Orientation Student Assistant Details

If you are looking for a great summer experience where you work alongside other incredible student leaders to help new students and their families get acclimated to TCU, then being an OSA is for you! OSAs have the responsibility of serving as peer advisors and resources to new students and families participating in TCU’s Academic Orientation Program. In addition, OSAs serve as small group leaders and assist new students with academic registration. It is important that OSAs love TCU and want to aid students and families in their transition into the TCU community.

Leadership Requirements
OSA hold their position from January to late August of 2010, plus one week in January of 2011. The time is divided between training and the Orientation dates.

Training
All selected OSAs will participate in a weekly training meeting for 2 hours throughout the Spring 2010 semester.

All training dates are mandatory. If you are unable to attend all training sessions, you may not hold a leadership position with Academic Orientation.

All-FYE Staff Meeting	Wednesday, February 24, 2010	10:00 p.m.
Spring Training	Wednesdays during the spring semester	3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
In-Depth Training	May 12 - June 5	All Day

Orientation Dates
• June 6 – July 1, 2010
• August 9 – 22, 2010
• January 2011: TBD

Housing and Stipend
OSAs will be housed on campus from May 12 – July 1 and will be paid a $1600 stipend for their leadership position during the summer.

Time Off
You will be on duty during the dates listed above. Time off is limited and on a permission basis only.

Outside Employment
No employment is allowed from May 9 – July 1 and August 9 -22, 2010.

Summer School
An OSA position will allow you to take summer classes during the July session only.

Responsibilities
Assistance to Students
• Welcome new students and their families and assist them in the initial Orientation registration and check-in.
• Get to know all the students in your small group, as well as any other new student you might meet during the program.
• Learn the University resources and share that knowledge with students and families.
• Be available for general assistance to students, including the evening/night hours.
• Serve as an academic and social role model.
• OSAs will participate in all First Year Experience events – including, but not limited to, the Chancellor’s Assembly, Common Reading, Truth or Consequences, Residence Hall move-in, and other mandatory/expected events for new students.

Educational Duties
• Impart information about academic resources, student activities, and university services to students and families.
• Aid students in understanding academic language and requirements, and assist them with the development of a class schedule options.
• Insure that residents are familiar with and comply with University and residence hall policies, procedures, and consequences.
• Educate students about how to get involved in University life.
• Assist with the academic enrollment process.

Creating a Successful OSA Experience
• Remain flexible at all times!
• Communicate honestly and often with Orientation Student Directors and First Year Experience Staff.
• Attend all staff training sessions and meetings – and be on time!
• Support other OSAs at all times!
• Have a great attitude!
• Report promptly any needed maintenance and repair work.
• Respond appropriately to criticisms and program evaluations.
• Complete staff reports and assignments as directed.

Interviews and Presentations
The OSA selection process begins with an individual interview. You will have the opportunity to sit down with members of the First Year Experience staff in an interview setting. Interviews will be held November 2-6. Once you complete your application and submit your resume, you can sign up for an interview in the Student Affairs Suite in the Brown-Lupton University Union 2003. Applications will not be accepted after November 5.

The next phase of the OSA selection will involve a presentation. An important qualification for all OSAs is the ability to communicate clearly with new students and their families. You will make your presentation to other students who are applying to be OSAs and to Orientation Student Directors. Please pick a topic from the ones listed below and make sure your presentation is no longer than three minutes. You may use visual aids or props if you desire. OSA presentations will take place during November 18-19. Following the presentations, you will participate in a group activity with several other applicants.

Possible Topics
• The Most Difficult Decision I Ever Made
• My Major: How I Decided
• Advantages of Being a Pre-Major
• To Be Greek or Not Greek: That is the Question
• If I Knew Then What I Know Now: Advice I Would Give about Choosing a University
• Involvement: Why It Is Important as a Student
• A University-Related Topic of your Choosing

Notification of Selection
Decision letters will be sent out on November 23. If you have a TCU Mailbox, it will be sent there. If you have an off-campus address, you can pick up your letter in the Student Affairs Suite in Brown-Lupton University Union 2003.

Application
Please click the link to apply: