FOCUS Leaders

Thank you for your interest in applying to be a FOCUS Leader. FOCUS is a fun overnight orientation for Saint Xavier University's new students and parents. Given below are the position description and application. Please contact Campus Life at campuslife@sxu.edu or at (773) 341-5060 with any questions. Good Luck and we look forward to hearing from you!

Overview and Responsibilities

FOCUS Leaders serve as the student leaders of Saint Xavier University's new student and family orientation program - FOCUS (Freshman Orientation Centered on University Services). FOCUS Leaders participate in the programs' preparation, implementation, and evaluation while working closely with students and families in transition to Saint Xavier.

FOCUS Leaders must attend mandatory training sessions and all four FOCUS sessions. During FOCUS programs, FOCUS Leaders will serve as peer mentors to new students and will lead new students in their introduction to student life at Saint Xavier. FOCUS Leaders will also be responsible for follow-up contacts with members of their student groups from the summer programs including participation in SXU's New Student Induction and Medallion Ceremony (Friday, August 22, 2008).

Other general responsibilities will include: the facilitation of small-group discussion and interaction among students and families; leading programs and panels; acting in FOCUS Theater; assisting in activity implementation (planning, setup/cleanup, evaluation); assisting the Campus Life staff as needed; and other duties as assigned. FOCUS Leaders work hard, but have lots of fun, too!

Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled undergraduate at Saint Xavier University returning for Fall 2008
  • Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA
  • Be in good academic and disciplinary standing
  • Possess a superior level of familiarity with Saint Xavier University
  • Ability to establish rapport with a diverse group of students
  • Ability to communicate information clearly and effectively
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Self-motivated/directed
  • Possess exceptional leadership skills, problem-solving ability, and a desire to work with students, families, faculty, and staff; prior experience as a student leader preferred
  • Willingness to make FOCUS a fun and memorable experience for all involved
  • Be available for ALL training dates, FOCUS sessions, and the New Student Induction and Medallion Ceremony

Important Dates

Applicants must be able to attend the three day training session - set for June 4 - 6 (from early morning to late evening).  Applicants must also be able to attend ALL FOCUS sessions and stay overnight on campus during FOCUS:

  • Session 1:  Tuesday, June 17 - Wednesday, June 18
  • Session 2:  Tuesday, June 24 - Wednesday, June 25 
  • Session 3:  Tuesday, July 15 - Wednesday, July 16 
  • Session 4:  Tuesday, July 22 - Wednesday, July 23
  • New Student Induction and Medallion Ceremony - Friday, August 22

Compensation

  • A stipend ($200 per FOCUS session, paid in installments throughout the summer)
  • Payment for training time ($300)
  • Use of a private residence hall room during overnight sessions
  • All meals provided during training and FOCUS sessions
  • Opportunities for significant development of leadership and communication skills
  • Opportunities to develop professional relationships with faculty, staff, and students
  • FOCUS Leaders will be influential in the continued development and design of Saint Xavier University's orientation programs, and particularly in First Year Experience (FYE) programming.

Expectations

There are several professional expectations held for all FOCUS Leaders:

  • FOCUS Leaders are to attend every program at each session;
  • FOCUS Leaders will be "in uniform" (polo and khaki/tan shorts, capris, or pants) during both days of each session;
  • FOCUS Leaders are to maintain strictly professional relationships with new students;
  • FOCUS Leaders are to attend to all assigned duties in a timely and professional manner;
  • FOCUS Leaders are to remain "on duty" from 7:30am on Day 1 of each FOCUS Session until dismissed after each session's review meeting on Day 2;
  • FOCUS Leaders are to demonstrate their very best professional "host" behavior during all FOCUS programs, should not be observed drinking, smoking, using profane language, or engaged in any other behavior that may be considered questionable to FOCUS guests, and are to be courteous and professional representatives of Saint Xavier University;
  • FOCUS Leaders are to demonstrate responsible behavior in accordance with all guidelines, rules, and regulations of the Saint Xavier University Student Handbook and Departments of Campus Life and Residence Life.

Applications

The Application Form (PDF) can be downloaded and printed here.  Completed applications are due in Campus Life (Warde Academic Center Room L103) by Friday, March 7 at 4:30 p.m.  All applicants must be available to participate in a group interview on Tuesday, March 25, from 2:00 to 4:00pm.  Applicants will be notified by e-mail by Wednesday, March 19 if they are selected for the group interview process.  The group interview process is by invitation only.

* There will be a separate process for applicants who are returning FOCUS leaders

For more information, contact Campus Life at (773) 341-5060 or e-mail campuslife@sxu.edu.
Thank you for your interest in FOCUS 2008!

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