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Orientation Assistants

New Student Orientation is the process of assisting first-year students in making the transition to the academic and cultural environment of Calvin. Orientation assistants play an integral role by helping run Fall Welcome programming such as IMPACT Welcome and International Student Welcome, participating in all the orientation activities with the new students, and continuing to be supportive and positive role models throughout the school year.

Any Calvin student with the following characteristics may apply for the orientation assistant position:

  • For International Welcome Assistants only: Has citizenship outside the U.S. or Canada or is a U.S. or Canadian citizen that has had significant international experience
  • Has interest in, and commitment to, helping new students make a smooth and successful adjustment to Calvin
  • Shows a willingness to exercise gifts of creativity, hospitality, and service
  • Possesses general understanding of Calvin's campus environment (current or previous experience in orientation, a student organization, student leadership, or campus office is highly desirable)
  • Demonstrates confidence and maturity in interpersonal relationships
  • Strives to manifest Christian commitment in thought, word, and deed
  • Has a minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Maintains full-time student status at Calvin and fulfills the university's eligibility requirements for participation in campus activities as reflected in the Student Handbook

Calvin's orientation programs for international students (International Student Welcome) and multicultural American students (IMPACT Welcome) occur right before Welcome Week. International Student Welcome begins on Monday, August 26 through Thursday, August 29. IMPACT Student Welcome begins on Tuesday, August 27 through Thursday, August 29. Then, Welcome Week (a fall component for all new students) continues Thursday, August 29 and continues through the weekend and until classes begin. Orientation assistants will participate in all aspects of the Fall Welcome program during the fourth week of August but are not involved with the Welcome Week program which follows.

  • Spring: Orientation assistants will attend a leadership training session in March and meet together weekly to prepare and pray for the incoming first-year students.
  • Summer: Orientation assistants are NOT required to be in Grand Rapids for the summer but will receive regular email updates which may or may not include projects to be completed.
  • Fall: International Welcome Assistants will be expected to convene for the training program that begins at 2 p.m. on Monday, August 19, 2024. Housing will be available starting on Monday, August 19, 2024. IMPACT Welcome Assistants will be expected to convene for the training program that beings at 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2024. 

During and after the Fall Welcome programming, orientation assistants will participate in a reflective evaluation of the entire orientation program.

Note that orientation assistants will be very busy from August 19–30 and should not have other obligations or responsibilities within that time frame.

In mid-November, orientation assistants will help set up and attend Orientation Reunion.

Orientation assistants and returning orientation assistants will receive $300 (International Welcome)/$200 (IMPACT Welcome) for serving the orientation program. 

Applications will open February 8, 2024!

Apply now!

All application materials must be turned in to Esther Kwak’s office in the Commons Annex no later than Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 5 p.m. Applicants will only be considered once all materials, including online recommendations, are submitted.

  1. Complete the online application form (click the apply button above).
  2. Find two people to submit an online recommendation. Applicants are responsible for contacting their references and ensuring that the recommendation forms are submitted by Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 5 p.m.

The first stage of the selection process will be based on the submitted resume, application, and references. After reviewing these, a group of candidates will be selected to be interviewed during the week of March 10, 2024. Selected orientation assistants will be notified the following week.

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