2014-2015 Orientation Leaders gear up for summer at UAH

UAH Orientation Leaders

New Student Orientation at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) is designed to help ease the transition from high school, college, or the workforce to life in the Charger Nation. And helping facilitate that process – and make it both exciting and enjoyable – is the job of UAH's Orientation Leaders (OLs).

"OLs act as sources of support and information for new freshmen and transfer students, and they play a major role in facilitating the adjustment of new students and their families to UAH," says Jenny Russell, who serves as the Assistant Director of New Student Orientation and Family Programs at the university.

They're also highly recognizable by their boundless energy and school spirit – a must when it comes to participating in Orientation traditions like the Orientation Leader Welcome Skit & Dance and teaching new students the UAH fight song. After all, says Russell, "the goal of orientation is to make students and families feel welcome and that they've made a wonderful decision in joining the Charger Nation."

UAH Orientation Leaders with Charger Blue

Michael Mercier | UAH

Needless to say, competition for the university's 20 OL positions is strong. "Students must be representative of our campus diversity, be active in student life, and boast a high academic standard," says Russell of the requirements. "They must also complete an application, an individual interview, and a group process to be considered for the position."

Some OLs apply and are accepted for a second or third year, and in doing so, receive additional responsibilities. "Returning OLs help with graphic design projects, developing our social media, and coming up with our traditions and skits, while two OLs each year can return for a third year as Orientation Leader Coordinators," says Russell.

This year's OLs were selected from among close to 100 applicants in October 2013, and will serve for the Summer and Fall 2014 semesters and the Spring 2015 semester.

2014-2015 UAH Orientation Leaders