Cardinal Transition Leader & First-Year Mentor (2026 Orientation Staff)

PeopleAdmin•Naperville, IL

About The Position

Cardinal Transition Leaders & First-Year Mentors play an important and meaningful role in the transition and onboarding process of new students. This position is responsible for administering a successful Orientation, Welcome Week, and the First-Year Mentor program. The Cardinal Transition Leaders & First-Year Mentors create inclusive programs and environments to support the academic, social, and emotional growth of new students. Selected students are role models who represent North Central College to new students, supporters of new students, faculty, staff, and other students. Willingness to gain knowledge of campus resources, Student Success initiatives, and promote involvement in extracurricular activities. Attend and actively participate in Orientation and First-Year Mentor training programs. Assist with planning, preparation, setup, and breakdown of Orientation & Welcome Week events. Greet students and supporters at Orientation events and create an inclusive and welcoming environment. Provide support, answer questions, and familiarize new students with campus resources, activities, facilities, and campus policies. Participate in all assigned Orientation & Welcome Week activities, including weekend and evening programs. Present information on campus resources, academic, and co-curricular opportunities. Foster connections among new students and the North Central campus community. Facilitate relationship building between new students and faculty/staff. Provide small group leadership for approximately 25 first-year students in the CARD 110: Cardinal Experience course. Follow all college policies and guidelines during tenure. Collaborate effectively with other students, staff, and faculty members. Maintain the highest standards of professionalism and respect for others. Stay active and responsive with email communication and any other method determined by the group. This may include but is not limited to GroupMe, text messages, or social media.

Requirements

Completion of all application materials and participation in all required trainings and events
Attend a mandatory information session to learn further details about paraprofessional opportunities
Maintain a recommended cumulative Grade Point Average ( GPA ) of 3.0 or above
College attempted credit completion rate above 75%
Must be enrolled as a student at North Central College in the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Fall 2026
Ability to participate in all Orientation and Welcome Week activities to which you are assigned
Availability to attend and support a First-Year Experience course during the Fall 2026 semester
Strong interpersonal communication and leadership skills
Ability to present to a class and lead groups of approximately 20-25 students
Demonstration of North Central College pride and a positive approach to navigating the college experience
Willingness to commit to an employment and behavior contract
Ability to work effectively with new students, families, faculty, and staff
Appreciation of diversity and respect for others and the institution

Responsibilities

Administering a successful Orientation, Welcome Week, and the First-Year Mentor program
Create inclusive programs and environments to support the academic, social, and emotional growth of new students
Represent North Central College to new students, supporters of new students, faculty, staff, and other students
Gain knowledge of campus resources, Student Success initiatives, and promote involvement in extracurricular activities
Attend and actively participate in Orientation and First-Year Mentor training programs
Assist with planning, preparation, setup, and breakdown of Orientation & Welcome Week events
Greet students and supporters at Orientation events and create an inclusive and welcoming environment
Provide support, answer questions, and familiarize new students with campus resources, activities, facilities, and campus policies
Participate in all assigned Orientation & Welcome Week activities, including weekend and evening programs
Present information on campus resources, academic, and co-curricular opportunities
Foster connections among new students and the North Central campus community
Facilitate relationship building between new students and faculty/staff
Provide small group leadership for approximately 25 first-year students in the CARD 110: Cardinal Experience course
Follow all college policies and guidelines during tenure
Collaborate effectively with other students, staff, and faculty members
Maintain the highest standards of professionalism and respect for others
Stay active and responsive with email communication and any other method determined by the group