Invest in Orientation Leader Development
This crowdfunding project supports the Office of New Student Orientation’s participation in the NODA Spring Learning Southeast Conference in Tampa, Florida. Approximately 50 participants will attend, including more than 40 undergraduate Orientation Leaders, three graduate students and three full-time staff members. The conference offers targeted learning tracks for professionals, graduate students, returning student leaders and first-time student leaders.
Participation in this conference directly strengthens the preparation of Orientation Leaders, who serve as one of the first and most consistent points of contact for incoming students and their supporters. Through educational sessions, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities, student leaders develop skills in communication, leadership, and problem-solving. Student Leaders also gain practical strategies related to customer service, student engagement, facilitation, and peer support. These skills are applied in their work with new students and families, enhancing the quality and consistency of Orientation experiences, and positively influencing the transition of thousands of incoming students each year.
For many participants, attending a professional conference is a once-in-a-lifetime college experience. The Office of New Student Orientation does not require students to pay their own way in recognition of the developmental value of this opportunity. Participating students reflect a wide spectrum of the University’s student body, including first-generation, transfer, South Carolina Honors College, Capstone Scholars, and TRIO students. Orientation Leaders are also highly involved across campus through service and mentorship organizations, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Government and other leadership roles, extending the impact of this experience beyond Orientation.
The Spring Learning Southeast Conference is consistently cited as one of the most impactful components of the Orientation Leader experience. Past participants report feeling more prepared for their roles, stronger team cohesion, and increased confidence as leaders. The conference also provides opportunities to highlight the work of the Orientation program, with six student presentations and four professional staff presentations selected, as well as student participation in undergraduate and graduate case study competition.
Funds raised through this initiative will offset costs associated with conference participation, including registration fees, lodging, transportation, etc. Early-bird conference registration is $195 per participant, with additional costs, group meals and uniform pieces.
This is a specific, one-time fundraising initiative tied to participation in the Spring Learning Southeast Conference. Every dollar raised will directly support Orientation Leaders in preparation and strengthen the experience of incoming students and their supporters.
Choose a Giving Level
$15 - Fuel a Day of Learning - Helps provide a meal for one Orientation Leader during the conference, supporting long days of learning, networking, and professional development. This amount reflects the average cost of a single meal per student.
$50 - Support Orientation Leader Uniforms - Covers the average cost of a garnet polo worn by Orientation Leaders. These polos are a key part of the Orientation Leader uniform and help students remain recognizable and professional while representing the University at the conference.
$195 - Sponsor a Student Registration - Covers the early-bird conference registration cost for one Orientation Leader, providing access to educational sessions, keynote speakers, and professional networking opportunities.
$275 - Support Overnight Accommodations - Covers the average cost of one night in the shared hotel room for Orientation Leaders. Typically, four Orientation Leaders share a room, allowing costs to be managed while supporting a safe and structured conference experience.
$750 - Serve a Team Meal - Covers the average cost of a shared meal for the full Orientation team, providing time for reflection, connection, and continued learning outside of formal conference sessions.
