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Student Leader Recruitment

Student Leader Recruitment is the joint effort of  Orientation and New Student Programs (ONSP), the  Center of Multicultural Initiatives (CMI) the Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC), and Undergraduate Admissions (UGA) and the DREAM Initiative. The goal of Student Leader Recruitment is to streamline five recruiting and hiring processes into one simple procedure for students interested in attaining leadership positions within ONSP, CMI GSC, UGA, and DREAM. If you are interested in becoming an Orientation Group Leader, Gender and Sexuality Center Peer Mentor or Desk Worker, CMI Peer Mentor or CORE Ambassador, Undergraduate Admissions Tour Guide, or a DREAM Peer Mentor you'll only have to apply once using the steps below.

CMI Peer Mentor

CMI Peer Mentors provide guidance and model academic and social success to their mentees and to the campus community. They meet weekly on a one-on-one basis with CMI scholarship recipients to assess and monitor academic and social progress.


Position Qualifications:

  • Must be enrolled at OU full time
  • Must have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Must be in good disciplinary standing with the university and residence halls
  • Must be in sophomore standing by fall 2024
  • Must have the ability to perform responsibly in a leadership role
  • Must have solid interpersonal skills
  • Must be a positive role model

Compensation and Contract Commitments:

  • One full week of training during summer 2024
  • CMI Early Experience sessions end of August/beginning of September 2024
  • Represent CMI office at orientations and other university events
  • Work up to 8-10 hours bi-weekly during the 2024-25 academic school year
  • Compensation starts at $15 / hour
  • Attend paraprofessional training sessions throughout the academic year
  • CMI Peer mentors can only take Summer I courses
Orientation Group Leader

Orientation Group Leaders (OGLs) guide students and guests through the orientation experience. OGLs support student advising and registration alongside the First Year Advising Center, promote various aspects of university life, and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for new students and guests.


Position Qualifications:

  • Must have a minimum of a 2.75 cumulative GPA
  • Must be in good disciplinary standing with the university and residence halls
  • Must be in sophomore standing by fall 2024

Compensation and Contract Commitments:

  • Four month contract beginning in late April through the first week of classes in fall 2024
  • During your contract, on campus housing is provided.
  • Attend all required training for the position
  • Orientation Group Leaders cannot take Summer I courses
  • Opportunity to develop leadership skills, such as group facilitation, organization, problem solving and team building
  • Serve as a role model while assisting in the recruitment, transition and retention of new students
  • Form lasting friendships with fellow Orientation Group Leaders
  • $15.00 / hour
CMI CORE Ambassador

CMI CORE Ambassadors meet weekly in one-on-one sessions with program participants to assess and monitor academic and social progress. Ambassadors provide program participants with information about classes, support services, academic programs and counseling.


Position Qualifications:

  • Must be enrolled at OU full-time
  • Must have a minimum of a 2.65 cumulative GPA
  • Must be in good disciplinary standing with the university and residence halls
  • Must be in sophomore standing by fall 2024
  • Must be involved in the campus community
  • Must have solid interpersonal skills

Compensation and Contract Commitments:

  • One full week of training during summer 2024
  • CMI Early Experience sessions end of August/beginning of September 2024
  • One week of work during summer 2024 supporting Summer Bridge
  • Work up to 8 hours bi-weekly during the 2024-25 academic school year
  • Compensation starts at $15 / hour
  • Represent CMI office at university events
  • CMI CORE Ambassadors can only take Summer I courses
Gender and Sexuality Center Peer Mentor

As a Peer Mentor for the GSC, you will play a significant role in the support and retention of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and otherwise non-heterosexual/non-cisgender (LGBTQ+) students. GSC Peer Mentors meet with their mentees weekly on a one-on-one basis to assess and monitor academic and social progress.

