Become a SOL
Calling all dynamic and passionate students!
The application and selection process for the 2023 Student Orientation Leader (SOL) staff begins now.
Job Description
Student Orientation Leaders (SOLs) serve as the primary resource for new students and their families during the Orientation programs and Welcome Week. At all times during the program, SOLs represent the college and Office of Community Engagement to families of new students, and role model the Purchase experience for new students.
SOLs are available to answer all student and family questions and counsel students on the transition to Purchase College while introducing them to our academic programs, support services and co-curricular opportunities. With the support of campus professionals and faculty, SOLs will help to set the stage for incoming students to continue to grow intellectually, socially and emotionally.
SOLs are expected to possess a specific body of knowledge about Purchase College acquired through training and experience, and they must be sincerely interested in and skillful at sharing this information with orientation participants. Selection to the Orientation Leader staff is a rewarding opportunity for personal growth and leadership development and opportunity.
Important Application Deadlines
Applications must be submitted on Jobscore by March 22 , 2024 . If selected interviews will take place in person April 1- April 10.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Attend and participate in all spring and summer training sessions
- Serve as a positive representative of the College to new students and their guests
- Answer questions about both social and academic aspects of campus life
- Facilitate new students’ introduction to the College by maintaining an open, helpful attitude and using effective communication techniques
- Promote interaction among groups of new students during small group discussions, icebreakers, meals, and activities
- Facilitate small group interactions on various topics, including course enrollment and student life issues
- Facilitate social activities for new students through direct involvement and participation
- Provide administrative support for the program, including preparation of Orientation materials
- Perform other duties as needed for the Office of Residential and Student Life.
- Serve on call duty as needed throughout the summer.
- Reside on campus and attend weekly office hours and Orientation Staff Training sessions. Will work about 3-7 hours per week not including on call and Orientation week.
Important Dates for Successful Hires
Interviews: Scheduling for in-person interviews will occur after all applications and candidate materials are received.
Spring Staff Meetings: The staff will get together virtually before the end of the spring semester, date tbd.
Summer Dates:
Details listed below may be adjusted as summer and fall plans are being developed. Applicants will be notified of any changes throughout the process.
- May 27 - Aug 25 - SOL obligation
- July 13-15: Staff Orientation Prep
- July 16,17, 18: Orientation Sessions
- August 22 - August 25: On-Campus Phase TWO Orientation Programming
Compensation
Successful hires who complete all tasks and commitments will be compensated with the following:
- Bed waiver for the duration of the contracted dates during the summer.
- Meals for Orientation Prep dates and Orientation dates will be provided.
- Compensation of $1,200 to be paid in installments, upon completion and evaluation of work.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of and commitment to the mission and goals of Orientation and the Office of Community Engagement
- Positive attitude, good energy level, knowledge of and enthusiasm for Purchase College
- Willingness to learn more about our campus and its resources
- Openness to strengthening your understanding of multiculturalism, diversity, and social justice
- Good teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of team members, students, and parents
- Desire to learn about the University’s community, programs, resources, policies, and procedures
- Flexibility, responsibility, and willingness to assist others
- Staff may be expected to lift light boxes or other office items and arrange furniture for events.
- Interested in working with a commuter population and the support needed for them to succeed.
- Understanding of the non-traditional hours over the course of Orientation. Hired SOLs are expected to have basic time management skills and be comfortable having a full schedule.
Requirements
In order to qualify for the Student Orientation Leader position, you must meet the following requirements:
- Must have at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA at the time of application
- Cannot be on any form of probation (academic, residential, or disciplinary) at the time of application or start of employment.
- Attend all Orientation training and obligations.
- Act as a role model for the Purchase College experience.
- At time of start you must be approved to work within the United States by the U.S. Government, including having within your possession a signed original social security card and driver’s license.
- All international students should first meet with the OIPS for verification of hiring documents.
Apply Through Jobscore
Students must login using their Purchase credentials to access the application through Jobscore.
FAQs
Am I able to another job while being work a SOL?
During the contracted July and August dates, SOLs are unable to have any outside commitments due to the overwhelming responsibilities and time commitment to this role. We have this rule so that you can better balance your personal wellness and provide time for yourself during this intensive experience.
Can I be a SOL & RA or other positions on campus?
We realize that some students may be interested in both on-campus positions, but we unfortunately can’t have a team that is made up of students who are all RAs, or students who are only involved with one thing, as we want as many students to have leadership positions as possible.
You are more than welcome to apply for both positions, but know that it is up to professional staff members to select students that we feel will best fit a specific role due to their experience and candidacy. There will be a limited number of students who may be selected for both positions and when hired, they will receive full information regarding their personalized situation as their compensation or working schedule in august may be different due to the overlapping responsibilities in August which makes Orientation scheduling and personal wellness difficult.
Please note there are some students that are grandfathered into both positions and are currently on staff.
Do I have to be a super peppy or morning person to have this job?
While we do have early hours, we do not expect everyone to have the same personality or traits. We want our staff team to reflect our student body as much as possible and this means all different types of personalities or energy levels. We want our SOLs to be themselves during this entire experience!
What if I don’t know everything about the school?
That’s why we have training!
Before the Orientation Sessions, SOLs go through a week long Purchase-immersion and we prepare you to answer all types of questions about campus. Plus, for some reason if you don’t know an answer to something… it’s okay because we introduce you to the campus resources that can!
What’s an infographic - how do I make it?
Think of this document as a visual resume or a glimpse into who you are as a person or candidate. Orientation staff will reference your infographic in your interview to learn more about you. You will be able to upload your document right into the application.
Here are some helpful tips to create your infographic:
- Your infographic MUST include your picture, full name, and preferred name. We are leaving all other creative components to you.
- Remember that an infographic should not be a copy and paste of your current resume or cover letter. It is meant to be easy to digest, so steer clear of big blocks of text like long descriptions.
- There is no way to include absolutely everything about you. Make sure to prioritize!
- There are plenty of infographic resume examples out there. Look around on Pinterest or Canva to find ones that are similar to the SOL position, but don’t copy.
The full list of requirements, responsibilities, compensation, competencies, and outcomes are listed on the Student Orientation Leader Application. For more information please contact jessica.bullock@purchase.edu