APPalachian Orientation Leader Corps (Appol Corps) is a group of students who serve as orientation leaders during Welcome to App. These student leaders welcome all new students (freshman and transfer) to Appalachian and assist in their transition to college life.
The first Welcome to App, then known as Phase 2 Orientation, occurred in August 1982, and the first group of student leaders known as The Appol Corps were formed in 1983. Almost 40 years later, Appol Corps Leaders are still helping new students find their place at Appalachian!
Welcome to App is now an extension of summer orientation focused on helping all new students (freshman and transfer) become more comfortable at Appalachian, make new friends, have fun, and start weaving themselves into the fabric of student life at Appalachian. Welcome to App events continue through early fall semester.
Appol Corps Description
APPalachian Orientation Leader Corps (Appol Corps) is a group of student leaders who serve as orientation leaders during Welcome Weekend. These student leaders welcome new freshman and transfer students to Appalachian and assist in their transition to college life.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the co-peer leader for a group of approximately 30 new students participating in Welcome to App Orientation.
- Conduct small group sessions with your students throughout Welcome to App.
- Understand and introduce the various opportunities available for incoming students (educational, social, cultural, personal and professional)
Core Values
- Relationships – meaningful relationships are both the ultimate goal and the means by which all other goals of the orientation program are met. It is through these meaningful connections created by Appol Corps Leaders that create the Appalachian family.
- Inclusion – strive to create an atmosphere of respect and appreciation of diverse perspectives and cultures so students feel comfortable.
- Community – by creating relationships, a community is established. Appol Corps Leaders honor the communities of which students are a part of and enhance student learning.
- Transitions – the optimal opportunity for student learning and development is during periods of change. The Appol Corps program creates an environment that offers challenge and support to students in transition. Appol Corps Leaders play an important role in the transition from high school to college or from one college to another.
- Student Experience – the student experience should be challenging, exciting, and fun. The Appol Corps program is committed to inspiring students to explore and develop their understanding of themselves, their communities, and leadership.
Important Dates
Appol Corps leaders must be available on the following dates:
- Spring Leader Social: March 20th 6:30-8:30pm Dining Hall Rotunda (heavy Hors d'Oeuvres & drink)
- Spring Leader Training: Sunday, April 13th 2:00-6:00pm (includes dinner!)
- Fall Leader Training: Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 2:00-7:30pm (includes dinner!)
- Welcome to App 2025: Saturday, August 16th and Sunday, August 17th, 2025 from 11:00am until 5:00pm
Compensation
Appol Corps leader is a paid position.
- $12 per hour
- One time payment will be received at the end of Welcome to App (end of August)
- FREE Appol Corps t-shirt
- Early move-in date for leaders living on-campus -- early move-in date TBA
- Networking opportunities with Appalachian faculty and administrative leaders
- Skill development in communication, presentation, group facilitation and leadership development
- Friendship and memories created with fellow Appol Corps leaders and New Mountaineers
How to Apply
Applying to be an Appol Corps leader is super simple!
- Complete a 2025 Appol Corps Leader Application.
- Attend a short 10-12 minute interview. **There is a link at the end of the application to sign up for an interview time.
- Applicants will receive hiring notification via email.