by Angelique B. D’Silva
Staff Writer
As an Orientation Week Leader (O.W.L.), students have the responsibility of making the transition from high school to college, a smoother one for freshmen. There is no certain characteristics or qualifications needed to apply for the position of an O.W.L. The new O.W.L. coordinators are looking for students who want to make a difference in another student’s life.
“O.W.L.s is not an easy process,” said Michael Houdyshell, coordinator of campus activities and commuter programs.
The application process involves filling out the application, two recommendations and an interview. The only prerequisite is that the students maintain a 2.5 GPA, cumulative and semester.
Houdyshell says O.W.L. training will commence in the spring, meeting once or twice a month “to get to know each other, the program, expectations and to bond as a group.”
In the last weeks of August 2001 O.W.L.s will come together in an intense training to prepare themselves for the freshmen and transfer students attending Orientation. Orientation Week, where new students are introduced to the University.
He said, “O.W.L.s need to be a team, because students see the leadership that they have acquired.”
Sophomore O.W.L. coordinator Jen Newman said when interviewing potential O.W.L.s, “I personally am looking for someone outgoing, friendly, someone a freshman can feel like they can approach about problems, frustration, and concerns.”
Greg Hemenover, a junior O.W.L. coordinator, says that he is looking for, “someone with a positive influence, personal skills and someone who shows enthusiasm in the interviews.”
Hemenover says his interest in the program is the “lack of effort” he saw as a student experiencing Orientation Week. He believes that it is important to be “involved in your school and being an O.W.L. is a good way to do so.”
Newman said that the reason she became an O.W.L. was she wanted to “give back” what she experienced as a freshman in Orientation Week.
Fifty applicants have applied for the position, which includes 15 returning O.W.L.s. Houdyshell says that returning O.W.L.s, go through the same process as new applicants because he wants to make sure that they still have the same passion for the job.
He does not guarantee returning students automatically will get the job.
“I have to give new people a chance,” said Houdyshell.
Students will find out whether or not they have received the position before school is let out for winter break next week.
Angelique B. D'Silva
