For any additional questions please reach out to carsonsl@ucsc.edu

What is an Orientation Welcome Leader?

Orientation Welcome Leaders (or OWLs) are a group of volunteers who assist with Move-In, Welcome Week,  activities and programs during the first six weeks of fall quarter. They play an important role in setting the tone for a brand new exciting year. OWLs will work with next year's Resident Assistants and Program Assistants to help new students become familiar with Rachel Carson College, UCSC, and all that Santa Cruz has to offer.

Why do I want to be an OWL?

You mean besides the cool job title? Aside from being a crucial part of Rachel Carson programs, being an OWL is a fantastic opportunity to help next year's new students out. It's a great way to give back to the Rachel Carson community. It is also a great way to develop leadership skills. It is a fun and rewarding experience.

What do I have to do as an Rachel Carson Orientation Welcome Leader?

If you are selected as an OWL, you'll need to meet two times this Spring Quarter to start training and to start working on next year's Welcome Week programs. You'll also be required to help out with one springtime event and to stay on campus the wekeend after finals to assist with the Rachel Carson Commencement Ceremony.

In Fall, OWLs arrive back one week before Move-In for a week of OWL training and planning. Training is mandatory, all-day, and assignments sometimes continue into the evening. During this time, you will be assigned to a committee to plan and coordinate a major event, including: campus tours, Midnight Breakfast & Karaoke, New Student Welcome, House Bounce, Ice Cream Social, and more.

Move-In and Welcome Week are the bulk of OWL responsibilities. Our days begin early and end late. Prepare to fully dedicate this time to getting to know new students and supporting their transition to Rachel Carson College. You and your committee will be putting on the event you planned and supporting the events of other teams.

After Welcome Week, OWLs will continue to outreach to new students and plan and support social programs for the first six weeks of school. All OWLs will assist with major Rachel Carson traditions like Spirit Week.

Are there perks to being an OWL?

The Orientation Welcome Leader position is an exceptionally important position but it is a volunteer position. That doesn't mean we don't have any compensation. As an OWL, you will get:

• A Paid Position
• 7-day meal plan starting the the first day of fall training up until the day classes begin
• Early fall move-in (on-campus students only)
• A free Rachel Carson Staff T-Shirt

We understand that this isn't nearly worth the amount of time and effort OWLs need to put in to make Welcome Week work. The reason most OWLs participate is because of the intangible perks: leadership development, teamwork, and getting to work with next year's incoming students. Our OWLs have time and time again gone on to become RAs, PAs, CUIP interns, officers in student orgs, and much more.

Meet the Fall 2024 Quarter Orienation Welcome Leaders! 

Lead OWL: Amy Fuller

Hi! My name is Amy (she/her) and I am a third year ENVS Major! I'm involved with the Sustainability Office and research on campus too! Some of my hobbies include reading, sewing, and experimenting with makeup! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions: ammfulle@ucsc.edu

Daniella Gavarrete:

Hi, I'm Daniella! I am a second-year global and community health major with a public health concentration. I am interested in healthcare disparities and I hope to work towards accessible healthcare for all neighborhoods. Some of my hobbies are finding music on Spotify or Youtube and wandering in different parts of SF.

Josephine Kim:

Heyy incoming RCC students! My name is Josephine Kim, and I use she/they pronouns! I'm a second-year Feminist Studies Major and I'm super excited to be meeting y'all! I'm from East LA, so if you need any good eat spots, just let me know! Some of my favorite hobbies include crocheting, knitting, bracelet-making, balloon-making, and painting!

Athena Melville:

Hi, my name is Athena and I’m a second year. I’m a double major in Anthropology and the History of Art and Visual Cultures with a concentration in Culture, Heritage, and Museums. Some of my hobbies and interests include reading, playing video games, traveling, Pokémon, and folklórico.

Ashley Boehm:

I'm Ares and I use they/them! I'm a fifth year senior in art/Agpm. I do anything creation, drawing, printmaking, writing, etc. I'm from around Sacramento. Have a good year!