Student Orientation Undergraduate Leaders (SOUL) are dedicated to making all incoming first-year and transfer students feel welcomed as they transition into life at Appalachian State University.
SOULs are passionate about meeting students' needs, whether that be building a class schedule, helping navigate resources on campus, or making connections to peers, faculty, and staff.
SOUL Description
Student Orientation Undergraduate Leaders (SOUL) support incoming New Mountaineers during their on-campus Orientation session (Boone campus).
Responsibilities
SOULs engage with and provide leadership to New Mountaineers during Orientation by:
- Serving as a mentor and resource to New Mountaineers.
- Facilitating icebreakers and boundary breaking activities.
- Educating incoming students on a variety of information including General Education, course registration, textbook rental system, general policies, campus resources, etc.
- Supporting incoming students through the class schedule adjustment process.
- Serving on Q&A Panels for parents and family members.
- Helping New Mountaineers and their families navigate campus.
Requirements
Applicants to SOUL must:
- Be able to attend ALL training and Orientation session.
- Exhibit strong leadership potential and experience.
- Be enrolled as a full time undergraduate student.
- Be in good academic standing with the University with no previous semesters on Academic Probation, and be maintaining a grade point average of 2.80 or higher. Preference may be given to candidates with a 3.0 or higher GPA. For any first semester student offered a position, the position will be contingent upon first semester grades.
- Be in good judicial standing with the University.
Compensation
SOUL is a paid position with additional benefits:
- $10 - $11 per hour for 35-40 hours per week (~ May 16 - July 1).
- Free lunches on in-person Orientation days.
- Housing provided during summer Orientation sessions.
- Free campus parking pass for the summer.
- SOUL Gear (e.g. SOUL shirt, rain jackets, water bottles, etc.)
- Networking oppotunities with App State faculty and administrative leaders.
- Skill development and resume building.
Skill Development
SOULs are trained to improve their skills in the following areas:
- Campus Resource Expertise. Intensive training on a variety of campus resources will provide SOULs a wealth of responses when asked about offices and organizations on campus. SOULs will learn about the Office of Disability Resources, the Office of Transfer Services, the Department of Student Engagement & Leadership and so much more!
- Communication. SOULs will be presenting to new students and families in a variety of ways throughout Orientation. SOULs will gain valuable skills in both verbal and written communication.
- Group Facilitation. SOULs will learn ways to effectively facilitate sessions with both students and parents. These sessions will range from assisting in parent panels to leading group advising sessions.
- Peer Advising. During training, SOULs will be taught about Appalachian's General Education curriculum, and why it is an important facet to an App State degree.
Application Process
Applying to be a SOUL is a four stage process.
Step One: Application
- New SOUL Application -- applications will be due by Friday, November 4, 2022
- Returning SOUL Application -- applications will be due by Friday, October 21, 2022
Step Two: Submit References
Identify two references and ask them to complete the Online Reference Form.
References can be from professors, instructors, supervisors, club officers, advisors, etc. References should be individuals who can comment on your leadership skills, communication skills and other qualifications matching the SOUL description.
References are due by the application deadlines:
- New SOULs -- Friday, November 4, 2022
- Returning SOULs -- Friday, October 21, 2022
Step Three: Interviews
Once all applications are received, selected applicants will be notified to schedule individual and group interviews.
All interviews will be in-person and take place from November 14th through November 29th, 2022. Students not selected to interview will receive notification via email.
After all interviews are completed, a team of SOULs will be selected and notified just after the last day of classes for the fall semester. Students not selected will receive notification via email.
Step Four: Be a SOUL!
Selected SOULs are required to attend the following mandatory events:
- Spring Semester Training
Every Wednesday evening from 6:30pm to 8:30pm (beginning January 25, 2022) - Week-long pre-Orientation training and Summer Orientation sessions
~ May 16 - July 1, 2023 - August Orientation sessions
August 14, 2023 - January 24 Orientation sessions
TBD