¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ Orientation Link Description
Approximately 75 carefully-selected rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors will help orient our new students to ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ and prepare them for individual success. Through small- and large-group experiences, educational programs, and social events, Orientation Links will increase new students’ familiarity with student life, faculty and academic expectations and opportunities, and the larger Hamilton community.
Orientation Links are diverse in background, thought, action, and life experiences, and exhibit multicultural competence as a leadership attribute. Links will be selected who are representative of the diversity we celebrate in our larger ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ community. In addition, Links are enthusiastic, approachable, dependable, mature, and possess high integrity and strong communication skills.
Application deadline: Monday, February 2, at 5 p.m.
- Be in good academic and disciplinary standing with the University.
- Create an inclusive, warm, and welcoming environment.
- Serve as an ambassador for ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ and maintain a high standard of personal conduct consistent with the values, expectations, and responsibilities of ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ.
- Be committed to making a difference in the lives of their peers, new students, and their families.
- Display a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and be willing to work the hours necessary to implement a successful Orientation and Welcome Events.
- Hold peers accountable and set a good example for new students by exhibiting community values and ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ expectations.
- Possess strong interpersonal and time management skills.
- Adapt to change, maintain high energy, and exhibit professionalism and school spirit.
- Serve as a campus guide and resource during Orientation and welcome events, as well as throughout the fall and spring, in an informal capacity.
- Role model academic and social behavior reflective of a student leader.
- Attend and actively participate in required Spring and August training.
- Facilitate small-group discussions on topics including diversity, equity, and inclusion; academic expectations; social life at ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ; involvement; and ways to integrate into the ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ community.
- Volunteer to co-facilitate a session with professional staff members, such as Parent and Family Orientation, Ending Sexual Violence, and Finding Your Balance (alcohol and other drugs and well-being).
- Support Link groups in attending fall trainings and welcome events, including, but not limited to, Bystander 1.0, Involvement Fair, and ALANA Palooza.
- Encourage first-year students to attend the Living and Learning Workshop (LLW). Please note that Links will be invited, but not expected, to attend the LLW. If you opt in, you will be compensated.
- Commit to a high level of personal ethics and responsibility, and as such, refrain from engaging in romantic relationships with new students or each other; refrain from consuming alcohol before or during Orientation and welcome events activities; refrain from illegal behavior – which includes abiding by New York state law and the ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ Student Code of Conduct; and not be absent without notice.
- Links who are involved in fraternity and sorority Life are expected to devote their time and energy to Orientation and not discuss specific chapter events with new students or at any Orientation training.
- If using any form of social media, model appropriate choices and behaviors on public platforms. Be aware that even private accounts may become publicly visible or shared, and if brought to the attention of staff, will be treated accordingly.
This year, financial aid will be available to Links who need assistance with costs associated with arriving on campus a week early for Link training. Please check this box to acknowledge that, if this applies to you, you may contact Eleanor Sorbello, Assistant Director of New Student Programs, at esorbello@colgate.edu at any time before August 2026 to request financial aid.
Link Selection Process
Step 1. Thoroughly review selection process information and application materials.
Confirm that all dates and times work for your schedule, and let us know if you have any questions about the orientation selection process. All of the dates below are required attendance to be a member of the Link team.
Step 2. Required Attendance Dates: Trainings, Orientation, and Welcome Events
Spring Leadership Training (all new Links):
Dates forthcoming.
Spring Link Training (all Links, old and new):
- Week 1: March 25, 7 - 9 p.m.
- Week 2: April 1, 7 - 9 p.m.
- Week 3: April 8, 7 - 9 p.m.
- Week 4: April 15, 7 - 9 p.m.
Summer Dates:
- Saturday, August 15: Link Arrival and Move-In
- Sunday, August 16 - Friday, August 21: Link Training
- Sunday, August 23 - Wednesday, August 26: Orientation
Step 3. Complete the online application
- The application is designed to inform us of an applicant’s motivation for becoming a Link and their interest in Orientation as a whole.
- Students interested in returning to the Link team must reapply.
- Students studying abroad in the Fall 2026 semester are ineligible.
- Link applications are due by Monday, February 2, at 5 p.m.
Please note: All applicants’ cumulative and semester GPAs will be verified, and academic and disciplinary records will be reviewed.
Step 5: Interviews (pending invitation)
A select number of applicants will be invited to the interview process. Interviews will be conducted by the Lead Link staff and a ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ staff member. This interview process is designed to provide a more detailed insight regarding candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and understanding of the Link role. Interviews will be held in February and early March.
Students will be notified of selection during the week of March 9.