Destination Arizona Leaders

You don’t point to a destination, you lead them there.

Destination Arizona Leaders, Karime and Chi, pose for the camera smiling with the cat claw.
A group photo of Destination Arizona Leaders concluding the weekend program.
Destination Arizona Leader, KJ, overseeing students participate in an activity wearing their blue Destination Arizona 2023 staff shirt.
Destination Arizona Leaders Isabella, Ashleigh, Lily, and Hassan pose for a picture before Destination Arizona's Welcome.
Destination Arizona Leader, Ana, smiles at the camera excited about the Convocation program.
Destination Arizona Leader, Steven, smiling at the camera as he captures images of the Evening Oasis event.
Destination Arizona Leader, Trin, smiling as they enter McKale Memorial Center through cold-spark fireworks.
Destination Arizona Leader, Carolina, dances with her hands up and a LED light-up baton during Evening Oasis.
Destination Arizona Leader, Ami, waves rally towels to get students excited for Convocation.
Destination Arizona Leader, Yassine, passes out free DAZ merch.
Destination Arizona Leaders, Ayleth and Hassan chat with a student during Evening Oasis.
Destination Arizona Leader, Omar, smiles through the crowd of dancing students at Evening Oasis.

We are now accepting applications for the 2025 DAZL cohort - click this button to apply!

Destination Arizona Leaders (DAZLs) are a group of enthusiastic student leaders who are committed to creating a welcoming environment for over 10,000 new Wildcats and their families during Destination Arizona. DAZLs support the program in various ways from setting-up events, to sharing knowledge of campus, to mentorship opportunities, and more! DAZLs make an impact on a new student’s transition that sets the tone for the rest of a student's journey at Arizona. 

The Destination Arizona Leader position offers opportunities to: 

  • Develop leadership and customer service skills including public speaking and mentorship. 
  • Positively impact new students and families.
  • Coordinate exciting programs for Destination Arizona. 
  • Form close relationships with professionals across campus.
  • Create lifelong friendships. 

You should apply to be a DAZL if: 

  • You want to create a positive and welcoming environment at The University of Arizona. 
  • You enjoy helping other people.
  • You want to gain or strengthen your leadership and communication skills. 
  • You are a motivated individual who can take initiative, be flexible and punctual.
  • You can work in a team environment where differences are valued, encouraged, and supported.

Applications are due Friday, April 4, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. If you have any questions regarding the Destination Arizona Leader position, please contact Amanda Quintana at amandaquintana@arizona.edu 

  • You are a degree-seeking undergraduate student. 
  • You maintain good academic and conduct standing.
  • You can commit to work in-person on Main Campus from July 14 - August 23, 2025.
  • 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.
  • Selected on the basis of previous work experiences, knowledge of The University of Arizona, 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.

Selection will be based on two rounds of interviews. The first round will consist of a group interview that will take place between April 15 and April 18. Candidates who advance from round one will participate in an individual interview held April 21 - April 24. 

  • Support Orientation & New Student Services staff and campus partners in the set-up, logistics, facilitation, and take-down of events. 
  • Actively participate in all mandatory trainings (in-person & virtual), programs, and events.
  • Help students navigate campus by answering questions, giving directions, suggesting resources and events, and providing a warm welcome to the Wildcat community.
  • Draw from personal experiences to answer questions with a positive attitude and demeanor.
  • Work early mornings and late evenings during program days. 
  • Lift, carry, and sort materials.

Destination Arizona Leaders need to be available for all the listed dates below. Few exceptions will be made for absences during July - August given the importance of this role to the Wildcat community.

May 2025

  • Thursday, May 8: Leaders on the Lawn [Optional Social]
  • Tuesday, May 27: Begin Position Onboarding & Virtual Trainings

June 2025

  • Monday, June 16: Onboarding & Virtual Trainings Due Date

July 2025

  • Monday, July 14 - Friday, July 25: Destination Arizona Leader Training

August 2025

  • Monday, August 18 - Wednesday, August 20: Program Run-Through and Set-up
  • Thursday, August 21: Welcome & Check-In 
  • Friday, August 22 - Saturday, August 23: DESTINATION ARIZONA! 

All trainings and dates listed above with the exception of Destination Arizona Week (8/18 - 8/23) will happen between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. You will be expected to work outside of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. business hours during the Destination Arizona program. Additional hours to assist with program preparation and set-up will be available for students from May - August, however not mandatory.

  • $14.70/hour 
  • Uniforms
  • Exclusive Destination Arizona / DAZL merch
  • Snacks provided during Destination Arizona Leader Social & Training 
  • Meals provided during Destination Arizona
  • 100 % Engagement Designation on transcripts

The Destination Arizona Leader Application contains three short answer questions that should be answered in 3-5 sentences. This is your chance to show passion and personality - don't worry about spelling, grammar, or structure! 

  1. Why are you applying to be a Destination Arizona Leader?
  2. What skills do you hope to work on as a Destination Arizona Leader?
  3. What is your favorite memory of Destination Arizona? If you haven't been to Destination Arizona, what factors affected your decision not to attend?