Position Summary
The Orientation Program is seeking Interns to assist with the planning and implementation of the Orientation Program for the incoming Class of 2030 and the new transfer, exchange & visiting students. Interns will work in Spring 2026, Summer 2026, and early Fall 2026.
Application Instructions
Apply via Handshake and submit an approved resume and cover letter stating how your orientation experience influenced your decision to apply, what you are hoping to gain from the internship and goals/ideas you have for the orientation program. Additionally, submit a document with a work reference/former or current supervisor – name, relationship, and email. This cannot be another Wesleyan student or peer.
NOTE: This internship is strictly for the New Student Orientation Program. Those interested in being an International Student Orientation Intern, or First Things First Intern, must apply separately to those programs. Also, this is NOT an Orientation Leader position. That application will be available in February 2026.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
As an Intern, you will be an integral part of the planning and implementation of Orientation.
- You will work with professional staff, a graduate student and two other interns, in creating interesting, informative programs and activities for new students.
- Interns will monitor email and phone lines, answering questions from new students and families related to all aspects of life at Wesleyan.
- They will also be instrumental in training and supporting student Orientation Leaders, and will serve as point persons for specific events during Orientation.
Desired Skills & Qualifications
- Students who will be returning to Wesleyan in the Fall of 2026 are eligible to apply.
- Successful candidates should possess: excellent written and oral communication skills, problem solving skills, sound judgment, experience and/or interest in working with diverse student populations, an ability to work independently and with a group, organizational and planning skills, strong computer skills, and a willingness to work with staff to make the transition to Wesleyan as smooth, enjoyable and informative as possible for all new students.
- IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST CAMPUS JOB, OR IF YOU HAVE HAD A BREAK IN EMPLOYMENT SINCE YOU FIRST ONBOARDED: Once you are hired on Workday, but before you start working, you must complete your payroll onboarding forms on Workday and present the original copies of your physical IDs to Human Resources for I-9 verification. For detailed instructions, see the Student Employees webpage: https://careercenter.wesleyan.edu/channels/campus-employment-students/#onboarding
Schedule & Availability
- Spring 2026 through early Fall 2026, with potential for a re-hire.
- Period of internship*: January 2026 – September 18, 2026
- Hours per week:
- January through May: Four hours per week.
- June through mid August: 25 hours a week.
- Once Orientation Leader training begins – 40 hours per week through the end of Orientation.
- Once classes begin to September 18th – hours based on availability and whatever loose ends need to be tied after NSO is completed!
- Hours are flexible during the spring semester other than a weekly required team meeting.
- Tues after Memorial Day, through mid-August, hours are Mon-Fri, 10-3:30p, (½ hour unpaid lunch). Varied hours once orientation leader training and the orientation program begins.
- Interns will be able to request unpaid vacation days when working full time over the summer. Vacation requests must be submitted in writing at least 3 weeks in advance and approved by the Director of Student Involvement. All vacation must preferably be taken by the first week of August.
- The position is in person. Some tasks, with approval, may be done remotely.
- Department Location: Student Involvement Office, Usdan Center (once full-time.)
Job Classification and Benefits
- Compensation: $18 per hour plus on campus summer housing.
- Professional development, learning how to work in a professional office environment, teamwork, collaboration, project planning and event coordination.
Primary Supervisor
Joanne Rafferty, Director of Student Involvement, jrafferty@wesleyan.edu and the
Graduate Program Assistant (TBD)
Performance Evaluation
Weekly one on one meetings to discuss progress and address concerns.
