaders with additional university facts, figures and campus office/department information during training days – most of what our O Leaders share at NSO is their personal experiences,” said  Ali Albrecht coordinator of student life orientation and new student programs. “We seek those students that have had an amazing time and easy transition into the UHCL community as well as those that have hit a few speed bumps along the way.  The more diverse our O Leader group can be the more information and varied personal experiences will be shared at NSO to provide new students with a clear holistic few of life as a UHCL student.”

Many students enjoy the experience and Albrecht says that most return to serve as O Leaders for more than one semester. The deadline to apply for the Spring semester is Dec. 12. Students can stop by the Student Life Office or email Albrecht for an application or for additional information on becoming an Orientation Leader.