Destination Arizona Leaders

You don’t point to a destination, you take 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 no longer accepting applications for the 2024 DAZL cohort. Please consider applying as an Orientation Leader in Fall 2024 or for the 2025 DAZL cohort next Spring! 

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. Student leaders gain valuable experience through the execution of Destination Arizona events including small group & mentorship opportunities. 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 Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. If you have any questions regarding the Destination Arizona Leader position, please contact the Destination Arizona team at destination@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 15 - August 24, 2024.
  • 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 8 - April 11. Candidates who advance from round one will participate in an individual interview held April 16 - April 19. 

  • 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 2024

  • TBD: Destination Arizona Leader Social [Optional]
  • Monday, May 20: Complete Position Onboarding & Virtual Trainings

June 2024

  • Monday, June 24: Complete Virtual Trainings 

July 2024

  • Monday, July 15 - Friday, July 26: Destination Arizona Leader Training

August 2024

  • Monday, August 19 - Wednesday, August 21: Program Run-Through and Set-up
  • Thursday, August 22: Welcome & Check-In 
  • Friday, August 23 - Saturday, August 24: DESTINATION ARIZONA! 

All trainings and dates listed above with the exception of Destination Arizona Week (8/19 - 8/24) will happen between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM. You will be expected to work outside of 8 AM to 5 PM 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.

  • $14.50/hour 
  • Uniforms
  • Exclusive Destination Arizona & Destination Arizona Leader merch
  • Snacks, drinks, and food during trainings and Destination Arizona
  • 100 % Engagement Designation on transcripts

The Destination Arizona Leader Application contains 3 short answer questions that should be answered in 1-3 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 go?