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.

Interested in joining our 2027 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 2027. Click here to join our interest form so you can be notified once applications go live!

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 2027 Panther Camp Executive Board to prepare for the role.
Am I eligible to participate if I graduate in 2027?
Both positions require students to be degree-seeking students throughout the role. The positions will begin March 2027 and end January 2028. Therefore, you are not eligible if you are graduating in Spring 2027, Summer 2027, or Fall 2027. We encourage applicants to review the mandatory dates for each position once they become available.
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.

Staff & Student Assistants

Dr. Sofia Trelles
Assistant Vice President
Vanessa Franco
Program Director
Alex Gutierrez
Program Manager - Panther Camp
Christian Ramirez
Program Manager - Orientation Leaders
De'Jah Johnson
Graduate Assistant

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

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."