Become an Orientation Assistant!
Orientation assistants (OAs) help new students adjust to life at SUNY Cortland. OAs are knowledgeable about the campus, act as role models, are leaders, and serve as representatives of SUNY Cortland.
OA Time Commitment
June 11 through July 25 2026 (with a weekend at Raquette Lake)
Orientation sessions will consist of one-day in-person, virtual sessions, and two-day (overnight) in-person sessions.
Responsibilities and Expectations
- Participate in OA training on college policies, education requirements and services, team building and leadership development
- Assist in the preparation of Orientation activities and materials
- Facilitate large and small group discussions on college life, academics and degree requirements for graduation
- Participate in Cortland Nites for students staying in the residence halls during overnight sessions
- Help new students and family members feel comfortable by being responsive to and aware of their needs and concerns
- Assist new students with the registration and scheduling process
- Build working relationships with other OAs, faculty, staff and administrators on campus
- Maintain a positive attitude toward SUNY Cortland
- The Orientation Assistant position is the primary position during this time (you are not enrolled in summer session classes or have additional employment)
Benefits
- $3,660 stipend paid over two installments (and will reflect the deduction of appropriate taxes)
- Room on campus
- Meals during designated training and orientation program times
- Develop leadership skills
- Build relationships with peers, faculty and staff
Hiring Criteria
- SUNY Cortland undergraduate student attending Cortland in the Fall 2026
- Good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (2.5 preferred)
- Evidence of academic excellence and co-curricular involvement
- Ability to maintain a positive and flexible attitude
- Desire to work with students, faculty and staff
Application Process
- Complete application on the Cortland jobs website.
- Email the link for the recommendation forms to your two faculty/staff recommendations. Recommendations must be submitted online in order for the application to be complete.
- Attend your group interview on March 26 or 27.
- Attend your individual interview during the week of March 30. Specific date, time and location will be emailed to you.
- Check your email for your decision the letter on April 6.
Application will open December 15, 2025
Application deadline: March 11, 2026
Questions or want to learn more?
Contact Greg Diller at gregory.diller@cortland.edu.
Attend an information session! All information sessions will be in Corey 209 and last between 30-45 minutes. It is not required to attend an information session in order to apply.
Thursday, February 12 at 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feburary 24 at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, March 4 at 4 p.m.
Administrative Coordinator
The administrative coordinator (AC) plays a vital role in helping the Advisement and Transition staff meet the administrative needs of our Orientation program by spending significant time in the office preparing for each session by printing lists, gathering supplies and organizing materials.
AC Time Commitment: June 10, 2026 - July 29, 2026
Application Deadline: Early February
Program Assistant
The program assistant (PA) works closely with the Advisement and Transition staff in completing various tasks related to the implementation and running of the Orientation program, especially concerning evening programming.
Students applying must be graduating in May 2026 or have already graduated.
PA Time Commitment: June 1, 2026 - July 29, 2026
Application deadline: Early February
Both the Program Assistant and Administrative Coordinator positions can be found on the jobs website in mid-December.
NODA Intern/Orientation Assistant Supervisor
Join our Orientation Team as a NODA Intern/Orientation Assistant Supervisor.
Internship information and description available on the NODA website.
See what former NODA Interns have to say about their experience.
Learn more