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

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

Be the first to know when the GBO Leader Application for 2025 is live!

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 2025 (Exact date to be determined)
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.

Qualifications
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- Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley.
- If you graduate before GBO (i.e. spring or summer 2025), 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
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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