What It Means to Be an Orientation Leader
Being an Orientation Leader (OL) means stepping into a meaningful leadership role where you help shape the first experiences that new students have at Canisius University. It’s more than just giving campus tours or leading icebreakers—it’s about building a welcoming environment, creating moments of connection, and helping others feel like they belong.
Here’s what it really means to be an OL:
A Welcomer: You are often the first friendly face a new student sees. You set the tone for their Canisius journey, offering encouragement, guidance, and energy from the moment they arrive.
A Role Model: New students look to you for insight on how to navigate campus life, so you lead by example—with kindness, confidence, and integrity.
A Connector: You help students find community—introducing them to resources, traditions, friends, and opportunities they might not discover on their own.
A Storyteller: You share your authentic Canisius experience—the ups, the lessons, and the growth—to help others find their path and know they’re not alone.
A Leader in Transition: You guide students (and often their families) through one of life’s biggest changes—starting college. You answer questions, ease nerves, and make space for excitement and uncertainty.
At its core, being an Orientation Leader means believing in others before they believe in themselves—and helping them see that they have a place here.
Mercedes
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Major: Strategic Communications
Extracurriculars: President of The Afro-American Society
Why did I become an OL: "I decided to become an orientation leader because I wanted to be a welcoming face for new students, especially for students of color who might feel unsure about finding their place on campus. As the president of a club on campus , I wanted to ensure that freshmen were aware of the diverse cultural clubs available, providing them with opportunities to connect and engage with communities that reflect their identities and interests. College can be overwhelming, and having someone relatable who understands their experiences can make a big difference."
Maddy
Hometown: Evans, New York
Major: Childhood Education/TESOL Extracurriculars: Book Club, Senior Editor on The Griffin, Member of Phi Sigma Sigma, Member of C-Block
Why did I become an OL: "I became an Orientation Leader because I really love Canisius, and I wanted to share that love. I enjoy being an OL because I was able to meet so many new students and help them adapt to a new community."