O-Team
Who is the O-Team?
The O-Team is a term used when referring to all members of the student Orientation team. This includes Orientation Leader (OL), Orientation Peer Advisor (OPA), and Student Coordinator (StuCo). Interested in joining the O-Team? Applications and information about the process to be on the O-Team are available below.
Orientation Leader (OL)
Current undergraduate students who guide a group of incoming new students through their Orientation experience, through small group, programming and leadership activities.
Orientation Peer Advisor (OPA)
Current undergraduate students who serve on the student leadership team charged with contributing to the overall Orientation program and training of OLs. OPAs also serve as paraprofessional staff and are assigned a group of OLs.
Student Coordinator (Stu Co)
Current undergraduate students who serve on the student leadership team charged with contributing to the overall Orientation program planning and selection and training of OLs. Stu Cos also serve as paraprofessional staff, work closely with professional staff during the academic year, and are each assigned OPAs.
Meet the 2021 Orientation Leadership Team
Student Coordinators
Dani Villardi
She/Her/Hers
Student Coordinator, Social Media & Communication
Hometown: Melbourne, Florida
Major: Political Science
Fun Fact: “I ran into Cody Ko at Target while shopping for a Harry Styles concert.”
Sarah Gregory
She/Her/Hers
Student Coordinator, Student and Family Experience
Hometown: Colonia, New Jersey
Major: Political Science & Philosophy
Fun Fact: "I own an Etsy shop where I sell crocheted hats and accessories!"
Chinyere Munonye
She/Her/Hers
Student Coordinator, Orientation Leader Experience
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Major: Neuroscience
Fun Fact: “I hosted my first art show in high school.”
Macy McClintock
She/Her/Hers
Student Coordinator, Orientation Leader Experience
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Major: Journalism & political Science with a focus in Public Policy
Fun Fact: “I accidentally ran into Alica Keys in October and got knocked over”
"With everything going on in the world, getting to be a part of the Orientation team provided me with a safe space where I could think about something other than the pandemic. I got to meet other student leaders and freshmen who were excited about being at GW even if classes were online. It gave me hope that the future of this school is still bright in spite of everything. Raise high!" Maria Fusca, Class of 2023
"I really enjoyed my time as an OL! The kids were great and it allowed me to be creative which I loved."
"I truly did love it. One of my fave things from the summer. So blessed to be a part of this wonderful program. You guys (Orientation Staff) are so so so awesome. I am so lucky to have grown from this experience and I consider myself a stronger leader and better person because of it!"
Orientation Leaders 2020
How do I join the O-Team
O-Team Application and Selection Process
Recruitment, applications and information about the process to become an Orientation Leader (OL) and Orientation Peer Advisor (OPA) become available at the beginning of the Spring Semester. Be sure to check back on our website, and on social media at @studentlifeatgw for information about applying.
Additionally, the Student Coordinator selection process takes place in the Fall Semester and is handled internally via email communication to past O-Team members.
For additional information, or questions please email [email protected].
Step 1: O-Team Information Sessions
After recruitment launches in the Spring Semester, please join our leadership team virtually for an opportunity to learn about the O-Team, application process, roles and more. Sessions are not required but encouraged. If you are unable to attend and would like to meet with someone from our team or have questions please email: [email protected].
Step 2: O-Team Applications
O-Team applications will be available online via Engage. The application allows the O-Team Leadership the opportunity to learn more about you and why you want to be on the O-Team. Before applying to be an Orientation Leader or Orientation Peer Advisor it is reccomended that you attend an information session and read the job description carefully. Please note: inorder to apply to be an OPA you must have been an OL previously.
Step 3: O-Team Interviews
After our the Leadership Team reviews applications, if you are selected to move forward in the process, you will be invited to participate in interviews. For Orientation Leaders (OL) and Orientation Peer Advisors (OPA) the process looks slightly different.
Orientation Peer Advisor (OPA)
OPAs will be invited to participate in individual interviews with our team.
Orientation Leader (OL)
OLs will be invited to participate in group interviews including members of our team past and present.
Step 4: O-Team Selection
Our process wraps up with us notifying candidates about decisions aroung Spring Break via the email submitted with the initial application.
Training
Following selection new O-Team members will have training throught the Spring and Summer months leading up to the Fall New Student Orientation Program.
Meet the Class Year Programs Team
Shaelyn McCarthy
She/Her/Hers
Student Coordinator, Class Year Programs
Hometown: Foxborough, Massachusetts
Major: Organizational Sciences & Psychology
Fun Fact: "One time I did a workout with Kelley O’Hara at the Lincoln Memorial at 5:00 am".
Adedasola Adeniyi
She/Her/Hers
Student Coordinator, Class Year Programs
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Major: International Affairs
Fun Fact: "I'm currently learning how to sew."
Kamau
Louis
He/Him/His
Student Coordinator, Class Year Programs
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Major: International Affairs
Fun Fact: "Senator Angus King of Maine once said I had nice socks ."
Still have questions? No problem! You can follow @StudentLifeatGW on Instagram for more insight into the GW student experience and life on campus. Email [email protected] with any questions or concerns about the New Student Orientation process.
