Four orientation leaders stand in the middle of a group circle during a game at a summer orientation session. All orientation leaders are wearing a version of khaki pants or shorts and their signature UB blue and white polos.

Meet the Staff

The Orientation, Transition and Parent Programs team helps new students successfully begin their college journey. Through the New to UB process students prepare for academic and personal success as new UB Bulls. 

On this page:

Full Time Professional Staff

Matt Ardila-Weigand

Matt Ardila-Weigand headshot.

he/him

DIRECTOR
Hometown: Horseheads, NY
Years at UB: 24

UB students are smart, motivated, and passionate about making a difference in the world. It’s a privilege for me to work with and learn from them every day, as they prepare for life in and beyond college.

Chrissy Daniel

Christina Daniels headshot.

she/her

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Hometown: Willard, OH
Years at UB: 11

There’s something special about UB and the students who choose to study here. Our “New to UB” programs allow us to prepare students for a meaningful college experience from the start of their journey. 

Meg Syrell

Meg Syrell headshot.

she/her

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Years at UB: 5

I am grateful to be a part of the UB community and to work with such diverse, caring, excellent students. I love being able to support new international students as part of a team dedicated to setting students up for success as they begin to navigate their college experiences.

Ann Marie Lester

Ann Marie Lester headshot.

she/her

COORDINATOR - OPERATIONS AND LOGISTICS
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Years at UB: 5

Spending time away from my hometown caused my “BuffaLOVE” to grow exponentially. In my position, I love sharing my hometown love with all of UB’s newest Bulls, while also helping to create memorable programs that support their transition to UB!

Tommy Linares

Tommy Linsares headshot.

he/him

COORDINATOR - STUDENT STAFF
Hometown: Bay Shore, NY
Years at UB: 4

The UB community is dedicated, passionate, and all-around inspiring. I love being able to share my love for the Buffalo community, as well as appreciate UB pride with amazing student leaders and a strong team of dedicated staff. It's truly a great place to take part in a student's journey to success! 

Orientation Team Leader Student Staff

Orientation Team Leaders (OTLs) are returning Orientation Leaders (OLs) who loved working with new students and families so much, they came back for a second year! OTLs work closely with OTPP professional staff to provide mentorship to both new students and Orientation Leaders, and support orientation program planning and implementation.

Orientation Leader Student Staff

Orientation Leaders (OLs) are undergraduate students who play an integral role in assisting new students and their families as they transition to life at UB. From orientation through your first semester, OLs are available to serve as mentors and share their expert insight as UB students.

Welcome Weekend Leader Student Staff

Welcome Weekend Leaders (WWLs) are undergraduate student staff who implement Welcome Weekend, the official kick-off to the fall semester for new students. 

Contact us

Helping new students transition to life at UB:

Orientation, Transition and Parent Programs

Student Life

University at Buffalo
112 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: (716) 645-6125

Review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).