Natalie Nielsen talks to fellow Case Western Reserve University orientation leaders, while one male student holds sign that says "Free Hugs"
Orientation leaders during move-in this fall

Did You Know: Orientation leaders

This month, we welcome the Class of 2023 to Case Western Reserve University. To help welcome our newest students to campus, each week in August, we’ll highlight a fact about Discover Week (formerly known as orientation).

The Class of 2023 will have experts on the Case Western Reserve University student experience guide them through Discover Week, as more than 150 current students will serve as orientation leaders.

This week, the team is gathered for training as they make final preparations to welcome the new students to campus. But the orientation leaders have been preparing for even longer. The process to apply to be an orientation leader began last fall, with a full slate of information sessions, and a deadline to apply in February. From there, students went through an interview process and those selected for the role participated in two trainings and a retreat in the spring.

During Discover Week, the orientation leaders will break into teams of two and support a group of about 17 students through the week. Once the school year officially begins, their job is not done, as the leaders will continue to check in with their group for at least six weeks to ease the transition.

The Office of First-Year Experience & Family Programs and an Orientation Leader Executive Board, composed of current students, helps oversee the team of students.

Interested in being an orientation leader next year? Keep an eye on The Daily this fall.