Applications are in For Orientation Leaders

Students looking to become  Spring and Summer 2011 Orientation Leaders turned in their applications on Friday, Oct. 1, 2010. Those 18-20 students selected for Orientation Leaders will then help ease incoming students transition to Texas A&M International University.

  The TAMIU Office of Student Affairs distributed Orientation Leader Application Packets throughout Involvement Week as well as posting information on their Facebook page.

  The application supplies students with additional information including the expectations and requirements of each applicant. Among the expectations include outstanding leadership abilities, creativity, and integrity. Applicants are also required to enroll full-time at TAMIU for Spring and Fall 2011 and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above.

  After fulfilling the requirements, students will be able to complete the application by thoughtfully answering the following questions, "Why do you want to be an Orientation Leader?", "What do you like most about TAMIU and why did you choose to come to this university", and "What is the one thing you wish you knew before starting at TAMIU?"

  Once a group of Orientation Leaders is chosen, attendance is essential for a retreat scheduled on March 11-13, 2011, as well as training sessions. These informative sessions will further demonstrate Orientation Leader responsibilities including answering incoming students' questions, providing campus tours, and communicating with the students.

 Additionally, Orientation Leaders will participate in New Student Orientation: Dusty Camp. The dates for Dusty Camp are June 16-17, June 30- July 1, July 14-15, and Aug. 4-5. Orientation Leaders will also participate in non-traditional and transfer student orientations on Aug. 24 and 25.

  Tracy Talavera, a former Orientation Leader expressed, "My experience as an orientation leader tested my abilities on how I could work with other leaders. But in the end, it helped me grow as a leader that can learn from other people in their weaknesses and strengths."

  Students will ultimately have the opportunity to be involved on campus and further strengthen their leadership skills. As Talavera mentioned, "This leadership role is highly recommended because it's an awesome experience that is very worthwhile to grow as a person but also with leadership skills."

  For more information contact the Office of Student Affairs at 326-2280 they are located at the Student Center Suite 226.

(Nidia Yáñez may be reached at nidiayanez@dusty.tamiu.edu )