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
Michelle Leuchtenmueller
Program Manager - Orientation Leaders
Emily Fornaris
Coordinator of Administrative Services
Gabriel Aragon
Temporary Program Assistant - Parent and Family Initiatives
De'Jah Johnson
Graduate Assistant
Gregory Russell II
Graduate Assistant
Andrew Lavelle
Student Assistant
Ashley Agbonkhese
Student Assistant
Emily Thomas
Student Assistant
Davari Demps
Student Assistant
Marcus Ragoobar
Student Assistant
Nick Alsopp
Student Assistant
Susi Diaz
Student Assistant

Join our 2025 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 2025. Applications will open Monday, January 6 and close on Wednesday, February 5 at 11:59 PM (EST).

Below you will find the steps needed to successfully apply:

Review Position Descriptions and Mandatory Dates
1. Click here to access the 2025 Orientation Leader Packet.
2. Click here to access the 2025 Panther Camp Facilitator Packet.
Complete your application
1. Click here to access the application via Panther Connect.
Attend our Meet-and-Greet (optional)
1. Applicants are encouraged to attend our Meet-and-Greet to learn more about the position from current and past OFP student leaders. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions regarding the application, position expectations, and overall experience! Click here to RSVP.
Attend a Selection Workshop (mandatory)
1. 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.

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 2025 Panther Camp Executive Board to prepare for the role.
Am I eligible to participate if I graduate in Spring 2025?
Both positions require students to be degree-seeking students throughout the role. The Orientation Leader position will begin March 2025 and end January 2026. The Panther Camp Facilitator position will begin March 2025 and end September 2025; therefore, you are not eligible if you are graduating in Spring 2025.
Can I be an Orientation Leader and Panther Camp Facilitator at the same time?
Due to the time commitments for each position, you cannot serve in both roles at the same time.
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!

Submit a 2025 student nomination!

Campus partners are invited to nominate undergraduate students they believe would be a good fit for one or both of these positions at go.fiu.edu/ofpnominate. We tap on our campus partners to nominate students they believe can serve as a positive role model for new students and can grow from our student leader positions. We kindly ask that nominations are submitted well before the application deadline of February 5 to give students ample time to review position details and apply.

On behalf of OFP and our incoming new students and their families, thank you in advance for your help in recruiting our 2025 Orientation Leaders and Panther Camp Facilitators!

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.

Aquiles "Q" Osorio
Orientation Leader Coordinator
Demari Martinez
Orientation Leader Coordinator
This could be you!
Orientation Leader

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."