UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Applications are now open to become an orientation leader at the University Park campus during summer 2025. Orientation leaders, known as the “OTeam,” sport the familiar pink polos each year as they welcome the next class of Penn State undergraduates during New Student Orientation (NSO).   

The application can be found at oteam.psu.edu. The deadline to apply is Jan. 29.   

Sophia "Fi" Montany, a fourth-year psychology major, was a member of the summer 2024 OTeam. She said the most valuable skill she earned from being an orientation leader was becoming more comfortable doing the uncomfortable. 

“I gained the ability to stand confidently at the front of a room and talk about uncomfortable topics,” Montany said. “The job is not easy, but it’s worth it.” 

Montany added that being an orientation leader transformed her as a person and taught her so much about Penn State.  

“It makes you appreciate all that Penn State has to offer and all the different ways you can get involved,” she said. 

Walker Goeckel, a second-year student studying mechanical engineering, was also on the summer 2024 OTeam and said that it made him more well-rounded. 

“I’m an engineer, and it’s not something super emphasized in my field, but I really learned a lot of public speaking skills that are helping me convey ideas to other people in my field,” Goeckel said. 

Goeckel applied for this position because he loves the campus and wanted to spend the summer in State College. Along with allowing him to spend a summer at Penn State, being an orientation leader was important to him because it fosters relationships on campus, Goeckel said. 

“I would recommend that other people apply for this position because not only are you gaining a lot of valuable experience, but you’re forming a community,” he said. “You’re making connections, meeting a lot of different people and you get to introduce the new class to what Penn State is all about.” 

Application Requirements 

OTeam positions are part-time, $15 per hour, in addition to including leadership and professional development training. Training for orientation leaders will begin after spring break and all orientation leaders will be paid for training time. Orientation leaders will be expected to work during May, June, July and August. Morning, late evening and weekend hours are required. A full list of required dates can be found at oteam.psu.edu.   

Applicants must have earned at least 24 total credits by the end of the spring semester, maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, and be full-time undergraduates who plan to be enrolled in fall 2025. Successful candidates must complete an interview and remain in good academic and conduct standing.  

Information and application sessions scheduled  

Those who are interested in meeting the staff at Student Orientation and Transition Programs which organizes NSO, can attend one or more of the four upcoming information sessions.  

• 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, in 121 Thomas Building 
• 5:30-6 p.m. p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, in 131 HUB-Robeson Center 
• 4-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, in 131 HUB-Robeson Center 
• 5-6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, 131 HUB-Robeson Center 

Attendees don’t need to stay for the entire session and can drop by to have their questions answered. This is also an opportunity to work on the orientation leader application in a supportive environment. If you have questions about the position but are unable to attend a session, please email oteam@psu.edu. 

Student Orientation and Transition Programs is part of Penn State Student Affairs and Penn State  Undergraduate Education.