Orientation Leaders
Apply to be an Orientation Leader!
Orientation Leaders (OLs) are an integral part of orienting all new students to CCSU and helping them feel connected to CCSU. Through intentional programs aimed at helping new students assimilate to college life, OLs are an elite group of student leaders that have found their way to give back to the campus and share their pride of CCSU with the rest of the campus!
Important Timeline Information:
- October 24th: Deadline for OL Applications
- October 18th- December 10th: First Round of Interviews (blended virtual and in person interviews)
- December 13th- January 14th: Second Round of Interviews
- Week of February 1st: Applicants will know their status
Application Information:
Completed applications may be dropped off in the New Student Programs Office, SC Room 106, or sent electronically to orientation@ccsu.edu.
New Applicants will need to:
- Complete the entire application
- Submit one professional letter of recommendation (from a supervisor, advisor, professor, or past employer)
- Participate in an interview during the weeks of 10/18-12/10
Returning Applicants will need to:
- Complete the entire application
- Participate in an interview during the weeks of 10/18-12/10
2021 Orientation Leaders!
Orientation programs are aimed at supporting the transition of new students to Central and creating a welcome campus atmosphere for the new members of our Blue Devil Family. Every Fall we begin a recruitment period for students to become part of the Orientation Leader (OL) family. Students attend information sessions throughout the month of October, and can apply for the OL role, which takes place during the summer months, and during January for Spring Orientation for those OLs who are interested in participating again. Students are selected from all disciplines, class status, majors- the more diverse our OL’s experiences are, the better they can support our new students. A positive attitude, and strong work ethic are key components of what makes a great OL!
Orientation Leaders have been selected for the 2021 Summer Orientation programs. "Meet the OL's" photos and biographies are being posted on our social media. Follow us @CCSUOrientation on Instagram!
Take a look at our amazing Orientation Leaders for Summer 2021!
Bobby Akinpelu
Major: Robotics
"I want to be that figure for the incoming students at CCSU; show them how coming to central will change their lives positively and the many things it has to offer."
Haneen Alkabasi
Major: Political Science
“I wanted to become an Orientation Leader to help incoming students with their transition to college. It’s not easy starting somewhere new so I look forward to sharing my experiences and advising them on matters both in and out of academics.”
Pamela Asamoah
Major: Biology
“Transitioning in life is not always easy. In those times everyone would need a partner, a friend, and a confidant. I wish to be that type of support system to the new students to ensure them that they have nothing to worry about, especially at Central.”
Drew Benard
Major: Music Education
“I wanted to become an Orientation Leader so I could help nervous incoming students (as I was) feel confident in themselves, prepared to start the next chapter of their lives, and welcome in our campus community.”
Kiara Burgos-Santiago
Major: Exploratory
“I want to be an Orientation Leader because I can relate to how a first semester of college can be really nerve wrecking. I hope as a guide and as a mentor, to help incoming freshman feel confident for their first semester of college”
Maddie Ceci
Major: Marketing
“I wanted to become an orientation leader so I can help incoming freshmen have an easy transition into college.”
Sammy Chadwick
Major: Mechanical Engineering
“Moving to an entirely new environment where you don’t know anybody can be hard and even scary for some people. I wanted to become an OL so that I can help new students feel welcomed, included, and valued.”
Julia Conant
Major: English
“I wanted to become an Orientation Leader because I am passionate about CCSU and feel I have useful knowledge to share with new students.”
Niam Coward
Major: Accounting
“I wanted to become an Orientation Leader to inform the next generation of CCSU students on how things operate on and off campus to better prepare them for life in college.”
Millie DeTullio
Major: Marketing
“Being an Orientation leader would allow me to meet many new people with whom I can build a bond with. I believe it would also give me the opportunity to be a part of something great, where I can help new students and make them feel at ease with their decision to come to CCSU.”
Katie Jadlos
Major: Secondary History Education
“I became an orientation leader to become more connected with people and events on campus. I made tons of lifelong friends, made lots of great memories, and gained important leadership skills that I will use throughout my career and life!”
Indya Lumpkin
Major: Biology
“I understand, from experience, that’s college can be an exciting yet nerve-racking experience for most, however, that’s where we come in! I am most excited to meet everyone and create new bonds and relationships with each student and OL.”
Tia Meares
Major: Sociology
“I wanted to be an Orientation Leader to share all the campus involvement opportunities for incoming students.”
Nicole Nittardi
Major: Business Undeclared
“I wanted to become an OL to help others reach the realization that discovering oneself isn’t a burden that needs to be carried individually but rather a communal effort to uncover and channel. College is a roller coaster as scary as it might seem on the surface once you’ve buckled in and gotten going it’s a lot of fun!”
Donesha Noble
Major: Cybersecurity
“I wanted to become an OL because I feel like it is amazing to be the first person ypu see when coming to a big institution like this.”
Ola Olamuyiwa
Major: Political Science
“I am most proud of the fact that CCSU has provided me with numerous opportunities, I am so grateful for that.”
Rakesh Salwan
Major: Mechanical Engineering
“College is a big transition and can be nerve-wracking, I wanted to help people make the transition easier for incoming students.”
Amanda Schmidt
Major: Exploratory
“I wanted to become an OL because my OL last year is one of my best friends now and she gave me a great orientation experience considering the circumstances of COVID.”
Sydney Sherrick
Major: Criminology
“I wanted to become an Orientation Leader because I would like to give new students a great experience with their orientation like I had with mine.”
Liz Saldek
Major: Nursing
“I know transitioning to college can be overwhelming so I want to be the person they feel comfortable reaching out to will any and all questions that they have.”
Bria Stanley
Major: Criminology
“I wanted to become an OL because I want to help incoming students feel reassured about starting college during such chaotic and uncertain times”
Luke Vermilyea
Major: Technology & Engineering Education
“I decided to become an Orientation Leader because I am very passionate about my school and my major. I know that CCSU was the perfect decision for me and that it is for so many other people.”
Savannah Wallingford
Major: Business
“I wanted to be an Orientation Leader as I want to help incoming Blue Devils adapt to college life and feel welcomed to campus.”
Jordyn Williams
Major: Accounting
“I decided to become an Orientation Leader because I wanted to help ease the transition to college for incoming freshman while also expressing how much I love going to CCSU!”
Trinitee Williams
Major: Strategic Communications
“I am returning as an orientation leader because I enjoy working with new students. I know so much about CCSU and I really enjoy being one of the first faces the new students get to meet.”
Kevin Wiredu
Major: Biology
“I wanted to become an OL because I remember how hard it was for me coming into a new environment and trying to meet new people, but my OLs made it super easy for me so I want to pay it forward!”