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Become an Orientation Leader

As a Golden Bear Orientation Leader, you become part of a team that works collaboratively to welcome and orient new students to the UC Berkeley community. Using your own experiences and perspectives, you will help guide incoming students through a multi-day program in August, helping them explore academic life, campus involvement, and everything that UC Berkeley has to offer. This is a unique volunteer opportunity to:

  • meet and mentor a diverse, dynamic student group
  • develop leadership skills
  • be a positive influence while having fun

Orientation Leader in a crowd of students holding a GBO Guidepost with the number 502 made to look like a Costco membership card.

How to Join

GBO Leader Application will open on January 22, 2025.

GBO Leader Interest Form

Benefits for You

There are so many benefits to becoming a GBO Leader. Here are just a few:

  • Leadership and professional development
  • Building your skills as a mentor
  • Extending your “Berkeley family” and learning more about campus resources
  • Creating memories with the GBO community
  • Exploring the Bay Area with new students
  • Attending the Chancellor’s Reception
  • Getting UC Berkeley gear

Two Orientation Leaders holding a Golden Guidepost depicting a fake Cal 1 Card belonging to Ice Spice

Important Dates

In-person activities and expectations of all GBO Leaders:

  • 1:1 Supervisor Check-In: April 2025
  • OL Spring Training: April 26, 2025
  • 2:1 Supervisor & OL Pair Check-in: July 2025
  • August Intensive Training: August 16-18, 2025 (full days)
  • Golden Bear Orientation: August 21-25, 2025 (full days)

Role Description

  • Serve as a role model for new students.
  • Participate in all required events, in-person for GBO 2025, including meetings, Orientation Leader training(s), and GBO programs.
  • Facilitate activities and conversations related to Bear Foundations (program on diversity & inclusion), Bear Pact (program on sexual violence and mental health), and additional small group discussions.
  • Work collaboratively with an OL pair to orient and create a positive experience for new students. OLs will have the opportunity to choose their pair via a mutual selection process.
  • Create an inclusive and welcoming community for all new students.
  • Promote full participation for new students in GBO.
  • Guide new students to various campus locations and program points throughout GBO.
  • Answer fundamental questions about UC Berkeley.
  • Be prompt, prepared, and eager to learn.
  • Be able to work well with a diverse group of people and work styles, and to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Be willing to grow both personally and professionally.