The Virtual Orientation Leader (VOL) serves as a leader, supporter, and facilitator to first-year and transfer students to provide a seamless transition to the UW. As a team, we provide high-quality education, support, and transition resources to over 9,200 first-year, transfer, and international students and their families.
As a VOL your primary role will be to support students’ transition into the university and lead groups via Zoom during Advising & Orientation Part 2 sessions. VOLs are required to take and earn credit in General Studies 370: Peer Facilitation Class in spring quarter, attend all virtual training days, and session dates outlined in the policies and expectations packet.
Virtual Orientation Leaders will do the following:
- Enroll and receive credit for the in-person General Studies 370: Peer Facilitation Class in spring quarter, in which you will be introduced to facilitation practices and build community.
- Attend and participate in the Virtual Summer Training, during which more specific training for the role will occur.
- Facilitate engagement, dialogue, and activities with a small group of 15-25 incoming students for each Advising & Orientation session on Zoom. A typical day will include:
- Managing a small group in your personal Zoom room
- Guide conversations and facilitate workshops about the UW experience
- Meet 1:1 with students who need transition support, and use retention strategies to increase engagement (texting, Zoom appointments, email management, social media).
- All sessions and scheduling will be based on Pacific Standard Time (UTC−08:00)
- Support advisers and UW staff in Zoom by hosting the main room/breakout rooms, answering questions, aiding with course registration, and providing customer service for both students and advisers.
- Portray the University of Washington, its policies, services, and campus life in a positive manner to first-year and transfer students and families.
- Communicate with students using email, texting with NSTP-provided phone number and web-based platform, and social media until the first day of admitted quarter (fall, winter, or spring).
- VOLs will use their personal cell phones (masking their phone numbers) to text and call incoming students.
- Promote and encourage engagement in all NSTP Programs (Dawg Daze, FIGs, Commuter and Transfer Commons, First Year Networks).
- Other duties as assigned by NSTP to support planning and facilitation of A&O and new student transitions. Please note that the VOL role also requires behind the scenes logistics, actions, and projects to support the transition of first year students. In addition to the responsibilities listed, VOLs should expect to do projects that support the overall work of the New Student & Transfer Programs office.
In order to be a Virtual Orientation Leader, the following is required:
- Be a full-time undergraduate (12 credit hours), enrolled spring quarter 2026 and autumn quarter 2026, at the University of Washington in Seattle.
- Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Must be able to take General Studies 370: Peer Facilitation Class in spring quarter, which meets on Wednesday 2:30-5:20 p.m. in person
- Must be able to attend the Virtual Orientation Leader Welcome Night (March 11, 2026, 5:00– 7:00 p.m. in person)
- Must be able to commit to attending the Summer Training days
- June 23–July 2, 2026
- No training on Friday, June 26, Thursday, July 2, or Friday July 3, 2026
- Review and be able to work the dates of Advising & Orientation Part 2 (Section C: Summer calendar)
- Be in good academic and conduct standing with the University, prior to and throughout the entire term of employment.
- Stable wi-fi connection to support showing video and facilitating an A&O Zoom meeting (recommended 50 Mbps).
- Must have a working setup that can accommodate at least two screens for facilitating A&O sessions (such as a laptop and monitor); New Student & Transfer Programs can check out these technologies to VOLs as needed.
- Must be able to host A&O in a distraction free environment that is quiet.
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