Position Qualifications:

  • Must be enrolled at OU full time throughout fall 2024 and winter 2025
  • Must have a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Must be in good disciplinary standing with the University and and (if applicable) Housing
  • Must be in sophomore standing by Fall 2024, junior or senior status preferred
  • Must have the ability to perform responsibly in a leadership role
  • Must have solid interpersonal skills
  • Must demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills
  • Must be a positive role model

Compensation and Contract Commitments:

  • Three full days of training during July or August 2024
  • Meet once a week with mentee(s)
  • Meet twice a month with the Graduate Assistant of the Gender & Sexuality Center
  • Represent GSC office at orientations and other university events
  • Work 1-4 hours weekly during the 2024-25 academic school year
  • Compensation starts at $15/hour with a raise each year you return
  • Attend training sessions and staff meetings throughout the academic year

Anticipated Hours:

  • 1-4 hours bi-weekly
Gender and Sexuality Center Desk Worker

As a Desk Worker for the GSC, you will play a significant role in the support and retention of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,  queer and otherwise non-heterosexual/non-cisgender (LGBTQ+) students and providing opportunities for LGBTQ+ affirming education and advocacy for all.  GSC Desk Workers greet visitors and help to create a supportive and accessible environment in the GSC. Tasks include answering phone calls and emails, checking materials out from the resource library, tabling at University events and Orientations, and supporting the GSC Coordinator and Graduate Assistant with event planning, set up, facilitation, and take down. Desk workers may also be tasked with gathering and organizing resources and assisting students with resource referrals.

Position Qualifications:

  • Must be enrolled at OU full time throughout Fall 2024 and Winter 2025
  • Must be work-study eligible throughout Fall 2024 and Winter 2025
  • Must have a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Must be in good disciplinary standing with the University and (if applicable) Housing
  • Must be in sophomore standing by Fall 2024, sophomore or junior status preferred.
  • Must have the ability to perform responsibly in a leadership role
  • Must have solid interpersonal skills
  • Must demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills
  • Must be a positive role model

Compensation and Contract Commitments:

  • Three full days of training during July or August 2024
  • Represent GSC office at orientations and other university events
  • Work 3-12 hours weekly in the GSC during the 2024-25 academic school year
  • Compensation starts at $15/hour with a raise each year you return
  • Attend training sessions and staff meetings throughout the academic year

Anticipated Hours:

  • 3-12 hours weekly (paid biweekly)
UGA Ambassador (Campus Tour Guide)

Admissions Ambassadors provide campus tours to prospective students and staff OU recruitment events. Ambassadors also work in the admissions office assisting with front desk, telecenter, and general administrative tasks. Admissions Ambassadors are the most visible student leaders of the campus to visitors and the first impression of Oakland. As a student Admissions Ambassador, students develop communication and presentation skills, learn about the institution, and take an active part in ensuring the future of Oakland University. Student Admissions Ambassadors are supervised by Graduate Assistants and the Assistant Director of Campus Visits.


Position Qualifications:

  • Must be enrolled at OU full time throughout fall 2024 and winter 2025
  • Must have a minimum of 2.5 cumulative GPA and maintain during employment
  • Must be in good disciplinary standing with the University and (if applicable) Housing
  • Must be in sophomore standing by Fall 2024, junior or senior status preferred
  • Must have the ability to perform responsibly in a leadership role
  • Must have strong communication and public speaking skills

Compensation and Contract Commitments:

  • 5 full day training prior to start of Fall term
  • Attend monthly team meetings
  • Attend 3 mandatory events per year and 6 total additional special events
  • Participate in team bonding and professional development activities
  • Meet three times per semester with the Graduate Assistant
  • Represent OU at on and off campus events (select weeknights and Saturdays)
  • Conduct campus tours, call center duties, office tasks, and other duties as assigned
  • Work minimum 4 hours weekly during the 2024-25 academic school year
  • Compensation starts at $15/hour with a raise each year you return

Anticipated Hours:

  • 4-10 hours weekly + special events 
DREAM Peer Coach

The Determination and Resilience through Education, Achievement, and Motivation (DREAM) Initiative is a student support system designed to ensure Detroit students are on a path to graduation. As a DREAM Peer Coach, the primary role will be to support and guide DREAM student participants, helping them achieve academic success and personal growth. DREAM Peer Coaches will be responsible for meeting regularly with their assigned participants to build relationships, address concerns, and provide academic support. DREAM Peer Coaches will work under the supervision of the DREAM Initiative Coordinator, and will play a critical role in ensuring the success and retention of student participants.


