APPLY TO BE AN OPA!

Do you love UMBC? Are you looking for a way to give back to the UMBC community? Are you looking to be a part of a fun, close-knit team? Are you looking for a paid leadership opportunity?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, the Orientation Peer Ambassador (OPA) position could be a good fit for you!

OPAs work with all of UMBC’s incoming students – that’s over 3,000 incoming first year and transfer students – and their families to serve as a resource for their transition to UMBC. OPAs are a part of all of UMBC’s Orientation programming which is designed to provide new students with the opportunity to meet other new Retrievers, meet an Advisor to register for classes, and meet faculty and staff to learn more about everything UMBC has to offer. OPAs conduct small group ice-breakers and lead their peers through interactive activities, and programs while orienting them to UMBCs vibrant campus life.

OPA Commitment & Compensation:

  • Summer 2025 Commitment:
    • Mandatory Summer Training: Thursday, May 29th to Thursday, June 5th from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (some training days may have extended hours).
    • OPAs must work ALL summer orientation sessions that run from June 10th to July 31st, and August 19th & 21st.
  • Fall/Winter 2025-2026 Commitment:
    • Willingness to work Winter Orientation sessions in December 2025 and January 2026 (will be paid additionally at hourly rate).
  • Compensation & Incentives:
    • OPAs will be paid a stipend of $1800 in three installments from June-August
    • $200 Retriever Dollars
    • Breakfast and lunch will be provided during Summer Orientation programs and training sessions
    • On-campus housing during summer Orientation programs and training sessions from late May- early August
    • The option to move-in early to your on-campus housing end of August will be an available, but funding will be determined on a case-by-case basis
    • Hourly pay for late August Orientation dates ($15/hour)
    • Two Orientation polo shirts + other Orientation swag
    • The option to earn a leadership micro-credential badge

OPA Application Process:

  • The 2025 OPA Application is LIVE and is set to close on January 20th, 2025 at 11:59pm!  You can apply using the link here or at the top of the page. 
  • If you have questions about the application process, please email orientation@umbc.edu.
  • After the application review, select applicants will be invited to participate in an Individual Interview.
  • After the Individual Interviews, select applicants will be invited to participate in a Group Interview.

OPA Selection Criteria:

  • Must be a current undergraduate student who will have completed at least one semester at UMBC.
  • Must be returning to UMBC for the Fall 2025 semester (i.e. cannot be graduating in May 2025)
  • Must be in good judicial and academic standing (at least 2.50 cumulative GPA)
  • Must not be taking summer classes or have an internship/other commitments that interfere with the Orientation schedule.
  • Preferential selection given to students who possess the following:
    • The desire and ability to work with a diverse group of students, families, faculty, and staff
    • Strong communication and public speaking skills
    • Leadership potential and problem-solving skills
    • Flexibility and comfort with ambiguity
    • The ability to handle a high intensity environment and create a positive environment for their peers

Questions:

Contact orientation@umbc.edu for more information!