New Mexico State University

Orientation Leaders play an integral role in the success of New Mexico State University’s Orientation program.

Review this page to find out more about becoming an Orientation Leader (OL) for 2027 and make an impact on next year's incoming students! Aggie Welcome & Orientation welcomes freshman and transfer students, along with their family members and supporters, throughout the winter for the spring semester and all summer long for the summer and fall semesters. Being an OL is a great way to get involved, build your leadership skills, meet new people, and make connections across campus. 

Applications open Wednesday, September 23, 2026 and will close on Friday, October 23, 2026 on Handshake.

Want to learn more about becoming a 2027 Orientation Leader? Attend one of our optional information sessions in Corbett Center or join us virtually! Meet the AWO team, hear from current student staff, learn more about the Orientation Leader experience, and get your questions answered.

• Thursday, October 1, 2026; 12:00pm–1:00pm — CCSU Room 204A (on the second floor of CCSU)
• Friday, October 9, 2026; 2:00pm–3:00pm — CCSU Room 204A (on the second floor of CCSU)
• Thursday, October 15, 2026; 5:00pm–6:00pm — Virtual Information Session (https://nmsu.zoom.us/j/87250989349)

For further questions please contact the Aggie Welcome and Orientation office at 575-646-8038 or email awo@nmsu.edu.

As an OL you will have a lot of fun and create lasting memories. 

What is an Orientation Leader?

Orientation Leaders (OLs) are an important part of New Mexico State University’s Aggie Welcome & Orientation team. OLs help welcome new Aggies and their families while supporting students as they begin their transition to NMSU. As an Orientation Leader, you will serve as a peer mentor, role model, group leader, and campus resource. You’ll help new students feel welcomed, connected, and confident while introducing them to NMSU resources, traditions, and the Aggie community.

OLs participate in training beginning in the spring semester and continuing into the summer. Training prepares you to support both students and families/supporters during in-person and virtual orientation programs. You’ll build skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, group facilitation, and student support while learning more about NMSU. Orientation Leaders may also have opportunities to support other NMSU events and initiatives, including Aggie Experience, Move-In Weekend, Crimson Kickoff, and other programs that welcome and connect new Aggies.

Being an Orientation Leader is more than a summer job, it’s an opportunity to lead, connect, grow, and help create a welcoming first experience for the next generation of Aggies.

What does an OL do?

• Welcome and support new students and their families/supporters as they transition into the NMSU community.
• Represent NMSU and Aggie Welcome & Orientation in a positive and professional manner.
• Learn about NMSU policies, procedures, resources, and services and confidently share this information with students and families/supporters.
• Assist with all aspects of Aggie Welcome & Orientation programs and activities.
• Participate in both student and family/supporter programming.
• Be available for in-person and virtual orientation sessions from May–August 2027.
• Be available on campus throughout the summer for required orientation programs and activities.
• Work collaboratively with fellow Orientation Leaders and AWO staff to support the mission and goals of Aggie Welcome & Orientation.
• Complete other duties assigned by the AWO Leadership Staff.

Position Requirements

• Be a full-time undergraduate student at NMSU Main Campus with at least one semester completed by January 2027. Graduate students may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Have and maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative and semester GPA throughout employment.
• Plan to be enrolled at NMSU during both the Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 semesters.
• Summer 2027 enrollment is limited to asynchronous courses and must be reviewed and approved beforehand by AWO professional staff on a case-by-case basis.
• Remain in good academic and disciplinary standing throughout your employment.

Training & Summer Availability

• Attend required Friday trainings from 9:00am–12:00pm; February 5–May 7, 2027. No training will be held during Spring Break or finals week.
• Attend Intensive Training, May 17–21, 2027, from 8:00am–5:00pm. Students utilizing summer housing will move in on Sunday, May 16, 2027.
• Be available for all required summer orientation dates. We will provide a complete calendar during the group interview.
• Have a pre-planned summer commitment? Let us know during the interview process. AWO may be able to accommodate some previously scheduled plans.

Orientation Leader compensation

• New Orientation Leaders: $12.65/hour
• Returning Orientation Leaders: $12.75/hour
  • Average of 3 hours per week during the Spring Semester
  • Average of 15 hours per week during summer training and orientation programs
• Summer housing provided from May–August for Orientation Leaders
• Most meals provided during training and orientation days
• Receive your Orientation Leader uniform and AWO swag
• Opportunities to network with campus partners across NMSU
• Hands-on leadership and mentorship training
• Build valuable skills in communication, teamwork, and student support
• Make connections and help welcome the next generation of Aggies!

How to Apply

• Submit Handshake application!
  • Job #11443559 – work study
  • Job #11443498 – open to all students
• Applications open Wednesday, September 23, 2026, and will close on Friday, October 23, 2026
• Once your application is received, you will be emailed:
  • A form that requests general information
  • A Link to sign up for group interviews in November (returning OLs do not participate in group interviews)
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Please contact Aggie Welcome & Orientation with any questions: 575-646-8038 or awo@nmsu.edu

May be subject to a criminal history background check.