Leadership & Staff

Orientation and Family Programs serves everyone who walks through the doors of the university, and in particular, our new students and their family members. The staff and leadership are dedicated to easing the transition into FIU and hope to infuse the Panther spirit into this community through each of our programs.

Staff & Student Assistants

Carol Galladian
Director
Vanessa Franco
Program Director
Alex Gutierrez
Program Manager - Panther Camp
Christian Ramirez
Program Manager - Orientation Leaders
Gabriel Aragon
Program Coordinator - Parent and Family Initiatives
De'Jah Johnson
Graduate Assistant
Andrew Lavelle
Student Assistant
Ashley Agbonkhese
Student Assistant
Davari Demps
Student Assistant
Marcus Ragoobar
Student Assistant
Nick Alsopp
Student Assistant

Join our 2026 OFP Student Leader teams!

We are looking for ambitious, dedicated students to fill the roles of Orientation Leaders (formerly Peer Advisors) and Panther Camp Facilitators in 2026. Applications will open Monday, December 15 and close on Sunday, January 16 at 11:59 PM (EST).

Below you will find the steps needed to successfully apply:

Review Position Descriptions and Mandatory Dates
- Click here to access the 2026 Orientation Leader Packet.
- Click here to access the 2026 Panther Camp Facilitator Packet.
Complete your application
- Click here to access the application via Panther Connect.
Attend a Selection Workshop (mandatory)
- Selected candidates will be invited to move forward with a 1-hour group interview. More information will be shared via email closer to the Selection Workshop dates.
Team Reveal Celebration (optional)
- The 2026 OL and PCF teams will be announced on Thursday, February 19 in the Graham Center Pit.

Want to learn more? Attend an information session!

Throughout the application season, OFP will be hosting multiple informational sessions to give candidates an opportunity to hear from our current student leaders as they review each role, talk through position expectations, share their experiences, and answer questions.

Event	Date	Time	Location & Link
Virtual Information Session	Thu, December 18	10:00- 11:00 AM 11:00- 12:00 PM	Zoom
OFP Meet & Greet	Wed, January 7	12:30- 2:30 PM	Graham Center 243
MMC Information Session	Tue, January 13	10:00- 11:00 AM 2:00- 3:00 PM	Graham Center 316
Virtual Information Session	Thu, January 15	12:00- 1:00 PM 5:00-6:00 PM	Zoom

Frequently Asked Questions:

Below you will find some frequently asked questions regarding the OFP student leader application process and roles. For any additional questions, please email orient@fiu.edu for further assistance.

Can I apply to be a Panther Camp Facilitator if I didn’t attend Panther Camp?
Absolutely! Panther Camp Facilitators will be thoroughly trained and receive mentorship from the 2026 Panther Camp Executive Board to prepare for the role.
Am I eligible to participate if I graduate in 2026?
Both positions require students to be degree-seeking students throughout the role. The positions will begin March 2026 and end January 2027. Therefore, you are not eligible if you are graduating in Spring 2026, Summer 2026, or Fall 2026. We encourage applicants to review the mandatory dates for each position (OL mandatory dates + Panther Camp mandatory dates).
Can I be an Orientation Leader and Panther Camp Facilitator at the same time?
Because each position requires a significant time commitment, you may not serve in both roles simultaneously. Student leaders who have previously served are eligible to apply as returning student leaders or apply to join the team they have not yet served on.
Can I apply for both positions?
Yes! We encourage students who are passionate about both roles to select both positions when submitting their application. Click here to apply today!

2025 Orientation Leader Team

Each year a group of enthusiastic and responsible FIU students are selected to become Orientation Leaders (OL). These special students are trained to assist with all new student orientation programs throughout the year as well as other programs for new students and their families. In this capacity, they serve as resources for new students and their parents, they assist FIU staff with planning and implementation of the programs, and they are viewed as student leaders among the University community.

A'Ishah Smith
Orientation Leader
Aquiles "Q" Osorio
Orientation Leader Coordinator

2025 Panther Camp Team

Panther Camp is coordinated by a select group of students known as the Panther Camp Facilitators (PCF). Facilitators are selected out of hundreds of applicants to represent the program and are charged with creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for participants. Facilitators are involved in all aspects of the camp planning process, from creating programming session and large-group activities to leading small group conversations.

After Panther Camp Facilitators have completed a year with the program, they are eligible to apply for the Panther Camp Executive Board. Panther Camp Exec members are past-Facilitators who return to take on more responsibilities within the program. Exec members are responsible for heading up committees and helping the Facilitators to create the Panther Camp Magic.

Both groups are positive representatives of Florida International University and the Panther Camp program. These student leaders build meaningful relationships, serve as mentors and role models, inspire a new class of Panthers and encourage students to "Leave their legacy with P.R.I.D.E."