Position Qualifications:

  • Must be enrolled at OU full time
  • Must have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Must be in good disciplinary standing with the university and residence halls
  • Must be in sophomore standing by fall 2024
  • Must have excellent interpersonal & communication skills
  • Must display knowledge and understanding of learning strategies, study resources, and time management
  • Must have a familiarity with academic and campus support services/resources
  • Must have a commitment to equity and inclusion, and the ability to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds and identities
  • Must be a positive role model

Compensation and Contract Commitments:

  • Must be present for three-day training in June (on-campus housing and meals are covered)
  • Represent the Enrollment Management and CMI office at orientations and other university events
  • Compensation starts at $15/hour
  • Attend paraprofessional training sessions throughout the academic year
  • Meet with the DREAM Coordinator for biweekly check-in meetings

Anticipated hours:

  • 10 hours weekly during the 2024-25 academic school year

Attend an Info Share session to learn more about the available positions (1 session is required)

  • All Info Share sessions have completed. Please contact [email protected] if you have additional questions.

Attend Group Process 

  • This group interview is by invitation only after initial applications are reviewed.  You will be notified via email if you will be moving forward in the selection process.

Attend an individual interview in March for selected positions

  • These interviews are by invitation only as a result of your Group Process interview.  You will be notified via email if you will be moving forward in the selection process.

The application deadline has passed. 

If you have questions about the Student Leader recruitment process, please feel free to email us at [email protected].

Can I work in more than one position?
Yes. Students can hold multiple positions, but only one type of similar positions at the same time. For example, students can be an OGL and CMI Peer Mentor. Students cannot be both a CMI CORE Ambassador and CMI Peer Mentor. Students cannot be both a DREAM Peer Coach and a CMI Peer Mentor or CORE Ambassador.
What positions run during the summer months and which are during the school year?
  • The Orientation Group Leader positions are summer positions running between May and August.
  • CMI Peer Mentor, CMI CORE Ambassador positions run during the fall and winter semesters with training week/CORE Bridge week running during the summer
  • GSC Peer Mentor positions run during the fall and winter semesters.
  • Admissions Ambassadors have the opportunity to work fall, winter and summer
  • DREAM Peer Coach positions run during the fall and winter semesters, with 3-day training in June.
What are the position GPA requirements?
  • CMI Peer Mentor - requires a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • CMI CORE Ambassador - requires a minimum of a 2.65 cumulative GPA
  • Orientation Group Leader - require a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA as of the end of fall semester 2022
  • GSC Peer Mentor - requires a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • UGA Admissions Ambassador (Campus Tour Guide) - requires a minimum of 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • DREAM Peer Coachrequires a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA
What is the interview process?
  • Interested students must first attend an Info Session to learn about the various positions, pay rates and the application process. Students may then fill out the online application. One application will be used to apply for multiple positions.
  • Once the applications have been reviewed, a limited number of students will be called back for a small group interview called Group Process. From there, the applicants will participate in individual interviews with the Center for Multicultural Initiatives, Gender and Sexuality Center, Undergraduate Admissions, and/or Orientation and New Student Programs.
Can I take classes and work at the same time? (How many credits do I need to take to be eligible?)
Since the Orientation Group Leader positions are full-time positions between May and August, students cannot take classes during Summer Session I, but are allowed to take one class during Summer Session II. CMI positions require students to be a full-time OU student while employed.
I have a question about one of the positions, who should I contact?
For questions about the CMI Peer Mentor or CORE ambassador positions, contact them by phone at (248) 370-4404 or email, [email protected].

For questions about the Orientation Group Leader position, contact them by phone at (248) 370-4653 or email, [email protected].

For questions about the GSC Peer Mentor or Desk Worker positions, contact them by phone at (248) 370-4336 or email, [email protected].

For questions about the Admissions Ambassador (Campus Tour Guide) position, please contact Drew Huff at (248) 370-4467or email [email protected].

For questions about the DREAM Peer Coach positions, contact Michelle Guinyard at (248) 370-3705 or [email protected].
How can I get help with the application and interview?
The Career and Life Design Center offers a variety of resources to help you stand out amongst other candidates, such as assistance with your resume and tips for your interview.

Looking for additional employment opportunities at OU? Connect with our campus partners below to explore work options. Click on the links below for more info.

University Recreation and Well-Being

University Housing

Academic Success Center

Career and Life Design Center

Oakland University Student Congress

Additional Campus Openings via Handshake (OU log-in required) - online student job board listings 

First Year Advising Center

North Foundation Hall, Room 101
318 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4454
(location map)
(248) 370-3227


Office Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Orientation & New Student Programs
North Foundation Hall, Room 101
318 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4454
(248) 370-GOLD
[email protected]

Office Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.