2023 Cyclone Aides

Make an impact on campus and welcome the newest Cyclones to Iowa State University!

Cyclone Aides are a group of prestigious student leaders who welcome over 7,000 new Cyclones to campus. These student leaders help guide new students, families, and guests during one- and two- day orientation session throughout the year. Additionally, Cyclone Aides provide leadership through planning and executing Destination Iowa State. Cyclone Aides make a huge impact on new students in the summer, as well welcoming new students in the Fall and Spring semester.

The Cyclone Aide position offers opportunities to:

  • Develop leadership and customer service skills
  • Positively impact new students and guests during orientation programming
  • Coordinate exciting programs for Destination Iowa State
  • Mentor Destination Iowa State Team Leaders
  • Form close relationships with professionals across campus
  • Create lifelong friendships
  • Earn Iowa State merch

You should apply to be a Cyclone Aide if:

  • You want to create a positive and welcoming environment at Iowa State University
  • You enjoy helping other people
  • You want to gain or strengthen your leadership and communication skills
  • You are a motivated individual full of Cyclone pride
  • You can commit to a summer long experience engaging with new students and families 

Applications are due on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. If you have any questions regarding the Cyclone Aide position or how to apply, please email the New Student Programs.

Applicants may not be on temporary enrollment or academic or conduct probation and must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at the time of application and through spring semester 2025. Students must be able to pass a background check to be employed as a Cyclone Aide.

  • Students must demonstrate an interest in working with new students from a variety of backgrounds and total commitment to creating a positive new student transition
  • Cyclone Aides are solution-orientation problem solvers who can be depended on (wordsmith welcome)
  • Students must have ability to work part-time hours during the academic year and full-time hours during summer
  • Selected on the basis of previous work experiences, knowledge of Iowa State, leadership, scholarship, enthusiasm, and creativity
  • Should possess a warm and friendly manner, sincerity, patience, flexibility, maturity of judgment, punctuality, and a willingness to follow a prescribed standard of excellence
  • Must be willing to commit to spring semester preparation including enrolling in U ST 315, orientation, Destination Iowa State, and all dates listed below.
  • Students may not enroll in academic coursework during summer orientation
  • Students may not have another job during summer orientation
  • Students must stay in good standing with their academic college
  • Students must have a 2.2 cumulative grade point average at time of application and maintain a 2.0 grade point average throughout employment

Selection will be based on two rounds of interviews. The first round will consist of interviewing with the candidate's respective college. Candidates will interview with their college on either October 24 or October 25. Candidates who advance from round one will participate in an individual second round held October 30-November 15, 2023, with New Student Programs staff.

Compensation includes hourly compensation at $14/hour between May 2024 and January 2025 (hours vary seasonally but Cyclone Aides will usually work 30-40 hours a week in May and June).  Students will typically earn $14 per hour in the summer.  

Cyclones Aides need to be available for all the listed dates below. Few exceptions will be made for absences given the importance of this role to the Cyclone community.

Spring 2024 Leadership Course

Cyclone Aides participate in a mandatory semester-long leadership course to prepare to successfully welcome new students. The Leadership Seminar class is every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00–9:20 a.m. beginning January 16 through May 10. Students receive class credit for successfully completing the course. This course can be used for the Leadership Certificate. 

Spring 2024 Leadership Events

Cyclone Aides participate in required leadership activities to develop their skills and learn more about their community.

  • Cyclone Aide Social the afternoon of Sunday, January 21, 2024 from 2:00–4:00 p.m.
  • One day retreat on Saturday, February 10 from 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • Overnight retreat from Friday, March 1 at 5:00 p.m.–Saturday, March 2 at 2:00 p.m.
  • Facilitate Team Leader Interviews one of the following evenings from 2:00–8:00 p.m. on March 27 or 28.
  • Facilitate the Team Leader social during the afternoon of Sunday, April 28 from 12:00–6:00 p.m.
  • Assist with transfer orientation for 2–3 hours on the days of April 5, April 12, April 15, and April 19.

Summer 2024 Time Commitments

Cyclone Aides are crucial to the success of our orientation program in the months of May and June. Few exceptions are made to absences throughout the summer.

  • Required summer training week (Projected May 20–May 29; full-time, hours vary 7:00 a.m.–midnight)
  • Summer orientation (Projected May 29–July 1; full-time, hours vary 7:00 a.m.–midnight)
  • One day retreat on Monday, July 15 from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
  • Hold 4 weekly office hours beginning Tuesday, July 16 to assist with planning of Destination Iowa State and attend weekly staff meeting on Thursdays from 4:00–5:30 p.m. beginning Thursday, July 18
  • Campus visits, recruitment and orientation initiatives throughout summer 2024
  • Coordinate the Destination Iowa State program (August 19–24, 2024; full-time, hours vary 7:00 a.m.–midnight)

Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 Commitments

Cyclone Aides continue to help serve the New Student Programs office in the Fall 2024 semester and prior to the beginning of the Spring 2025 semester. Few exceptions are made to absences for events listed below and hours will vary depending on your class schedule.  

  • New Cyclone Aide recruitment – August 2024 through October 2024
  • Facilitate Cyclone Aide interviews through October 2024
  • Assist with Spring entry orientation for 2-3 hours on November 8 and 15, 2024, between 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
  • Final team celebration and Destination Iowa State training on January 16, 2025, between 2:00 – 6 p.m.
  • Destination Iowa State on January 17, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. –5:30 p.m.

Student leader application