Orientation
Orientation at Christopher Newport is more than a program - it’s the first chapter of every Captain’s story. Our Orientation team creates the moments that turn nervous newcomers into confident members of the CNU community. If you’re passionate about leadership, mentorship, and building meaningful connections, this is your place. You’ll gain transferrable skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving while shaping an experience that truly changes lives - including your own. If you are looking for a summer full of memories, join our fun, energetic, and dynamic team to help welcome the next generation of Captains!
Employment Opportunities
Crew Leader
Crew Leaders are our Orientation Leaders who support the orientation and transition of our new students at CNU. As a Crew Leader, you will welcome the newest class of Captains and be one of the first people they meet on campus during Setting Sail or Changing Tides. Serving as a Crew Leader is a unique opportunity to give back to the CNU community, and the incoming class. In the Crew Leader role, you will develop skills in public speaking, group facilitation, problem solving, written and verbal communication, and many more that will set you up for future career success. You will also be part of a close-knit team of student leaders and have a summer filled with memories while supporting the transition of incoming students.
What is the time commitment of a Crew Leader?
While being a Crew Leader is a big time commitment, it is worth the experience and leadership development you’ll receive! During the spring semester, the role consists of a 2-hour weekly training for 5-6 weeks in addition to a Saturday retreat. During the summer, Crew Leaders are expected to be on campus for the entire month of June for training and to work the four sessions of Setting Sail. You can expect to work 40 hours per week during the month of June. Housing and most meals are covered for the month of June and during your time here before classes begin in August.
In addition to working Setting Sail, Crew Leaders also assist with Welcome Week in August. You can expect to return to campus around the Wednesday before the incoming class arrives. During August, you will receive intentional training on Welcome Week facilitation and be able to support students even more as they transition to campus life. You will be expected to work until the end of Welcome Week.
How do you apply?
Applications will go live on Handshake in December and will close mid-January! Be on the lookout on our Instagram (@cnu.osi) and Captains Connect regarding information for applying to this role. There will also be information sessions hosted by the Student Directors leading up to applications going live so you can learn more about the role and ask any questions you may have!
Student Director
Each September, we hire current upperclass students to lead the planning and implementation of Orientation programming and new student communication for incoming students. The Student Directors are involved in the selection, training and supervision of the Crew Leaders throughout the Orientation season. They also support the initiatives of Admitted Student Days and Changing Tides (Transfer Orientation). Our Student Directors are here to answer questions about CNU and the Admitted Student System, and to help get incoming students registered for Orientation.
The Student Director role requires up to 20 hours per week from October through April while classes are in session, and up to 40 hours per week from May through August. Once the academic year resumes, the commitment returns to up to 20 hours per week. Housing and a meal plan are provided during training and orientation sessions.
Through this job, you learn supervision, administrative skills, communication, public speaking, and other transferable skills that will support your future career. This position is treated like a professional internship, and is a great way to spend the academic year and your summer welcoming new Captains!
How do you apply?
Applications will go live on Handshake in August and will close in early September! Be on the lookout on our Instagram (@cnu.osi) and Captains Connect regarding information for applying to this role. There will also be information sessions offered so you can learn more about the role and ask any questions you may have!