Apply to be a Leader

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

An Orientation Leader holding up a guidepost with the number 433, decorated to look like a rubber duck

How to Join

The GBO Leader Application for 2026 is live! Apply before March 29th.

2026 GBO Leader Application

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
Getting UC Berkeley gear

Two Orientation Leaders holding a guidepost labelled with the number 324, decorated with a teddy bear sitting on clouds

Important Dates

In-person activities and expectations of all GBO Leaders:

1:1 Supervisor Check-In: April 2026
OL Spring Training: April 25, 2026
2:1 Supervisor & OL Pair Check-in: July 2026
August Intensive Training: August 17-19, 2026 (full days)
Golden Bear Orientation: August 20-24, 2026 (full days)

Role Description

Serve as a positive and reliable role model for new students.
Participate fully in all required in-person events for GBO 2026, including 1:1 meetings, Orientation Leader training, and GBO programs.
Collaborate with an OL pair to orient and help create a welcoming and engaging GBO experience. Pairs will be determined through a mutual selection process.
Facilitate discussions related to Bear Foundations (diversity & inclusion), Bear Pact (sexual violence prevention and mental health), and other small-group activities.
Create an inclusive and welcoming community for all new students.
Encourage and support full participation for new students in GBO programming.
Guide new students to key campus locations and program points throughout GBO.
Respond to fundamental questions about UC Berkeley.
Collaborate effectively with a diverse range of people and work styles, while also being able to work independently.
Arrive on time, prepared, and ready to learn.
Demonstrate a willingness to grow both personally and professionally.

Information Sessions & Events
Information Sessions:
1. Orientation Leader Info Session #1
  - Thursday, February 19th at 4 pm | Location: 2610 Channing Way, 3rd Floor
2. Orientation Leader Info Session #2
  - Monday, March 9th at 6 pm | Location: Online via Zoom
Orientation Leader Recruitment Mixers:
1. Thursday, January 29th at 5:30 pm | Location: Re-Entry Student Program (B North in the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union Building)
2. Thursday, February 26th at 5:00 pm | Location: Stiles Hall Programming Space
3. Thursday, March 19th at 5:00 pm | Location: Unit 3 APR
Qualifications
- Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley.
- If you graduate before GBO (i.e. spring or summer 2026), you can still participate as an OL as long as you commit to completing all required responsibilities.
- - Possess a desire to support student transition.
  - Demonstrate leadership qualities.
  - Enjoy interacting with new students, families, faculty, and staff.
  - Have a passion and motivation to represent UC Berkeley and our community.
  - Be in good academic standing (hold a minimum 2.3 cumulative GPA).
    
    We encourage applicants to explain any exceptions to this guideline on the OL application form.
- Students who have Pass/No Pass grades from the past three semesters may still apply.
- Extracurricular activities, internships, and employment may not conflict with OL required dates in the Spring or during August Training and Golden Bear Orientation (see above for exact dates).
  - Resident Assistant (RA) positions may not be held due to schedule conflicts.
For Students Who Are Eligible for a Pell Grant or Dream Act Award
If you are a student who is eligible for the Pell Grant or California Dream Act and you become a GBO Leader, then you are eligible for a $500 grant award.

In order to receive the grant, you must be a GBO Leader and complete all leader requirements. This award is to ensure that all students, no matter of financial situation, are able to volunteer as Orientation Leaders. Please reach out if you have questions or concerns regarding this opportunity: nss@berkeley.edu