The Observer, January 27, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 14
Orientation 2006 preparations beginning
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While the end of the semester seems far away, preparations for the incoming freshmen class are already underway. Along with planning summer orientation 2006, recruitment for orientation leaders has also begun.
Applications are currently available online at http://studentaffairs.case.edu/orientation/ and are due by Monday, Feb. 13.
"We are looking for students who are friendly, spirited, approachable, and proud to go to Case. Most of all, we really want a diverse group of leaders," Kimberly Sullivan, New Student and Parent Programs Intern, said.
Leaders receive a stipend of $150 for all of the July Summer sessions and 100 dollars for the August session. On-campus housing and meals will be provided for each session and all leaders are expected to work during the Welcome Days, which are Wed., August 23 through Sun., August 27.
Though orientation leaders are given a stipend for their time, some leaders believe they received greater rewards.
"I loved my experience as an orientation leader. I enjoyed it so much because I really enjoyed getting to know new people, especially the new freshmen. All of them come in with such high levels of energy that it is really addicting. Having so many people look up to you, and come to you with the little and big questions when they are all feeling like they are on top of the world and can do anything, is a high I will never forget," Evan Heiser, a 2005 orientation leader, said.
In addition to the interactions with incoming first years, orientation leaders work together during training sessions and orientation itself.
"Orientation was a very rewarding experience for me. Not only did I get to meet the incoming class, I also got to work with all the other amazing leaders who made orientation unforgettable," Melissa Leuch, a 2005 orientation leader, said.
The first orientation session will begin on Sunday, July 9, while the last session begins on Monday, Aug. 21. There will be three sessions held in July and one more held in August.
One of the more recent features of orientation, Case Ventures, is a fee-based program that allows first year students to participate in different activities with their peers.
Students can arrive early for Welcome Days and participate in activities such as camping, canoeing, biking, and community service.
