POLO

Preview and Orientation Leader Organization

New Student & Family Programs

Preview and Orientation Leader Organization

Each year, hundreds of students apply to represent East Tennessee State University as a POLO Leader. Being a POLO Leader is a unique experience to foster leadership skills while supporting new Buccaneers and helping them find their place at ETSU.

 

What is a POLO Leader

A Preview and Orientation Leader is an integral part of new students transitioning to East Tennessee State University. For years POLO Leaders have served as a support system for incoming Buccaneers, all while developing themselves as leaders on campus and beyond. They have the responsibility of representing the university and sharing Buccaneer pride with new students and families each year.  

 

  • Learning Outcomes

    As a result of being an Orientation Leader, students will be able to: 

    Apply knowledge of campus resources to support students and families/partners in their transition. 
    Demonstrate effective leadership based on active reflection, self-evaluation and leadership theory.
    Develop skills related to being a successful member of a team. 
    Recognize how different social identities and experiences affect new student transitions. 
    Practice enhanced interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking and active listening.

  • Responsibilities
    • Familiarize new students and their guests with information regarding academics, policies and procedures; campus resources, culture and traditions; building locations and other aspects of life at East Tennessee State University
    • Present, facilitate, and speak with both small and large groups of new students and their guests.
    • Help new students and families acclimate to the physical campus by providing welcoming customer service to guests throughout office events.
    • Assist in the preparation of Orientation & Preview activities and materials.
    • Model exceptional leadership and customer service skills while serving as a role model throughout the contracted term of employment.
    • Attend and engage in the Spring Learning Conference during the spring semester.
    • Support academic advising in their efforts to support students through the course registration process.
    • Provide additional support for any additional Office of New Student and Family Programs programming.
    • Be professional, flexible, dependable, responsible, energetic, and punctual at all times.
    • Occasional lifting and carrying of objects under 50 lbs.
    • Other duties assigned. 
  • Required Qualifications and Expectations

    The minimum qualification of a POLO Leader: 

    • Be a current, full-time East Tennessee State University undergraduate student who is graduating December 2026 or later. 
    • Be in good academic standing and must maintain a minimum semester and overall GPA of 2.5 (if below a 2.5, the applicant must meet with a New Student and Family Programs professional prior to applying). 
    • Be available to attend all required trainings, workshops, retreats, conferences, all Orientation sessions, all of Preview Weekend, and other office events.
    • Have and maintain good conduct with no outstanding judicial sanctions
    • Abide by state and university policies, and the Preview and Orientation Leader contract. 
    • Desire to learn and work with other of various backgrounds.
  • Time Commitment

    All POLO Leaders: 

    • POLO Team Welcome Social: Thursday, December 4, 5:30pm-7:30pm
    • Spring Meetings:
      • Thursday, January 22| 5-7 p.m.
      • Thursday, February 26| 5-7 p.m.
      • Thursday, March 26| 5-7 p.m.
      • Thursday, April 30| 5-7 p.m.
    • POLO Retreat: Friday, January 30-Sunday, February 1
    • 2027 POLO Recruitment Events: Fall 2026
    • Preview Training and the 45th Annual Preview: August 15-22

    POLO Leaders (Orientation and Preview): 

    • All POLO Leader Dates Above
    • Spring Learning Conference: Thursday, March 12- Sunday, March 15 
    • Spring Learning Dance Practice: TBD 
    • Spring Learning Workshop: TBD
    • Orientation Leader Training: Monday, June 1 - Wednesday, June 3
    • Orientation Sessions: Dates and times TBD- June-August 2026
    • Spring 2027 Orientation: Dates and times TBD

    Please notes that all dates are subject to change. Dates and events may also be added.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    How many POLO Leader are selected each year? 

    There is not a specific number of POLO Leaders we hire. Typically, our team ranges from 80-100 leaders all-together. 

    Do I have to attend an interest meeting in order to apply?

    No, you do not have to attend an interest meeting, but it is highly encouraged!

    Do I have to be an extrovert to be a POLO Leader?

    No, you do not have to be an extrovert to be a POLO Leader! East Tennessee State has a diverse student body, and our POLO team should represent that. 

  • Application & Selection Process

    We are so glad you are interested in being a member of the  POLO Team! The selection process is a few stages: 

    Step 1: Application: The application can be found below once it opens up. Students will read about the position, complete the personal information section and complete two additional items within the online application:

    1. Submit a 1-2 pages double spaced, essay. Please tell us why you want to be a POLO Leader, why you would be good at it, and what being a POLO Leader means to you. We want your essay to be from the heart and help us get to know you a little bit better. 

    2. Please upload a video to go along with your application with the following prompt:  We want to get to know you! Please share in a 30-45 second "tik-tok" style video, why you want to be a POLO Leader. Feel free to be as creative as you would like and incorporate any trends you think will help us get to know you better. Videos should follow the time limit and be appropropriate. Have fun with this! If you cannot upload a video, please email a link to the video to Tyler Parker at parkertj@etsu.edu.

    Step 2: Interview: Students selected for an interview will have a 10-15 minute interview with New Student & Family Programs staff and POLO Interns. Attire is business casual. The interview is meant to be an opportunity for the selection team to get to know you better and why you want to be a member of the POLO Team!

  • Interest Meetings

    Make sure you come to an Interest Meeting or stop by our tabling events throughout October!

    POLO Interest Meetings: (all in Culp 311)

    • Wednesday, 10/8: 2pm-3pm
    • Friday, 10/17: 1-2pm
    • Tuesday, 10/21: 12-1pm
    • Monday, 10/27: 1-2pm

 

 

image for Give to the POLO Scholarship Fund!

Give to the POLO Scholarship Fund!

How has POLO impacted you? Now you have an opportunity to give back to an organization that meant so much to you!

These gifts will be given to the POLO Scholarship Fund. We are currently trying to raise $25,000 by 2025 to allow us to give a $1,000 POLO Scholarship each year to a POLO Leader in need. For questions, email Tyler Parker at parkertj@etsu.edu.

POLOlogo The POLO emblem is a circle of blue and gold.

It is surrounded by a laurel wreath inside of which are the words 'East Tennessee State University POLO TEAM'.

At the center, in the field of white, is a tree, a burning torch, and the ETSU mascot, Bucky.

POLO members receive a lapel pin with the emblem upon completion of their service.