Two days before move-in day in the fall is usually a time of panic and last-minute packing for Baker University students, but 40 students will be spending their last two days before the start of school attending a retreat as Orientation and Wildcat Welcome leaders.
Most students can think back on their time as freshmen and name exactly who their orientation leader was. These chosen leaders help incoming freshmen get acquainted with the Baker campus and meet new people. In the words of director of student life Brett Bruner, this “prestigious” honor is one that students should not take lightly.
“Being an orientation leader is an awesome opportunity to be the face of the students and university in welcoming new students and their parents or family members during this transitional period,” Bruner said.
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In order for these 40 students to gain the title of OL or Wildcat Welcome leader, they had to go through an application and interview process. Split into groups of four or five, they were asked random questions such as “what is your guilty television show obsession?” that helped the selection committee, made up of members of the Student Affairs staff, get to know the candidates better. The group was then told to put together a skit with a few limitations, like having to use words such as “GTL” or “cheese puffs” while using the random props they were given.
“The interview was very laid back and a great way to show our personalities,” junior Paige Trimble said. “I’m pretty goofy, and a simple interview process wouldn’t have showed how weird I can be.”
The Orientation Executive Team then evaluated each candidate based on a number of characteristics important for future OLs including communication skills, dedication, school spirit, responsibility, integrity and a desire to help new students transition to life as a part of the Baker community.
“I hope that any orientation leader can feel like they are extending the Baker community onto its newest members and making a difference in the beginning of a new students’ college experience,” Orientation Student Director Beth Hopkins said.
Along with these personality traits, OLs are expected to be engaging, lively and personable, because they will be performing wacky and weird skits that require a positive attitude. On top of that, leaders will also be expected to answer any questions directed toward them and give campus tours to new students or parents.
“The orientation team is a group of fun and wacky individuals and we just want to ease the nerves of new students,” Trimble said.
