Cyclone Aides gathered on the steps of Curtiss Hall

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 Wednesday, October 12, 2022, 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 office at nsp@iastate.edu.

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 2024. 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 dependable, solution-orientation problem solvers
  • 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 17 or October 18. Candidates who advance from round one will participate in an individual second round held October 24-November 17, 2022, with New Student Programs staff.

 

Compensation includes hourly compensation at $14/hour between May 2023 and January 2024 (hours vary seasonally but Cyclone Aides will usually work 30-40 hours a week in May and June). Summer housing, uniform apparel, and 900 Dining Dollars are also provided to use during your Cyclone Aide role.

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 2023 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 a.m. until 9:20 a.m. beginning January 17 through May 5. Students receive class credit for successfully completing the course. This course can be used for the Leadership Certificate. 

Spring 2023 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 22, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • One day retreat on Saturday, February 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Overnight retreat from Friday, March 3 at 5:00 p.m.–Saturday, March 4 at 2:00 p.m.
  • Facilitate Team Leader Interviews two of the following evenings from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. March 29, 30, and April 4.
  • Facilitate the Team Leader social during the afternoon of Sunday, April 23 from 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Assist with transfer orientation for 2-3 hours on the days of April 3, April 14, and April 21.

Summer 2023 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 17–May 31; full-time, hours vary 7:00 a.m.–midnight)
  • Summer orientation (Projected June 1–July 1; full-time, hours vary 7:00 a.m.–midnight)
  • One day retreat on Monday, July 10 from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
  • Hold four weekly office hours beginning Tuesday, July 11 to assist with planning of Destination Iowa State and attend weekly staff meeting on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. beginning Thursday, July 13
  • Campus visits, recruitment, and orientation initiatives throughout summer 2023
  • Coordinate the Destination Iowa State program (August 14–19, 2023; full-time, hours vary 7:00 a.m.–midnight)

Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 Commitments

Cyclone Aides continue to help serve the New Student Programs office in the fall 2023 semester and prior to the beginning of the spring 2023 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 2023 through October 2023
  •  Facilitate Cyclone Aide interviews through October 2023
  • Assist with spring entry orientation for 2–3 hours on November 3 and 17, 2023 between 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
  • Final team celebration and Destination Iowa State training on January 11, 2024, between 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Destination Iowa State on January 12, 2024, from 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Student leader application